1 Timothy 4:1-6 SS Lesson

Introduction

False teachers and teachings are everywhere…

“You are not saved unless you are actively making disciples.”

Obviously, this is wrong!

We have to know truth to expose lies.

*Read heresy quotes

Passage

1 Timothy 4:1–6 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. 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.

The shocking truth: the enemy can, has, and will use Christians in the church to accomplish his work.

Some people within our walls will depart from the faith… In this departure, we see the spiritual realm at work and the fallen humanity colliding.

3 Take-away points about false teachers

1. They will lead people astray.

1 Timothy 4:1 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,

Theological term is apostacy: the willful turning away from the truth of the Christian faith.

These people are not promoting Christ, but instead, are promoting their ideas and their programs.

*with regards to cults

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: How to Be a Man of God (1 Timothy 4)

This is one difference between a true church and a religious cult: A true church seeks to win converts to Jesus Christ and to build them spiritually; conversely, a cult proselytizes, steals converts from others, and makes them servants (even slaves!) of the leaders of the cult. However, not all apostates are in cults; some of them are in churches and pulpits, teaching false doctrine and leading people astray.

What are some cults or trends you see people leaving the church over?

Prosperity Gospel

Qanon

2. They are hypocrites

1 Timothy 4:2 ESV

2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

False teachers preach one thing but practice another.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: How to Be a Man of God (1 Timothy 4)

The word seared means “cauterized.” Just as a person’s flesh can be “branded” so that it becomes hard and without feeling, so a person’s conscience can be deadened.

What are some signs of a hypocrite?

no grace

pride (Act like me)

rules over relationships

How do you deal with a hypocrite?

Don’t let anger steer the ship.

Check your own heart.

Conviction soaked in compassion

Confront them, but don’t cancel them.

Hypocrisy in leaders doesn’t negate obedience in us.

Matthew 23:2–3 ESV

2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.

3. They deny God’s word

1 Timothy 4:3–5 ESV

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.

The leaders in Ephesus were combining Jewish legalism with Eastern Asceticism (A voluntary abstention from the satisfaction of bodily and social needs, including food, drink, sexual activity, sleep, clothes, wealth, and social interaction.)

This is also an issue in Colossians.

Paul was confronting the teaching that the unmarried life was more spiritual than the married life- which is not the case, nor is the opposite.

Notice that the passage ends with what the minister’s ministry should be built upon the word and prayer.

Paul’s encouragement to Timothy

1. Teach the truth.

Teach the whole Bible. Point out heretical teachings and teachers. Although they aren’t primary, they are to be observed and taught.

The pastor serves as street signs, guide in direction and warn of danger.

2. Nourish yourself in the word.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: How to Be a Man of God (1 Timothy 4)

The “good minister” preaches the Word that he himself feeds on day by day. But it is not enough to preach the Word; he must also practice it.