Train in Godliness

[YEAR IN REVIEW]

Good morning church. We are on the last day of 2023. Tomorrow begins a new year, 2024. Here are some ministry highlights from this past year that I want to share all of you.

Kids Ministry

4 Salvation’s

2 Baptisms

8 new volunteers

Families and kids heard the gospel during summer kids club.

Student Ministry

IMPACT Weekend expanded with several other churches in the area joining our weekend event.

Launched a new discipleship group for students who want to learn more about spiritual disciplines such as prayer, reading Scripture, and Scripture memorization.

6 Baptisms

Worship Ministry

Senior Adults Ministry

Begin Grief share with about 25 in attendance over 2 sessions.

Senior adult VBS at 3 different nursing facilities in the area.

Began encouragement ministry to teachers at Hewitt Elementary through the Kids Hope Ministry. Each teacher an employee have been given a gift to encourage them.

And through much prayer this past year, God has provided leadership for our new Divorce Care ministry that will launch in January.

Women’s ministry

We launched the new SALT Women's Ministry.

We have 1 new Young Adult Sunday School Class.

We launched the new Midweek Ministries which has quadrupled our discipleship ministry.

46 new members - 13 by baptism ranging in age from 8-66.

For the 6th consecutive year, we have mobilized our faith family to serve on short-term mission teams both locally and internationally.

We have increased our annual Missions giving in budget and Lottie Moon.

Let’s praise God for all the things that he has allowed us to do this year.

[INTRO]

Many people kick-off the new year with new years resolutions. Statista Consumer Insights surveyed 417 U.S. individuals regarding the most common new years resolutions. Here are the results:

To save more money

To exercise more

To eat healthier

To spend more time with family/friends

To lose weight

To reduce spending on living expenses (food, energy)

To spend less time on social media

To reduce stress on the job

Those are all great resolutions that people strive for and many are things that we should seek to do in our lives as well. But I want us to see that there is more to life than these temporary things, particularly for those who are followers of Christ.

[ILLUSTRATION]

I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon I. Introduction: Hoopster Par Excellence

Hoopster Par Excellence

Mark Price was an all-star guard for many years with Cleveland’s pro-basketball team, the Cavaliers. His basketball skills were supreme, but he stood a little under six feet and had an average frame. Yet he played well among giants.

Once, in front of a group of men and boys at church, he was asked how someone his size had become so exceptional in basketball.

Mark reflected on the many Friday nights he was alone in the gym shooting foul shots and long-range shots while everyone else was out on a date or hanging out with friends.

He remembered the hard work with his father, shooting and correcting, shooting and correcting, dribbling and passing—then doing it all over again. In high school he was all-state; at Georgia Tech he was all-conference. Then he was signed by the pros.

Physical strength and excellence require conditioning and training, dedication and hard work. Spiritual strength and maturity require the same. But not many people will discipline their spirits. Too often we become satisfied with mediocrity or with watching others live for Christ.

Physical training has some limited value, but development and exercise of the spirit benefit our lives now and for eternity. This chapter of 1 Timothy is about the value of disciplining ourselves for life.

[BOOK REVIEW]

Paul wrote to Timothy, who is in Ephesus, concerning false doctrine (1:3).

He gives Timothy instruction and the purpose of his instruction is love (1:5). Paul is aware that there are some who are teaching the law without understanding the law (1:7). Paul encourages Timothy to continue fighting the good fight having faith and a good conscience (1:18-19). Paul is informing Timothy how the church should conduct itself. He lists roles within the church and who should fill those roles. He says in...

1 Timothy 3:15 (CSB)

15 But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

This is the purpose of this letter to Timothy, the conduct of the church.

From there, we arrive to our text for the day.

1 Timothy 4 (CSB)

1 Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, 2 through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. 3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude 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 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. 8 For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 10 For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. 13 Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

PRAY

[TRANSITION]

There are three things that I want us to take away from this passage today. The first is this: As a believer, be cautious of the information you take in.

