Wrong Teachings (1 Timothy 4)

Do wrong teachings from demons and hypocritical liars exist in our churches? By what authority would any church promote a vow of celibacy? Are food laws still relevant for Christians? How should churches treat young preachers? Let’s find out in 1 Timothy 4.

Will there be various teachings that will turn people from their faith? What has just that purpose today? Where do such teachings come from?

God's Spirit clearly says that in the last days many people will turn from their faith. They will be fooled by evil spirits and by teachings that come from demons. (1 Timothy 4:1 CEV)

Where else do such teachings originate? Does Paul describe such teachers with blunt words?

Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. (1 Timothy 4:2 NIV)

Who forbids marriage, whether directly or indirectly by ordaining only celibates? By what authority did Rome reverse Paul’s criterion of “husband of one wife?” Who insists that celibacy be an irrevocable vow instead of a voluntary choice that could later be reversed, as Paul permits (1 Corinthians 7:28)? Who insists on food laws for Christians (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:13-15)? Are these all doctrines of hypocritical liars and demons?

They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. (1 Timothy 4:3-5 HCSB)

Should pastors dig into such controversial issues, or just avoid them as many do?

If you continue to point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good servant of the Messiah Jesus, nourished by the words of the faith and the healthy teaching that you have followed closely. (1 Timothy 4:6 ISV)

What value is there in training for godliness?

Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. (1 Timothy 4:7-9 NLT)

God’s plan and desire is to save all people, but in the end only one group will be saved. Who are they?

For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:10 ESV)

Many churches treat a young preacher with wonderful patience and kindness. Some churches do not. As a young preacher what should Timothy focus on?

These are the things you must insist on and teach. Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity. (1 Timothy 4:11-12 ISV)

What should any preacher focus on?

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:13-16 KJV)

Do wrong teachings come from demons and hypocritical liars? By what authority do some churches promote irreversible vows of celibacy? Are food laws still relevant for Christians? How should churches treat young preachers? You decide!