1 Timothy: Session 7

How is a person suppose to know the truth… from a lie? How is it that we know right from wrong… how does a person know who they are to follow, what teachings they should adhere to and who really has the right angle on any story?

That’s a loaded question for sure. Now… for a moment I want us to consider this from a position on one that does not know God. Because from this perspective… a person doesn’t know if they can trust in God’s Word as truth or not.

To be clear… the Bible IS truth. This reality stands whether or not you are a believer in Christ. This book is as true for the church as it is for the rest rest of the world. But how is this world supposed to come to believe or view this book as absolute truth?

Tonight we dive into 1 Timothy 4 and this chapter begins with a discussion on… you guessed it… truth! Paul gives timothy a very clear warning - a warning I believe we need to hear in our day as well: Be careful not walk away from God’s truth!

First off, what is God’s truth? As mentioned it is the Word, the Bible. It is this special revelation given to us that reveals His nature, His love, and His redemptive plan. The Word was made flesh, as John 1:14 tells us, and His truth literally made His dwelling among us. Jesus came to bring the truth.. that we might know the truth… that we might live according to the truth... and be set free through the truth (John 8:31-32).

God’s truth is knowable, is experiential (we can experience His truth), is livable, and is life changing.

God’s truth is our foundation, our standard, our promise and freedom.

God’s truth is both timely and timeless - meaning His truth is the same yesterday, today and forever.

God’s truth… is alive. God’s Word is living in us… Christ lives in the hearts of those who believe in and follow Him.

God’s truth is FAR MORE than a list of dos and don’ts… it’s far more than going through motions or adhering to a behavioral code of conduct. God’s truth is both something we live and become.

So let’s get back to the original question - how is someone who is not a believer supposed to accept God’s Word as absolute truth?

There are many, MANY sources out there that desire for people to believe them. In fact, there are several companies now censuring what can be communicated as truth and if you say something our culture doesn’t like… you are canceled. Your word is rejected.

This is nothing new unfortunately for the gospel message. And as we will see, even in Paul and Timothy’s day, there was a falling away from truth.

1 Timothy 4:1-10 reads, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

First as we aim to answer the question “how will people believe” we must first address the problem. Paul lays it out in this passage and it is as true today as it was then. And as we study this… we need to be careful that we do not fall into the same trap Paul is going to point out.

As we look at this… we need to examine ourselves.... lay out what we believe… and be honest with ourselves. Do we have a good solid understanding of God’s truth? Are we agents of His truth or… are we what Paul describes as “hypocritical liars whose consciences have been seared with a hot iron?”

The Problem: Faith Abandoned.

Paul first addresses a very serious problem: a problem that was confirmed by the Spirit of God. He states in verse 1 that the “Spirit clearly says” some will abandon the faith. In doing so, they stop following truth, and start following something else.

“Pastor, this might have been a problem then… but how can this be a problem today? How can this be a problem in the church today?

Today we have seen various forms of sexual immorality be accepted by “churches” and denominations. Such has been accepted as a “God approved” lifestyles due to the ongoing pressure from the world.

Abortion has been defended by “believers” for various reasons. This is not a political issue, it is a spiritual issue. The most dangerous place in our world today is the mother’s womb.

Pulpits and preachers have become political advocates instead of sound teachers of God’s Word. Under the stress of current events, I’ve heard many incredibly wrong teachings come from prominent names in the Christian culture… teachings that had the United States at the center instead of God.

Are we seeing this happen? Yes. How can Paul be so timely with this message for us today? Because we are living in the same time period as Paul.

Paul puts a time stamp on this teaching: in the later days meaning in these last days. The last days are the days that are leading up to the return of Jesus Christ. We are living in those days today as Paul was so many years ago. The trend we see today began a long time ago. But through all of this it is very important that we remember one thing: God’s truth HAS NOT CHANGED.

A formula… if you will… is given explaining the why and how this “abandoning of the faith” will happen. Paul is very clear here.

One - Those who abandon the faith are following the wrong Spirit.

Look again at verse 1. “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

Deceiving spirits are very real. Deception is the primary tool the enemy has used since the original fall to sin in the Garden of Eden. Deception comes in many forms… but perhaps one of the most common forms is the social pressure to conform.

Think of the list that I gave a moment ago. If you believe homosexuality is a sin, you are labeled in very negative ways by this world. If you take a stance against abortion, you are labeled very negatively by this world. If you preach a politically charged message, depending on what side of the “aisle” your on, the “patriots” will hold you up with esteem. It’s all pressure to perform as the world desires for you to perform.

