Discipline. So much is involved in this one word. Yet Paul doesn’t talk about just any discipline, but discipline for the purpose of Godliness. Read 1 Timothy 4:7-8. But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 TIMOTHY 4:7‭-‬8 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.4.7-8.NASB He very specifically indicates that this is discipline for the purpose of Godliness, not just bodily discipline. Are we focusing ourselves on the…

Study, do, share. We’ve been focused on those three words all year and here is another verse that clearly shows the relationship between the three. Read 1 Timothy 4:6. In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. 1 TIMOTHY 4:6 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.4.6.NASB Timothy was to be constantly nourished on the words of faith and sound doctrine. His study should include these all the time for these are the things that he needs in order to grow and stay grounded in truth. He has…

What is defined as holy? Paul answers that very clearly in 1 Timothy 4:2-5. by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. 1 TIMOTHY 4:2‭-‬5 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.4.2-5.NASB Yesterday we discussed being distracted. Today, we see all the different things that can distract us…

Distraction. Do we quickly and easily get distracted from what our purpose is? Paul knew the ease snd the danger of distractions. Read 1 Timothy 4:1. But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 1 TIMOTHY 4:1 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.4.1.NASB People will start paying attention to lies and false doctrines. They will see those as more important than the truth of God’s Word. When following Jesus, Satan works very hard to see if he can distract us from God’s purpose for us. He knows that if we can be distracted then we will not…

The confession. In this case it’s not referring to stating what one has done wrong, but a listing of statements of belief. Paul ends this chapter by reiterating several statements of faith that he knows to be true. Read 1 Timothy 3:16. By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory. 1 TIMOTHY 3:16 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.16.NASB All these things are a reference to Jesus Christ. Do we know and understand who Christ is and all that He has done? Are we willing…

Connection. Paul had a connection with Timothy and he wanted to remind Timothy of that. The last few days we have discussed the criteria Paul is giving for leadership. Now, we see Paul reminding Timothy of one of the most important pieces of ministry and service, relationships. Read 1 Timothy 3:14-15. I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 1 TIMOTHY 3:14‭-‬15 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.14-15.NASB There…

Serve well. It’s important to note that there is a difference between just serving and serving well. Read 1 Timothy 3:12-13. Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 1 TIMOTHY 3:12‭-‬13 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.12-13.NASB Those who serve well have an opportunity to see themselves in high standing and great confidence in the faith that is Jesus Christ. interestingly, the way that you serve well is by allowing Christ to serve through you. All of the…

Women. Paul has been discussing leadership in the church. He knows gives some qualifications for women who would serve. Read 1 Timothy 3:11. Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 1 TIMOTHY 3:11 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.11.NASB Dignified, temperate, faithful, and not gossips. These are the characteristics that Paul uses to describe the women who serve in the church. When we take a look at these characteristics, do we measure up? Are we allowing God to move and work in us in a way to demonstrate all that He is through us? Only God can live out these qualities, but we have to let him.

Tested. Those who choose to be part of leadership in churches should expect to be tested. As Paul moves on from discussing overseers or pastors to now discussing deacons, he mentions in this. Read 1 Timothy 3:8-10. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 1 TIMOTHY 3:8‭-‬10 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/1ti.3.8-10.NASB There are also criteria mentioned here for deacons. Paul does not go into as much detail for this criteria,…

Ignorant pride. Pride by itself is dangerous enough, but ignorant pride can be disastrous. Paul recognized this and he speaks about it when he talks about the criteria for an overseer of the church. Who should be the leader of a church? One thing that must be taken into consideration is how long have they been a believer? Read 1 Timothy 3:6-7. and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1…