This chapter continues on with what Paul had already discussed in chapter 1, the false teachings and misuse of the law that was happening in the church in Ephesus.

He begins by stating “Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teaching of demons through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared.” (4:1-2).

We know that Paul was full of the Spirit as he would write this letter to Timothy.

This would include predictions of people turning form the gospel, people abandoning the true faith and giving into a false gospel. These were due the surrounding cultures influencing the church, outside voices coming and changing the truth. This isn’t the first time we are told that there would be deceivers and false teachers. Jesus proclaimed this as well.

Matthew 24:11 (CSB)

11 Many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

Mark 13:22 (CSB)

22 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and will perform signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, the elect.

There are so many voices in today’s world that are trying to tell you what to believe.

Our students today have so much input in their lives that is drawing them 100 different directions. There are knew trends that pop up every year that they must keep up with if they want to fit in.

I occasionally ask the students what are some of the knew words or phrases that they say, and they will tell me, and I look at them like their crazy because the words they are saying makes no sense but they look at my like I’m crazy for not knowing what it means or using it incorrectly.

“No cap” - that means that I’m not lying.

From social media, to video games, their classmates, friends, and family members, they have all these different people telling them what they should and shouldn’t be doing to be cool, accepted, to fit in, or to be loved.

As adults, you too have many different voices.

This coming year is an election year. You have many voices telling you who to vote for and who to believe.

Depending on which news outlet you watch, they tell you that you should believe or think this way.

The culture tells us that we need to be accepting of everyone and their lifestyle.

Your boss at work may have unrealistic expectations that you are having to deal with or difficult relationships at work that make your work life hard.

All these things are telling you that you should do this or do that, or believe or support this cause or people groups or beliefs.

Verse one tells us that some people will depart from the faith because they have paid attention to the wrong voice. They likely didn’t give a second thought to what they were listening too, they just liked what they heard and followed it.

The conscience of these people is seared.

1, 2 Timothy, Titus (1) A Warning against Apostasy (4:1–3)

So insensitive had their consciences become that they had lost the power of moral decision making (cf. Eph 4:19)

I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon 2. The Teachers (4:1–2)

A good conscience, one guided by faith, enables a person to navigate life’s moral issues. But a seared conscience is left scarred, unable to assess truth and error, incapable of producing godly behavior.

This is what the false teachers were teaching:

1 Timothy 4:3–5 (CSB)

3 They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude 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 since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer.

I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon 3. False Teaching (4:3)

Nowhere in Scripture is marriage forbidden. In fact, it is honored and instituted by God from Creation. Paul described the advantages of single life as allowing extra time for serving God, but he did not make singleness a rule.

Singleness allows someone to be fully dedicated to God and available for whatever God calls them to do.

Those who are married should obey the callings that God gives them but they also need to be sure to take care of their families at the same time.

Regarding food, Paul wrote to the Corinthians...

1 Corinthians 8:8 (CSB)

8 Food will not bring us close to God. We are not worse off if we don’t eat, and we are not better if we do eat.

Can it be beneficial to refrain from certain foods? Yes, especially if you are concerned about your health. And caring for your body and honoring it as the temple of God is important. But abstaining from foods because you believe it puts you in a right relationship with God or makes you holier than others is not biblical. That would diminish the work of Christ on the cross.

Both of these things that were being taught within the church were done in a legalistic way.

They thought their lives would honor God more if they kept to these things. God doesn’t want us to become legalistic about our relationship with him. That mentality transforms our lives from one thats focused on our relationship with God to that of a pharisaic mentality and focus with God.

The first point is that we should be cautious of the information that we take in.

[TRANSITION]

The second point that I want to make is that: As a believer, train in godliness.

I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon B. The Good Minister of Christ Jesus (4:6–16)

In contrast to the false teachers, the good follower of Christ is one who adheres to correct doctrine, teaches it to others, exalts Christ as Lord, and disciplines himself to be a model for godly living.

