1 Timothy 4: 1-5 Notes & Questions

1 Timothy 4:1-5

Notes:

Paul begins Chapter 4 by contrasting the coming departure from the faith (apostasy within the church and without) with the mystery of godliness described at the end of Chapter 3.  He warns Timothy by describing:

• The “mystery of iniquity” (v. 1)
• The actions of apostasy (vs. 2-3)
• The goodness of God (vs. 4-5)

The “mystery of iniquity” revealed (v. 1)

Immediately after describing the mystery of godliness (chapter 3), Paul presents to Timothy a description of what to expect in the immediate future of the church. This might be expanded thought on what Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, when he wrote that “the mystery of iniquity doth already work” (1 Thessalonians 2:7).

1 Timothy 4:1 (KJV)
¹ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

It seems that here Paul brings to light some of the subtle characteristics that would come to infiltrate the church, including:

• The work of iniquity is revealed through the Spirit by the Word of God.
• This can clearly be seen through:
• Old Testament prophecy
• The teachings of Jesus Christ
• The Word revealed through the apostles
• There is evidence that apostasy was already working in churches of Paul’s time, as is revealed through the Revelation of Jesus Christ in the letters to the churches (Revelation 2 and 3).
• The works of iniquity is a present danger.
• Paul writes that the danger of iniquity occurs “in latter times” meaning:
• The immediate future.
• A time that Timothy would see and experience.
• At any moment it could be realized.
• It’s worthwhile to bring to recollection the account of Paul’s message to overseers in Acts 20:28-31:

Acts 20:28-31 (KJV)
²⁸ Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
²⁹ For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
³⁰ Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
³¹ Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

• Taking the whole counsel of God into consideration, it is appropriate to interpret that there was apostasy creeping into the church even as Paul wrote this letter, indicating a need for constant vigilance and a desire for revival. Certainly, that need is greater now than ever.

The actions of apostasy to come (vs. 1b-3)

Next, Paul explains the actions or visible evidence that will expose the mystery of iniquity at work.

1 Timothy 4:1-3 (KJV)
^1b …some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
² Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
³ Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

Paul lists the following indications for Timothy:

• A departure from the faith.
• The iniquity would affect the church from inside.
• It would cause some individuals to fall away.
• More predominantly, it would cause some to re-form or conform the church (or elements of it) to a new image, not at all like the image of Christ, but given to worldliness, to rituals, to man-made religion over the truth of Christ.
• The iniquity would minimize Christ and elevate the imaginations of man – worshiping and serving the creature more than the Creator (Romans 1:25).
• What once was a worship service to God became a “feel-good” service for man. 
• The incorporation of erroneous teachings brought on by Satan.
• There is much that can be said on this point if we were to base the passage on today’s church. We see iniquity at work in the tearing down of traditions of sound doctrine to suit the pleasures of man, in a totally ungodly manner – I speak as to the church in many cases – here are a few issues we see today:
• Distorting leadership qualifications.
• Watering down and distorting the Word of God.
• Freely admitting sin into the church, with little or no call to repentance.
• Minimizing the gospel, Salvation, and grace.
• Blending beliefs into a “common faith”, no longer a peculiar, set apart, separated work holy and pure unto the Lord.
• Focusing on the church at the time of Paul’s writing, there was already iniquity at work:
• False teaching (“speaking lies in hypocrisy”), which indicates influential teaching to draw others away from the faith. Note that those who teach are  “branded” by their iniquity, yet clothe themselves in the false righteousness of religious systems and “sanctifying” acts.
• Adding to the gospel rituals and man-made rules, such as:
• Forbidding to marry.
• Restricting foods, such as meats.

 The goodness of God in creation (vs. 3-5)

Paul counters the false teachings and movement of iniquity by citing God’s goodness to man.

1 Timothy 4:3-5 (KJV)
^3b …which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
⁴ For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
⁵ For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Paul declares the goodness that God gives through His creation as follows:

• God created all to be received by those who believe on His Son and know the Truth.
• Every creature of God is good.
• Nothing is to be refused.
• All things must be received with thanksgiving.
• The motivation for thanksgiving is to honor God for all He has given.
• Thanks should be given as God’s blessing is sought.
• Thanksgiving through prayer based on the Word of God leads to sanctification of all God gives.
• Offering prayers of thanksgiving in the tradition and manner of the Word of God.
• Realizing that God made all things good for His people so long as they are received in godliness.
• See 1 Corinthians 10:23-31 for more of Paul’s discussion on this topic.

Questions: 

• As times have changed, so has some of the ways that we worship.  Name some of the ways you worship the Lord.
• Why is it important to always be watching for changes in the church?
• Today there is a trend toward “casual worship”, which is a modern form of church service characterized by contemporary worship music, discussion groups, “talks” instead of “sermons” and informal settings. What are some of the dangers of worshiping in a “casual” way?
• How can apostasy be detected in the church today?
• What are some of the rituals and religious practices that you’ve heard about that are contrary (opposed) to the Word of God?
• Considering the dangers of iniquity in the church, why is it important for young Christians, especially teenagers, to study the Word of God, pray, and stay faithful to what they’ve been taught from the Bible?
• How is the gospel minimized by some churches today?
• What does it mean when Paul says that there will be those in the church “speaking lies with hypocrisy”?
• Is abstaining from meat a commandment from God that is applicable to Christians?
• Why is it important to always pray and be thankful to God for what He provides for our meals?