1 Timothy 4

Intro

If you haven’t been with us, we’ve been going through 1 Timothy chapter by chapter for the past 5 weeks. As you can see, we are gathered around tables because I want you to talk and discuss the passage. What is it saying to you? What stands out? What questions do you have? Maybe someone at the table has the answer. Maybe they don’t and that’s ok too.

To kick things off and get people talking, I want you to share the weirdest superstition you’ve ever heard.

What is the weirdest superstition you’ve ever heard?

let’s have them. What are the weirdest superstitions you’ve ever heard. Everyone online, feel free to type them in the comment section.

Did you know that Michael Jordan wore his University of North Carolina shorts under his Bulls shorts ever game? That one seem weird to me.

The reason I wanted to start there is because Paul actually addresses superstitions in this chapter. As I was looking at the passage, I found that there are three things Paul wants to address with his young protege, and he offers solutions for each of the things.

1. False Teachers

the very first thing Paul addresses is false teachers. He tells Timothy that as we get closer to the last days, more and more people will reject the truth and follow teachings that come from demons

Now the weird thing is that the false teachings Paul addresses really don’t seem to be that big of a deal. He says that there will be those who teach that marraige is wrong and that eating certain foods is wrong. Though someone probably wouldn’t agree with those teachings, they wouldn’t be what I consider to be demonic.

However, the point Paul is trying to make is how deceptive these teachings can be. Though telling someone it is wrong to be married may not seem like a big deal, it is a stepping stone towards worse teachings. First marriage is wrong, then living together and sleeping together is ok, then maybe you don’t need to marry someone of the opposite gender, down the rabbit hole we go. People don’t often accept a blatant deception, but a half truth that slowly bu surely leads us away from the ways of God.

So what is Paul’s solution to false teachers? Paul tells TImothy repeatedly to read and teach the word of God. It really should come as no surprise to anyone that the North American church is the most susceptible to getting duped by a false teaching: we don’t spend enough time in God’s word. This is the truth, and the truth will set you free. Free from wrong ideas. Free from deception. Free from the lies of the enemy.

2. Meaningless Topics

The next thing Paul tells TImothy is to not waste time with godless ideas and old wives tales. Some translations say silly myths. Some translations actually say superstitions.

This isn’t the first time Paul has told Timothy this. Chapter 1, Paul warns how there are people who have wondered into meaningless discussions.

Paul is reminding his son, and reminding the church that time is short. Jesus could return anytime now and we need to make the most of the time that we have. Don’t waste time on meaningless discussions and old wives tales.

What is Paul’s solution to these discussions? Paul tells Timothy to work on his godliness and to work hard.

1 Timothy 4:8 NLT

“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

later on Paul tells TImothy to throw himself in his tasks so people can see your progess.

3. Don’t let people look down on you

the third thing Paul addresses with his young friend is people’s perception of him. One of the most quoted verses in 1 TImothy

1 Timothy 4:12 NLT

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

I think we often quote the first part of the verse. We remember this part quite proficiently. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.

This isn’t just an encouragement for young people. Put yourself in Timothy’s shoes. You have a mentor messaging you, and they want to encourage you by saying, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because____” What would you put in the blank?

I also want to point out that people is an inclusive word, and we should probably throw ourselves in that group. Don’t look down on yourself because______” We all have insecurities, and they can often be the biggest roadblocks in life.

But lets finish this verse, because the best way to combat our insecurities is to take to heart this next part.

Be an example. Excel in these following areas. Work hard at these things. Be careful with your words. Be intentional in the way you live your life. Grow in loving people. Work on your faith. Guard your purity.

I would say that the vast majority of insecurities are tied to one of those five things. We disqualify ourselves because of our language. We minimize our impact because we didn’t make the most of our time. I bet our insecurities can be tied to back to this list.

So here are our questions this morning

1. What stands out to you from this chapter?

2. Paul first reminds us that there are false teachers out there. How can we protect our hearts, our minds, and our families from being deceived?

3. The second reminder is to not waste time, because Jesus could return any moment. How can we ensure we are making the most of the time that we have?

4. The final point is dealing with our insecurities. Share one area that you struggle with insecurities. Be as broad or specific as you are comfortable with. Discuss with the table which area you should grow in to overcome that insecurity (words, actions, love, faith, or purity).

Conclusion:

You are meant for more. All three areas address things that can rob our lives of value, purpose, or drive. The lies of the world can burden us, where the truth is menat to set us free. There are so many time wasters out there, and God reminds us that time is gift and we need to make the most of every precious moment. Our insecurities can rob us of our confidence and hold us back from walking in the purposes God has placed in our life.

You are meant for more, and you don’t have to let anything stand in your way. If God is for us, who can be against us?

Let’s pray, and if you want to keep talking, please feel free.