A stone bench at the edge of an empty sand-floored exercise ground at dawn, with a clay oil flask, a bronze strigil and a folded linen towel laid on it, a colonnade behind.

The Book of

1 Timothy 4

Some will forbid what God calls good. Paul tells young Timothy to train for what matters most.

16 verses≈ 3 min1 personBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

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In this chapter

Where we are

1Sound teachingFalse teachers and the grace of Christ
2–3God's householdPrayer, worship and its leaders
4A good servantTrain yourself for godlinessChapter 4
5–6:2The church familyWidows, elders and slaves
6:3–21True richesContentment and the good fight

A Warning against Apostasy

Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

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Paul

For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

1 Timothy 4:4–5

Question

Quick question

The false teachers made rules about what believers could not enjoy. Paul answers with creation itself.

What does Paul say makes food “sanctified”?

A Good Servant of Jesus Christ

By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished by the words of faith and sound instruction that you have followed.

But reject irreverent, silly myths.

Instead, train yourself for godliness. For physical exercise is of limited value, but godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for the present life and for the one to come. This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance.

1 Timothy 4:7–9

To this end we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of everyone, and especially of those who believe.

1 Timothy 4:10

Command and teach these things.

Reflect

In training

Paul borrows the language of the gymnasium: “train yourself for godliness.” Training is daily, ordinary and repeated. What is one habit (time in Scripture, prayer, a kept promise, a kind word) you could practice this week, the way an athlete practices, so that godliness grows in you?

In this chapter

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.

In a lamplit room, the hands of several older men resting on the bowed head and shoulders of a kneeling young man, all seen from behind.

Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given you through the prophecy spoken over you at the laying on of the hands of the elders. Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

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Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching.

1 Timothy 4:16

Pray

An example

Thank God for the gift He has given you, whatever your age. Ask Him to make you an example “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Pray for someone younger in the faith whom you could encourage, and for an older believer whose life has shaped yours.

You’ve experienced

1 Timothy 4

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A verse to carry with you

Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

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