1 Timothy 4:1-16: Series on the Epistles of Paul (120)

Well, good evening, brethren. Paul, in his instructive letter to Timothy, encourages the ministry to teach the Ephesian brethren Noah the doctrine, and also he encourages the brethren, men and women, to live a godly life. In the section from chapter 2 all the way through to chapter 6 verse 10, Paul is addressing sound teachings for the local congregation.

And in the third chapter, Paul dealt, as we discussed in the last study, in the last two studies, with qualities needed for selecting men to serve in the ministry, be it as serving as deacons or serving as elders. Paul then concludes this third chapter by saying that he wrote his instructions so we would know how to conduct ourselves.

And that is in God's church, which is the pillar and foundation of God's truth, as he put it. And so basically that means that's where God's truth is taught and where we can find it. Obviously, it's because we are following faithfully God's Word. And then he adds that this is the great mystery of becoming like God. And then he lists six statements about Christ, the head of the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

He says God, and then we can read that at the end of chapter 3 verse 16, says God was manifest in the flesh. So clearly talking about Jesus Christ. God's Holy Spirit, in other words, God's power, proved who he was because there were many miracles that clearly identified him as the Messiah.

Angels observed all that took place on earth. They observed his growth from a tiny baby to adulthood. They saw his sacrifice and his resurrection. And then Paul, we have Paul serving under Christ and directed by Christ as the apostle to the Gentiles. He made sure that Christ was preached to all the Gentile nations, to all the nations in that current era. Therefore, Jesus Christ was believed and he's believed throughout the known world and he was received into glory.

So through this sequence of events, this enables Christ's coming to earth, dying for us, sacrificing for us, being resurrected, being in glory, enables us to try to imitate him, to become better people, to be converted, to become godly. In other words, through Christ, through his suffering, through what he did and his work that was witnessed by men and angels, we believe what he did and so we can ultimately imitate Christ and be glorified. Now, in chapter 4, Paul now continues with specific sound teachings for the local congregation. Paul explained how we ought to conduct ourselves in the house of God, which is the Church of the Living God.

And now he instructs to those who depart from the truth. In other words, those that do not remain faithful to the end. And he says that those will be extremely devious. So let's read beginning in verse 1 of chapter 4. He says, now the Spirit expressly says. Now some people ask, well, does the Spirit speak? So let's just look at a few scriptures here related to this. The first one is in John 16 verse 13.

John 16 verse 13. He says, however, when he, which is talking about God's only Spirit, when the Spirit of truth has come, he or it will guide you into all truth. Now we need to understand that in Greek, like other, many other languages, there's no it. So something or anything needs to have a gender.

For instance, I'm now in Portuguese, the chair is female. The table is also female, but the plate is male. It's a gender that does not mean that the plate or the table or the chair is a person. But in Portuguese, he is used in the equivalent of he or she in that expression. So in these languages, there's no it. And so translators added the word he. And then he says, when the Spirit of truth has come, the Spirit will guide us into all truth. For the Spirit will not speak on his own authority, but whatever the Spirit hears, he will speak and the Spirit will tell you things to come.

So the Spirit, being God's power, as we will show a few scriptures to prove that, basically relays God's mind or teaching to us. And so God's mind, God's thoughts are given to us through his Spirit, and therefore it is as if God's Spirit is speaking to us. But he's actually relaying through God's Word because thy word is truth. God is speaking to us because the Word is Spirit as well. So let's look at another example, for instance, as that explains that the Spirit is God's power. That is, I've got two scriptures. One is in Luke chapter 1. Two scriptures in Luke. One is in Luke chapter 1 verse 35.

And it says, and the angel answered and said to her, the Spirit will come upon you and the power of the highest will overshadow you. So, yeah, we can see the Spirit is the power of the highest.

Then we have also in Luke chapter 24. Luke chapter 24 verse 49. All right, and it says, Behold, I send a promise of my Father upon you, but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high. It was until you receive God's Holy Spirit, and that is God's power until you receive that on the day of Pentecost.

