1. Remember, we’re studying through a note that was written from the aged, the seasoned, a mature Apostle Paul.
a. To the young, growing, maturing protégé Timothy.
1 Tim. 3.14-15 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
NOTE: Timothy, these things are recorded for you so that you might know how to conduct yourself in the house of God.
• There are certain criteria to use and a right conduct to follow.
NOTE: The church of Jesus doesn’t belong to man.
• It’s not a man thing, not a corporate organization.
• The church of Jesus Christ, belongs to Him.
• It’s a God thing, a living, breathing, moving organism.
• Held together by life, & that life comes through the Holy Spirit.
• BUT If an organism is not organized, it will die sooner or later.
• And there is a danger…
• When the organization starts to hinder spiritual life and ministry, then the church becomes just another religious institution that exists to keep itself going.
NOTE: And so Timothy… here are the needs in the church.
• Be careful not to argue about things that waste time.
• Keep your eyes, and the church’s eyes on Jesus Christ.
• Make sure the men are praying, the women are submitting, and the leaders are qualified spiritually.
NOW IN CH 4, Paul moves on the personal life of the minister.
• He lays out the need for the minister to be GOOD, to be GODLY, and finally to be GROWING personally.
I. (4:1-6) ENCOURAGED IN THE WORD
1. (1) There will be those that depart.
a. Timothy, don’t be surprised as some depart from the faith.
b. It’s going to happen, especially in the latter times.
NOTICE the Holy Spirit is a PERSON. The 3rd person of the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit.
• Not a force or impersonal power… here, the Holy Spirit speaks.
• Let’s walk through the Scriptures as we see the Holy Spirit doing on that which a person can do:
o John 14:26 – He teaches & helps us to remember.
o John 16:8-10 - He convicts of Sin.
o Acts 13:2 – He calls believers to service.
o Romans 8:14 – He leads.
o Romans 8:27 – He intercedes.
o Revelation 2:7 – He speaks.
o Acts 5:1-4 – We can lie to Him.
o Eph. 4.30 – We can grieve Him.
NOTE: And on your insert this morning there are many more attributes about the Holy Spirit.
• We paused here because there is so much confusion and fear regarding the Holy Spirit.
• But we need Him & His Power & leading every day of our lives!
SO TIMOTHY… since many will depart from the faith, make sure your doctrine is correct.
• Why are people departing?
• They’re listening to deceiving spirits and following doctrines of demons. There are demonic teachings out there, today!
NOTE: It’s AMAZING TODAY to find so many listening to demons and teachings from the demonic realm.
• Large segments of Christianity exist that base their whole church life on doctrines of Demons.
• There’s even a growing ‘spiritual warfare’ movement that teaches demons can possess the Christian!!!
• Where did that come from?
• It certainly didn’t come from the Scriptures.
Eph. 1.13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,
1 John 4.4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
NOTE: There’s also a movement that associates every bad thing in the Christian’s life to a demon…
Q: Where in the Scriptures do we find demons associated with negative things, such as poverty, or lying, or lethargy.
• If you fall asleep during a sermon (never happens here of course) then you’ll be called up to have the demon of lethargy cast out.
• Of if you’re hit with hard times, cast out the demon of poverty!
• If it was only that easy gang!
NOTE: We need to base our ministry & our theology on the TRUTH, the Word of God, and the basics… the foundations of truth that the Spirit of God speaks forth not demons.
So the Spirit says expressly that in the last days, it won’t be easy to minister the gospel… Jesus said:
Matthew 24.11-12 "Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. 12 "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
NOW one more thing on v1… what is this about departing from the faith?
• There are some who would say you can’t depart from the faith.
• I do believe personally that you cannot lose your salvation for you are kept in his hands and no man can pluck you out.
• You’re in good hands with Jesus Christ.
• But I do believe you can LEAVE your salvation.
• If you are really truly intent on turning your back on the Lord, and thus spending eternity with out him… God will let you go.