What does God have to say about conforming? Romans 12:1-2 says “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

In other words, Give yourself to God, not this world, and be transformed by His truth - through the renewing of your mind.

The enemy does not want your mind renewed… he desires to control and to manipulate your mind. Christ, on the other hand, desires to set your mind FREE with His truth.

Secondly, verse 1 spoke of teachings that come from demons.

Again, demonic activity is something that is very real. Those abandoning the faith are not only following the wrong spirit but they are listening to the wrong teaching.

I get it… the enemy seems to teach a more “all inclusive” message that tickles the ears of those who hear. These message include you can love whoever you want. You can be whatever gender you want to be. You can believe in whatever religion you want. You can indulge in whatever sexual life you want. It’s a teaching of tolerance, a teaching of acceptance, a teaching of inclusiveness… until it comes into contact with the truth of God’s Word.

It’s amazing how intolerant the enemy is to the Bible. Why? Because this book is the ONLY truth that can truly set a person free! The enemy doesn;t want you free tonight… he wants you living in bondage. He wants you indulging in sin!

Hear my words tonight… the gospel message is an all inclusive message! Come all ye sinners… come all who need rest. Come all who desire to be free and find your redemption at the cross. Jesus is calling… Jesus gave His life for you… Jesus desires to set you free… but you must come back to truth.

Church, all have sinned.... all need a Savior. And if we preach anything else we are following the wrong spirit and listening to the wrong teaching.

So what is the solution to this problem Paul presents?

The Answer: Minister Well.

This is the answer to the problem. We must know the truth… and minister in truth. How are unbelievers expected to know God’s truth? Through the ministry of those who live and follow His truth.

Paul lays out some action steps to Timothy… some solid reminders of what it means to be a good minister.

One: Point out false teachings to the brothers and sisters (v. 6). In my paraphrase… do some spiritual housecleaning within the church. Clear out the sin from the camp.

Two: Find nourishment in the truth of the faith (v. 6). READ THIS BOOK. Allow these words to nourish your soul and to renew your mind and thinking.

Three: Follow good teaching (v. 6). REJECT false teaching. Do not listen to or accept any teaching that is contrary to God’s Word.

Four: Train to be Godly - in ALL things (v. 7). As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, train up and run in such a way as to get the prize. Be spiritually disciplined. Be refined in your faith through reading the Word, prayer, worship, and discipleship.

Five: Put hope in the living God (v. 10). If we put hope in ANYTHING else… we no longer live the truth. GOD is our hope. God is our answer.

And then Paul drops one more line that must be considered.

Look at verse 10 and the description that Paul gives of God. He refers to God as “the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.”

God IS the Savior of all people. God so loved this world that He gave Jesus to pay the price for our sins. The price has been paid, church. Forgiveness, redemption, and freedom have come for all who would believe! There is no reason to conform… there is no reason to compromise… there is no reason to give in to the social pressures of this world. Give it all to Jesus!

The world has nothing to offer but more pain and suffering. In these last days such will be amplified even more as our culture resists God’s truth. But for those who choose to believe… they will have hope and promise in God.

Those who believe… need to spread that hope and promise to others. It is our job, our responsibility, our privilege to be messengers of God’s truth to this world. It is a mission we cannot back down from. This call to minister well goes out to ALL believers.

What we do… is in direct reflection of who we are. We labor and strive as a church because our hope is founded in Jesus. Our hope… is founded in truth.

This world will come to know God’s truth through His church… but we must, we must, we must make sure we are following the right spirit and listening to the right teaching.

Who are you following? Who are you listening to?

That’s the final question I want us to consider… in what source is your worldview developed from? Who or what do you consider to be the foundation of who you are and what you believe?

If anything or anyone other than God fills that space… you’re living a conforming life rather than a transformative life. However, if God and His truth fills that space, then you already understand what it means to have a firm ans stable foundation.

If you desire for God to fill that space in your life, then I invite you to be transformed by coming back to God… by coming back to His truth. This starts by placing your faith in Jesus.

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Jesus is the way back to the Father. When we choose to believe in Him, our sins are forgiven and our lives transformed.

PRAYER - SALVATION.

Knowing the truth begins with a relationships with Jesus but continues through discipleship. Get into His Word, attend a Bible-believing church, be a part of groups that dig into the Scriptures… follow God’s Spirit, and listen to His teaching.

God’s truth is not out of reach… it’s right here. It’s knowable, livable, teachable, and transformative. It will set you free. Choose His truth over all else. It will never let you down.