So we know that Paul understood these things, and Paul actually received a number of special revelations. That's why we have here in 1 Timothy chapter 4 verse 1 says, Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times, some will depart from the truth. So how did he know? Because he received some special instructions. We know that he even received specific instruction from Christ himself. Let's prove that in Galatians chapter 1 verse 11 and 12. But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man, for another received it from man, nor was I taught it, it was from man, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. So his understanding of the gospel came through the revelation of Jesus Christ personally to him. So it just shows that Christ had revealed himself to Paul. Also in 2 Corinthians chapter 12 verse 7, we read, And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of revelations, by the abundance of revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me. A measure of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. So, Paul had received a number of revelations and God allowed him to have a thorn in the flesh and that kept him humble and kept him, as it says, not to be exalted above measure. So therefore, part of those revelations could also be warnings about some departing from the faith in the times of the end. That's why we read here in verse 1, Paul is writing this, that some will depart from the faith. Now, this is nothing unusual, you know, departing from the faith and going away from the truth, as happened many times. And also, Paul mentions this situation about the lost days, for instance, in 2 Timothy chapter 3 verse 1. He talks about the latter days. We also find references about what the latter days mean. Sometimes we think in our minds that the latter days only applies to the very, very time of the end to come. But the scripture, for instance, says that the latter days refers from Christ's first coming till now and even beyond. Let's look at Acts chapter 2 verse 17. Acts chapter 2 verse 17. And it shall come to pass, in the last days, that says God, that I'll pour out my spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy and young men shall see visions. And so, yeah, we have, we know it's a scripture that is applied to when God's Spirit was given to the church on the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. And so he says, yeah, this is fulfilling that scripture. But we also know that in the Millennium and beyond, God's Spirit will be poured out, he says, on all flesh. So it is again a duality. Let's look also at 1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 11. 1 Corinthians chapter 10 verse 11.

Now all these examples, now all these things, I mean, all these things happened to them as examples that they were written for our admonition, our admonition. So Paul was writing at the time of those Christians in Corinth. So it's for our admonition, but it applies to us as well. Upon whom the ends of the ages have come. So you can see that the last days, the ends of the ages is this latter period here since Christ's first coming.

We also have another scripture, which is also very interesting in this context, which is Hebrews chapter 1. Hebrews chapter 1 verse 1 and 2. God, who at various times and various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, he has in these last days spoken to us by his son, whom he has appointed here of all things, through whom also he made the walls. And so in these last days, now God is speaking to us through Christ and through the testimony and what we have in the Bible now in the New Testament. So, and this is mentioned as far as the last last days.

So let's continue reading in 1st Timothy chapter 4 verse 1, when it says that some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. And so what is it saying? What will happen? Well, some will depart from the faith because Satan and his demons will be deceiving people. Now, this is nothing new. In fact, if you and I think about the days of Adam and Eve, Adam and Eve gave heed to Satan's deceptive teaching. Also, we see that instruction in Deuteronomy, in the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 31, that when the law was read, Deuteronomy 31, Moses right at the end of his life, Deuteronomy 31 verse 28 and 29.

It says, for I gather to me all the elders of your tribes and the officers that I may speak these words to their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. For I know that after my death, said Moses, you will become utterly corrupt.

Moses knew you'll become utterly corrupt. And turn aside from the way which I have commanded you. And evil will befall you in the latter days because you will do evil in the sight of the Lord. And so the latter days is prophesied, but Moses was already saying that evil spirits would influence them and will guide them out and give them deceptive teaching. In fact, Christ himself prophesied that and warned the apostles. If we look at Matthew 24, Matthew 24, 9 through 13, Matthew 24, 9 through 13. Then they shall deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you shall be hated by all nations for my name's sake.

And then many will be offended and will betray one another and hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. Many false prophets. And then he says, and because lawliness will abound, the love of many will grow cold, but even use to the end will be saved. Many. So Christ is warning you that there's going to be deception. Also, Paul went on his final visit, which he thought would be his final visit at the end of the third missionary trip on Acts 20, verse 28.

We read, Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the house of God, which he purchased with his blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.

Also, from among yourselves men will rise up speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves. And so we see this would happen. That's why then, as we read, if we just read verse 31 as well, therefore watch and remember, you know, watch and be aware that this is going to happen. And indeed, in the future, is even going to happen to a greater scale.

If we look at 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, 2 Thessalonians chapter 2, verse 1 through 4. Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to him, and not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter as it is from us, as though the day of Christ had come, let no one deceive you by any means, that that day will not come unless the falling away comes first and the man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, who that is worshipped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

So, now we have a false prophet. And now in verse 9 he says, The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan with all power, signs and lying wonders, and all unrighteous deception among those who perish because they did not receive the love of the truth.

You see, brethren, we need to have the love of the truth. And so, deception has happened all along. Some have departed from the truth all along during the early church, the first century, the second century, the third century, the fourth century. In fact, the 19th century, the 20th century, you and I have seen it. Why? Because people are listening to deceiving spirits, as we read here in Timothy, that will mislead people and with false demonic teachings.

So, and that's where we read here in verse 1, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. So, some will leave the church. Why? Because they will be influenced by false teachings. False teachings that come from demons. In other words, inspired by demons. And we must realize that Satan is able to influence the world. Satan is the god of this world. We read that and he's the spirit of this world. We read that in 1 Corinthians 2 verse 12 and in 2 Corinthians 4, 4.