• He will not force you to be in His hand.
1 John 2.19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.
SO: I do believe the Bible teaches us that we are secure in the Lord and nobody and rip you off or rip you out.
• AND yet you are made in His image with the power of choice.
• If you choose to walk away and adamantly reject Jesus, then God will allow you to depart...
Are we going to finish 16 verses this morning? Hmmm…
2. (2-5) What their doctrine looks like.
a. Legalism was just as big a problem then as it is today.
b. Forbidding & commanding behaviors contrary to God’s Word.
c. If you do this, you will be saved.
d. If you don’t do this, you will not be saved.
e. Here, the forbidding of marriage & eating certain foods.
THERE ARE CERTAIN GROUPS TODAY IN BOTH CAMPS.
• Groups that say marriage is not of the Lord, or that in order to get married, your mate has to be approved by the leadership.
• Other groups saying what food is OK and not OK in order for you to be a REAL SPIRITUAL man or woman. Reject them both!
Romans 14.17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
WHY? Because their conscience’s are seared, ‘cauterized’…
• They’re deadened to any feeling & any prompting of the Holy Spirit to change them.
SO TIMOTHY… if you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ.
• Nourished in the words of faith & Good doctrine!
A GOOD MINISTER… you know, that’s what I want to be.
• That’s who I want to see overseeing the Work here…
• I want to be so nourished & fed & settled in God’s Word that I can come and instruct you and lead you and guide as a pastor.
REALLY Paul IS EXHORTING TIMOTHY to stay the course.
• Don’t veer off, to the right or the left.
• You know there are temptations all the time to veer off into all sorts of things… some of them aren’t even bad things.
• But they are not the best things either.
NOTE: THE calling of God in the pastor’s life is to equip the saints, to teach them the Word, encourage & exhort.
• The pastor isn’t to take everything into his own hands and control every single minute detail of the church’s life.
• Look back at Acts 6 again… Then turn to John 21.15ff
The Pastor’s Ministry, my Calling is to EQUIP the saints, for the work of the ministry… To equip then deploy then rejoice together!
And where does it come from? Nourished in the Words of Faith.
• It’s the minister’s personal life that is so important!
• Jump to v16… Take heed to yourself FIRST and the doctrine.
SO FOR THOSE OF YOU ALREADY INVOLVED in the ministry… which really is to all of us… remember to care for yourself personally!
• Because we are all called to some sort of ministry in the life of another one, even if some of you sit here today wondering, wrestling with, maybe even still trying to run away from what God would have you to do.
• Take heed to your personal life, nourish yourself in the Word.
• Treat it, not like a TV Dinner, but like an all you can eat buffet!
• Just dive in and gorge yourself in the Word!
SO THIS IS THE WAY TO BE A GOOD MINISTER… to be a GOOD FATHER, to be a GOOD MOM, A GOOD CHRISTIAN WORKER:
• Instruct the brethren in these things. Point them to Jesus.
• How will I solve this problem? Don’t know but Jesus is real and alive and knows exactly what to do. Let’s pray!
• He’ll answer your prayers and will give you His Word.
• More and more, I find myself pointing folks to Jesus and opening his word. So many things are cleared up and settled there!
II. (4:7-16) EXERCISED IN GODLINESS
1. (7) Reject profane & Old Wives’ Tales.
a. Their teachings might catch your ear… REJECT THEM!
b. Don’t even entertain them or give them a platform to spread throughout the church.
c. Don’t let them take your edge off Timothy.
d. They have no basis in the Word, in Scripture.
e. They are the kind of teachings that produces silliness!
2. (7a-8) Godliness is profitable for all things.
a. The Greeks were very much into bodily exercise.
b. And as a young man, surely Timothy would be inclined to exercising the flesh, keeping the body strong.
c. And Paul says, Bodily exercise profits for a little while.
d. But that’s just it… only for a little while.
e. The exercise we do today won’t help with our New Bodies.
f. Our new body in heaven won’t be affected by the exercise we do now… so focus on that which carries into eternity.
