1 Timothy 4 Commentary

1 Timothy 4 Commentary

Old Testament prophecies would often start this way: “Thus saith the LORD, …” Paul hasn’t used this technique. Instead, we have the following: “The Spirit clearly says…” Verse 1.

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Verse 1.

The mention of demons and spirits is interesting. These elements are not visible but influence the spiritual landscape of the times – the later times.  The phrase “Later times” shouldn’t be a debate topic. The times of this letter would fit the description of later times! Both Timothy and Paul lived in the ‘later’ times.

The spirits and the demons have their own teachings. It is a collection of systems carefully crafted in deception.

Nothing has changed. The spiritual landscape has tilted. More false teachers have come. Probably the spirits and the demons are at work in the lives of these false teachers – the kind reported in Chapter 2.

It is a matter of great concern that the false teachers sought to operate from within the walls of the church! A select group of women had their own agenda. Paul orders Timothy to stop them, all of them.

Verse 5 underlines the importance of saying a prayer before a meal. A prayer concentrates the meal.

“Old wives’ tales” would be demonic ideas and traditions dressed up in religion. Or they could be cultural norms with an appearance of decency but they are actually demonic in both origin and practice. Or they could be human practices dressed in scientific language or professional etiquette that are demonic at the core.

Think of a Coke that you buy at the Mall. You are sure it is not expired. You heartily enjoy it. Many demonic products are on the shelf and the saint may easily pick them up with the assurance and insurance of public safety. They are “old wives’ tales’ that come with the assurance of age-old wisdom but are demonic at the core.

The saint must be careful. Pay careful attention to your own growth. It should never tilt away from the written word.

A leader must launch out of his home with an ambition to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.

Then Paul wants Timothy to stay on the path of his gift. He shouldn’t neglect it. Here is one important lesson: A gift can be neglected!

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