It’s through the Spirit, Scripture, and the community of the church that one can know correct doctrine. And one is able to notice when false doctrine is being taught when one is familiar with correct doctrine.

Think about the bank teller who handles money all day, every day. That bank teller becomes so familiar with what a real $100 bill feels like and looks like. So much so that they can instantly tell when a fake $100 bill comes into their hands. Our lives should be the same when we come into false teaching. We should be able to spot the incorrect teaching and point it out, but remember, in a loving way.

1 Timothy 4:6–10 (CSB)

6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching that you have followed. 7 But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness. 8 For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance. 10 For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

Paul writes to Timothy that if he points these things out, he will be a good servant of Christ Jesus.

That word “servant” is the Greek word διάκονος meaning deacon. This is one of the main roles of a deacon, that they serve the members of the church.

Paul is not saying that Timothy is holding the office of deacon in this text but is simply saying that the he should correct the false teachings within the church and in doing so is serving the church. If there is false teaching going on within a church, the members have a duty to correct such things. To neglect this does not show love to the body of Christ.

I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon 1. The Good Minister (4:6)

Leaders cannot afford to let doctrinal compromise or wrong ideas creep into their congregations. These fundamental issues of faith and right action must be guarded.

I’m sure there are many who attend church who are hearing some of these truths for the first time which is awesome. We are glad that you are hear and are taking in what God’s word says.

But I know that there are many of you who are hearing these truths and its nothing new.

1, 2 Timothy, Titus (1) Facing Falsehood (4:6–10)

Much Christian teaching involves reminding ourselves and others of beliefs and practices we know but ignore or forget. Paul commended Timothy’s obedience and implied that he was to continue more of the same.

But correcting false doctrine is not the only step that Paul lays out.

1, 2 Timothy, Titus (1) Facing Falsehood (4:6–10)

What should be our strategy when we live in a world inundated with false teaching? First, we must expose the errors we oppose. Second, we must also develop personal holiness to assure continuation in integrity. The combination of exposing error and practicing truth is a powerful antidote to heresy. Paul proposed this strategy for Timothy.

Paul told Timothy to train in godliness.

Training takes effort.

I recently watched a new movie that came out this year called Gran Turismo. The movie is based on a true story in which this young man plays the video game Gran Turismo. He is so dedicated to the game that he has bought the steering wheel, pedals, bucket seat, headset, all the bells and whistles. He has thousands of hours put into the game and knows the cars and how they are built better than anyone else. Well there is this motor sports executive who wants to show that the video game drivers can compete with real race car drivers, with the right training. There is a tournament held and the 10 best drivers from around the world will compete to earn their professional race car driver license and compete at the real level. Because of the countless hours that this young guy spent playing the video game, he was able to earn his professional license and is now a professional race car driver. His training paid off and allowed him to fulfill his dream of being a professional race car driver.

What if we were that dedicated to knowing God’s word and growing in our relationship with him? What would our lives look like this next year if our new years resolution was to train in godliness?

This is how dedicated we should be to our training in godliness.

Paul then explains why training in godliness is better.

1 Timothy 4:8 (CSB)

8 For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

Our bodies wear out. If you stop running for a period of time, and you start back up, its not as easy as it was when you stopped. Those weights for some reason are heavier when you haven’t lifted them for a while. Training the body only lasts for a short period before the results fade away. Don’t get me wrong, training the body is good. I remember when I started running with Ruthie early this past fall and it hurt my heart at the beginning but the more I did it, the easier it became. Now she has me signed up for the hardest half-marathon in Texas.

But training in godliness is beneficial in every way.

1, 2 Timothy, Titus (1) Facing Falsehood (4:6–10)

Godliness represents an effort to practice self-control in this life and to reap benefits in eternity. A thinking Christian could see that godliness represented a higher priority than mere physical training. Godliness has the potential of impacting all actions, experiences, and relationships for good.