Paul IS NOT SAYING bodily exercise is wrong or a waste of time.
• He’s simply laying out priorities, and benefits to consider!
SO as you have to make choices with your time.
• Building up your personal body or the Body of Christ. Choose your brothers and sisters.
• Bible Study or working out, choose the Word.
• Timothy would be the strongest and most productive as a Godly man building up godly characteristics in his personal life!
• Godliness is profitable for ALL THINGS!
• What really matters is your spiritual exercise, developing yourself spitiually, toward those things that last for eternity.
• When we exercise spiritually, we get the blessings of today and blessings in that which is to come!
3. (9-10) God is Savior.
a. This is faithful Tim. This is why we’re suffering reproach.
b. We are living godly lives and we’re suffering.
c. We trust in the living God who is the Savior of ALL men.
d. And we’re suffering. Gospel message isn’t a popular one.
e. Folks will get upset with you, trying to fight against you…
f. But it’s true. It’s faithful. Keep preaching it Timothy!
g. Your sins can forgiven. Jesus is the Savior of all men!
h. Especially those who believe. Interesting.
NOTE: Jesus Christ died for all, the Bible says that.
• I’m not interested in debating the arguments between the Calvinists & Armenianists… the Bible says Jesus died for all.
1 John 2.1-2 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
BUT unless His salvation is received personally, then it’s worthless.
• He died on the cross to be MY Savior, but He’s not MY Savior until I grab hold of that gift and place my faith in Him.
• Let’s turn to Romans 10.8-11
APP: The only sin man will spend eternity in hell for is unbelief.
Matthew 12.31-32 "Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.
NOTE: So He’s the Savior of all men, especially those that believe, because those that believe are forgiven of even the one sin that’s unpardonable.
GUYS… if you don’t believe in Jesus Christ today, if you’re just peeking in… the good news is that every sin you have ever done or will ever do is paid for… and you can have them washed clean!
4. (11) Command & Teach.
a. This is your positions Tim, command and teach.
b. Nowhere in the Scripture do we read of the need to teach and entertain.
THE CHURCH HAS WRESTLED WITH this over the years and it’s back with a vengeance in our generation.
• Don’t worry about feeding the sheep, entertain the goats.
• And so churches have changed with the flowing ebb of the tide toward entertainment and amusements.
• NOW I do believe in using various dramas, music, etc., to draw a crowd for outreach and evangelism.
• But we must guard hearts leaders… not to entertain.
• And as believers, guarding our hearts against wanting to be entertained!
• We need the commands & teaching of the ALMIGHTY GOD to so penetrate our dark and dismal world to turn it right side up.
• We need the POWER & COURAGE of God’s Holy Spirit to so envelope us that we reach the lost and dying with His love!
5. (12) Stand strong Timothy.
a. We don’t’ know how old Timothy was exactly but some estimate in his early 30’s.
b. He was probably younger than most of the congregation.
c. Just be an example… in conduct, love, spirit, faith, purity.
d. So those of you who are younger, here are your marching orders… be an example. Don’t let anyone despise you.
e. If God is for you, who can be against you!?!
NOW I’m certain at times that I’ve failed in being that example.
• My heart, my sprit, is so willing… but my flesh is weak!
• And you as a fellowship have been so forgiving and supportive and prayerful in seeking God’s best for me!
• And the love flowing through our church is amazing!
YET don’t let that be an out for you. The work He is doing in your life is so that you might be an example to others.
1 Cor. 11.1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.
6. (13-16) Till I come… give attention.
a. Spend your time in these… reading, exhorting, doctrine.
b. Exercise your gift. Meditate on these things. Be diligent!
c. Take heed to yourselves… Continue in them as God uses you to save both yourself and those who hear you.
