Reputation: Honoring Behavior

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

In Paul’s absence, he’s been giving commands (started in 2:1)

1) How to behave in the household of God

Church of the living God – gathered believers of Yahweh (I AM) Pillar and buttress/protector of the truth Whatever the Ephesian heresy is – this is the problem What are the heresies alive and well today – H&W, Social Gospel, god of Tolerance? How we behave – stand in truth and BE the household of God Like last week – faithful, not flashy

1 Timothy 4:1–5 ESV

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Some will depart – great mystery (once saved always saved – walk away?)

2) Heresy

– deceitful spirits and teachings of demons seared consciences – those not standing in the truth strange teachings/insincerity: forbid marriage and abstinence of food Everything created by God is good (marriage and food) God makes it holy – stand firm in His teaching

1 Timothy 4:6–10 ESV

6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

3) Follow the good doctrine and teach it – you were trained in it

PAUL’s THEOLOGY CLASS? No irreverent, silly myths Train in godliness – like going to the gym for your soul SAYING: we toil and strive – hope set on the living God (3:15) – Savior of all (believers esp) Does this promote universalism? NO – but He is the savior of all – only believers feel it

1 Timothy 4:11–16 ESV

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

4) Be an example

Command and teach Let no one despise, but set an example in speech/conduct/love/faith/purity Preach – you have one here – exhort and teach Elders commissioned you – live up to it! Practice/immerse and let others see the progress – save yourself and your hearers (by Christ)

God honoring behavior is rooted in Christ’s reputation.

1) We must behave like the household we are

2) Avoid heresy and wandering away

3) Follow what we’re taught – salvation is at stake

4) Be the example by following the examples given to us (Christ and the faithful)

Prayer: Guide me to become someone upholding your reputation.

Picture faithful communities throughout NWIL/SWWI – this is my hope and prayer Welcome to the Free Church!