I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon 2. Warnings and Directions (4:7–11)

Physical training is limited to just that—the physical dimensions of life. Godliness, on the other hand, penetrates every aspect of life. Godliness affects everything: our view of self, marriage, parenting, business, civic responsibilities, environmental outlook, relationship with our next-door neighbors. Nothing escapes godliness; it covers everything.

Godliness is not only for this life but the life to come. Death is inevitable. Jesus said:

Mark 8:36 (CSB)

36 For what does it benefit someone to gain the whole world and yet lose his life?

The purpose of training in godliness is not in performance or legalism holding to the law of God. The purpose of training in righteousness is because of where our hope lies.

1 Timothy 4:10 (CSB)

10 For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

These words denote something that is not easy. We labor, we work hard, we toil, we strive, we struggle. This is what the life of a believer should look like, one who is pursuing after Christ and striving to be like him.

There will be those who turn away from Christ and embrace the false doctrines and teachings. Those who believe in Christ have their hope in Christ.

As believers we must be cautious of the information we take in and we must train in godliness.

[TRANSITION]

The final point I want to make is that: As a believer, set an example.

Paul issues a command to Timothy in verse 11 but then follows that up with a statement about his age.

1 Timothy 4:11–12 (CSB)

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.

Remember, this letter in context is to Timothy to help correct the errors in the church and to help the church teach correct doctrine and conduct itself in a right manner. So with this in mind, Paul is telling this young Timothy to correct these things within the church. Timothy is to set an example to the church member and leaders. He is taking on this Christian leadership at a young age. He is doing something beyond his years.

1, 2 Timothy, Titus (2) Demonstrating Christian Behavior (4:11–16)

Timothy was to live as a spiritual example of what a believer truly can be. His practice of godliness and the demonstration of Christian character could compensate for the lack of calendar years.

What are the things that Timothy should set an example in?

The first two, speech and conduct are outwardly observable

Speech - The first thing is his speech. The preaching and teaching must align with Scripture and be correct doctrine.

Conduct - Is referring to their way of life. Paul would later write to the church in Ephesus saying this:

Ephesians 4:20–24 (CSB)

20 But that is not how you came to know Christ, 21 assuming you heard about him and were taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus, 22 to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, 23 to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.

The conduct, or way of life they should be living is the new self in Christ, not living according to the way of life before trusting in Christ, there is a change in behavior that must take place.

The last three are inward traits

1, 2 Timothy, Titus ((2) Demonstrating Christian Behavior (4:11–16))

Paul desired a love that demonstrates itself for both God and others. The term “faith”… likely represents an attitude of faithfulness or trustworthiness rather than right belief. The call for “purity” demands both sexual purity and integrity of heart.

Paul continues writing

1 Timothy 4:13–16 (CSB)

13 Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you; it was given to you through prophecy, with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Do you hear what Paul is saying?

In a world where there is so much input, so many voices telling you what to believe, so many things telling you what you should or should not be doing, and so many things in this world that are pulling you aware from the truth of the Gospel. The truth of where our hope lies is in Jesus Christ.

We must practice these things, be committed to these things, pay close attentions to these things. Pay attention to your life and your teaching.

1, 2 Timothy, Titus Excursus 3: Ordination: Biblical Evidence and Baptist Practice

Both holy living and sound teaching are the inevitable fruits of saving faith.

As you begin the new year tomorrow, listen to these three points.

Be cautious of the information you take in.

Train in godliness.

Set an example.

Here is a practical way in which you can put these things into practice.

Grab a Together for the Gospel sheet when you walk out today.

You can begin praying for a specific people group locally and internationally.

You will also receive a Bible reading plan that you can follow every month.

I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon 6. Endurance (4:15)

The outward life of a person flows from his or her inner spirit. Those who discipline themselves to follow after Jesus Christ, who are focused on living out the truth of God’s revelation, will develop a life of growing intimacy with Christ They will delight God, producing goodness and godliness in what they do.