GIVE YOURSELF ENTIRELY TO THEM…
• What are you guys giving yourself entirely to? Is it your job? Is it a dream, a goal? Is it your retirement?
BIBLICAL TRUTHS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. The HOLY SPIRIT is personally involved with man.
• He teaches believers & helps us to remember John 14:26.
• He convicts people of their sin John 16:8 10.
• He calls men to service Acts 13:2.
• He leads Romans 8:14.
• He intercedes Romans 8:27.
• He speaks 1 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 2:7; Acts 13:2.
2. The HOLY SPIRIT can be treated in an unspiritual way.
• We can lie to Him Acts 5:1 4.
• We can cause Him grief Ephesians 4:30.
• We can quench Him 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
• We can insult Him Hebrews 10:29.
• He can be blasphemed by unbelievers Mark 3:29; Luke 12:10.
3. The HOLY SPIRIT is God.
He is personally active in the salvation of a believer:
• He regenerates us (makes us spiritually alive) John 3:3 5; Titus 3:4 5.
• He indwells the believer 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16.
• He empowers believers Acts 1:8.
• He satisfies our needs John 4:14, 7:37 39.
• He seals our salvation Ephesians 4:30.
• He is the guarantee of our salvation – Eph. 1:14; 2 Cor. 5:5.
• He is the Lord! 2 Corinthians 3:17; Acts 5:3-4.
He possesses all the attributes of God:
• He is CREATOR of all things Genesis 1:1.
• He is OMNIPOTENT (All powerful) Luke 1:35.
• He is OMNIPRESENT (Present everywhere) Psalm 139:7 10.
• He is OMNISCIENT (All knowing) John 14:26, 16:12 13; 1 Cor 2:11.
• He is ETERNAL (Everlasting) Hebrews 9:14.
• He is HOLY (Absolutely pure) Romans 1:4.
• He DIVINELY INSPIRED the Bible Matthew 22:43; Acts 1:16 17, 28:25; 2 Peter 1:20 21.
BIBLICAL TRUTHS ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. The HOLY SPIRIT is personally involved with man.
• He teaches believers & helps us to remember John 14:26.
• He convicts people of their sin John 16:8 10.
• He calls men to service Acts 13:2.
• He leads Romans 8:14.
• He intercedes Romans 8:27.
• He speaks 1 Timothy 4:1; Revelation 2:7; Acts 13:2.
2. The HOLY SPIRIT can be treated in an unspiritual way.
• We can lie to Him Acts 5:1 4.
• We can cause Him grief Ephesians 4:30.
• We can quench Him 1 Thessalonians 5:19.
• We can insult Him Hebrews 10:29.
• He can be blasphemed by unbelievers Mark 3:29; Luke 12:10.
3. The HOLY SPIRIT is God.
He is personally active in the salvation of a believer:
• He regenerates us (makes us spiritually alive) John 3:3 5; Titus 3:4 5.
• He indwells the believer 1 Cor. 3:16; 2 Corinthians 6:16.
• He empowers believers Acts 1:8.
• He satisfies our needs John 4:14, 7:37 39.
• He seals our salvation Ephesians 4:30.
• He is the guarantee of our salvation – Eph. 1:14; 2 Cor. 5:5.
• He is the Lord! 2 Corinthians 3:17; Acts 5:3-4.
He possesses all the attributes of God:
• He is CREATOR of all things Genesis 1:1.
• He is OMNIPOTENT (All powerful) Luke 1:35.
• He is OMNIPRESENT (Present everywhere) Psalm 139:7 10.
• He is OMNISCIENT (All knowing) John 14:26, 16:12 13; 1 Cor 2:11.
• He is ETERNAL (Everlasting) Hebrews 9:14.
• He is HOLY (Absolutely pure) Romans 1:4.
• He DIVINELY INSPIRED the Bible Matthew 22:43; Acts 1:16 17, 28:25; 2 Peter 1:20 21.
