Introduction:

The Ephesian church had been warned already about the coming of false doctrines (Acts 20:29-30). Throughout Paul's letters he warns of coming apostasy. Because of these things he thought it necessary to remind young Timothy about some traps that Satan had set for the believers.

I. False Doctrine (4:1-6)

Verse one makes it very clear that the Devil is interested in the business of religion and that is where his major activity seems to take place. Of course he uses people to accomplish his goals (Mk. 5). Satan is a master of counterfeit - (see 2 Cor. 11:4,13,15).

Even as these verses tell us there are two Jesus', two spirit's, two gospels, two kinds of apostles, and two kinds of ministers, there are two doctrines according to (I Tim. 4:1). This is certainly hard on the people who say sincerity is the only necessary ingredient to get to heaven. Maybe that's why that crowd doesn't spend much time reading the Bible.

What are the marks of false doctrine and those who teach it?

A. They speak lies in hypocrisy - They tell you that the Bible is the Word of God but don't really believe it. That's why they make tradition equal with it as Rome did at the Council of Trent in 1545. (Mark 7:7-13; Col. 2:8; Rev. 22:18)

B. Confession of sins to the priest - at least once a year was instituted by Pope Innocent III., in the Lateran Council, in the year 1215.

The Gospel commands us to confess our sins direct to God. (Read Psalm 51:1-10; Luke 7:48; 15:21; 1 John 1:8,9).

C. The Doctrine of Purgatory - was proclaimed as a dogma of faith by Council of Florence in 1439. There is not one word in the Bible that would teach the purgatory of Priests. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sins (I John 1:7-9; 2:1-2; Jn. 5:24; Rom. 8:1).

D. Fasting on Fridays and during Lent - were imposed in the year 998 by popes said to be interested in the commerce of fish. (Bull, or permit to eat meat), some authorities say it began in the year 700. This is against the plain teaching of the Gospel. (Matt 15:10; 1 Cor. 10:25; 1 Tim. 4:1-3; Acts 10:12,13; Rom. 14:21-23).

E. The Mass was developed - gradually as a sacrifice; attendance made obligatory in the llth century. The Gospel teaches that the sacrifice of Christ was offered once and for all, and is not to be repeated but only commemorated in the Lord's Supper. (Heb. 7:27; 9:26-28; 10:10-14)

F. The Celibacy of the priesthood - was decreed by Pope Hildebrand, Boniface VII, in the year 1079. Jesus imposed no such rule, nor did any of the apostles. On the contrary, St. Peter was a married man, and St. Paul says that bishops were to have a wife and children. I Tim. 3:2,5, 12; Matt. 8:14,15).

G. The Rosary, or prayer beads - was introduced by Peter the Hermit, in the year 1090. Copies from Hindus and Mohammedans. The counting of prayers is a pagan practice and is expressly condemned by Christ. Matt. 6:5-13.

H. The Bible forbidden to laymen - and placed in the Index of Forbidden Books by the Council of Valencia in 1229. Jesus commanded that the Scriptures should be read by all (John 5:39; 1 Tim. 3:15-17).

 

II. The False Balance (4:7-12)

Christians are very susceptible to uneven balances in their lives. They tend to go "off the limb" in diverse directions. God loves a good balance (Prov. 11:1, 16:11, 20:23).

Just as "healthy" doctrine will promote spiritual health, so the foolish and silly myths of false teachers will produce spiritual sickness. Spiritual food and spiritual exercise are a happy combination! It is suggested that Timothy was leaning toward asceticism, the disciplining of the body; and that Paul is here teaching him to emphasize spiritual disciplines and exercises more than physical. If every Christian put as much energy and enthusiasm into spiritual things as he does a baseball game, how much stronger the churches would be! "Bodily exercise profits for a little time," Paul admits, "but spiritual exercise - practicing the Word of God - is profitable for this life and the life to come'" See Heb. 4:14.

 

III. The Godly Admonition (4:13-16)

Paul was interested in Timothy growing spiritually so the entire church could profit from his growth (vs. 15). A growing pastor means a growing church. How can Timothy, or any believer, for that matter, make progress in the Christian life?

[1]. The Word of God - "Give attendance to reading," that is, the public reading of the Word of God in the assembly. Of course, the Word should be explained and applied. It is not enough just to know the facts of the Word; the Christian must know the truths, the doctrines, of the Word, if he is to grow in grace.
[2]. Spiritual Gifts - Every Christian has some spiritual gift (Rom. 12:3-8, 1 Cor. 12), and far too often these gifts are neglected instead of exercised by faith. When the elders (presbytery) ordained young Timothy, assisted by Paul (2 Tim. 1:6), God gave Timothy some spiritual gifts to equip him for his ministry. But he had been neglecting these gifts, and needed to stir them up like a dying fire. What we do not use, we lose; (see Heb. 2:1-3).
[3]. Examination - "Take heed to thyself" comes first. Examine yourself, find out where you are going. "The unexamined life is not worth living," said the ancient philosopher. Many believers today are correct on doctrine, but incorrect in living the doctrine. We will never save others if we lose our own spiritual power.

As you review these verses, you can see that Paul expected Timothy to build his church on the Bible - to preach it, teach it, and practice it. The Bible was to be his own personal food and guide, as well as the food for the church. The pastor who spends time in the Word and in prayer will grow himself and will pastor a growing church.

We might conclude by asking, "How can the church member help his pastor grow?" One of the best ways is to protect his time, so that he has opportunity to study and pray. Too many selfish church members use every excuse possible to phone the pastor or "drop in" at the study. Every pastor wants to be on hand when there is a need, but no spiritual pastor can afford to waste time. Another way is to pray for him daily. Spurgeon said that he had several hundred people praying for him while he preached. A third suggestion is to pay attention when he preaches. What a blessing it is to preach to people who want to listen! How discouraged a pastor can be when church members do not apply themselves to follow the messages should of the bringing from the Word. Finally, the church member provide the means needed to build the work church. This means faithful stewardship tithes and offerings to the Lord's house on the Lord's Day. Many a godly pastor cannot accomplish what God wants done because the church is in debt or has a poor financial record. When you pay the tithe, you help get out the Word.