You see, so this world, this society, as prevailing attitudes, as values, as mindsets in this world system, they're anti-god.

And you just listen to what some people say. You can't believe their minds are just so unsound and basically driven by selfish desires or pride and disobedience.

So, what happens here, he says that there would be this false influence. And different churches have different spirits affecting them, different attitudes, different vibes.

Some are Pentecostal, speaking in tongues. Others are very stale, stuffy, starchy. Others are very augmentative.

And so, the point is, Satan is able to lead people away from the truth. And we have to be aware. You and I have witnessed that, particularly in the late 80s and 90s.

And we've got to be careful. We've got to be careful. And then he continues here in verse 2. He says, speaking lies in hypocrisy.

It was hypocritical lies.

That basically means that there is a deliberate intent to deceive. It was they know their teachings are false.

And then he continues saying, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron. Having their conscience seared with a hot iron.

In other words, their conscience is post-feeling. It's calloused. Why? Through constant violation. Going time and time again against their own conscience.

The conscience becomes seared. The Greek word for seared is cauterized. You know, it's like cauterized. It's just burned. So it doesn't burn. It doesn't bother them anymore.

And it is difficult for you and I to believe, but there is deliberate deception. There is. And you and I need to strive to have a clear conscience.

As we read, for instance, in Acts 24-16, we need to strive to have a clear mind and clear conscience. That's why it's so important not to go against your conscience. It's so important.

And so, yeah, we see a situation of these, as it calls it, people speaking lies in hypocrisy. And so we see situations of false teachers, false pastors, false ministers, willing to lie to get a following.

They're all concerned about one thing having a following. So they are basically, Yai's Paul is describing three simple steps that lead people away from the truth.

First one, they are influenced by deceptive spirits. He says, yeah, in verse 1, deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Secondly, in verse 2, he says, speaking lies in hypocrisy. So they begin to lie and act hypocritically.

And then thirdly, they completely cauterize their consciousness. And so these are steps that lead to people falling away, being influenced by wrong ideas, starting to lie and act hypocritically and not listening to their conscience. Because God's Holy Spirit works with your conscience. So that's so important to prize and take care of one's conscience.

You see, demons, we know from Luke 20, verse 34 to 36, they don't marry. And therefore, demons, in a way, envy human sexuality.

But demons also hate families. Why? Because a strong family produces stable people, and it's basically the foundation of a stable society.

And so how do these demons, through this hypocritical behavior and cauterizing people's conscience, what are some of their doctrines or some of their teachings? Well, that describes, described in verse 3. In verse 3 says, Forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

So what are their doctrines? Forbidding to marry. Now this can be applied in a very broad way.

For instance, there is a church that tells their clergy that they should not marry and tells their dedicated woman they shouldn't get married.

And then what do we have? You and I are hearing the news time and time again that the celibate priesthood creates many sinful temptations. And then we hear these scandals time and time again. And so it's talking about forbidding to marry because demons hate that family and hate human beings because possibly they're envious because they don't have a sexual, let's put it that way. And then they also teach doctrines about abstaining from certain foods. That's what it says here, to abstain from foods, certain foods.

Could be foods of any kind. And so what do we have here? You think about it. What do we have here? What do we have here is Gnosticism. Think about it. Gnosticism. And in fact, we have here two ascetic ideas. Asceticism is a branch of Gnosticism. And these ascetic ideas basically have a concept that anything that is physical is evil. And so anything that's physical, anything that's physically pleasurable is evil. And so abstain from marriage and therefore from sex. There is an ascetic idea. And abstain from all kinds of foods. For instance, quite often, vegetarianism is sometimes recommended by those in contact with these spiritual evils. I'm not saying vegetarianism is wrong, please. But what I'm saying is that if you're doing that for religious reasons, then you may be influenced incorrectly. And then what these ascetic ideas of abstaining from marriage and abstaining from food or any variation of that abstention from marriage can be in many different forms nowadays. This creates a pretense, a false pretense of holiness, of temperance, of denying your body, mortifying your body. And then what happens is that these very people are quite often the greatest people that end up indulging in terrible acts. So we've got to be careful with these doctrines of demons. And there are other doctrines of demons. I mean, yeah, it's listing just two, but there are others. For instance, another doctrine of demons is that Satan has convinced human beings that when they die, their souls go to heaven and they, in a sense, have an immortal soul. But we know in Ezekiel 18 verse 4 and in verse 20, he says, the soul that sins, it shall die. And so what do we have is this gospel of the truth of God's plan, because you think about God's plan that we die and there's a resurrection, but we're going to be overcoming. And at the resurrection will be changed at the first resurrection, if we'll be in overcoming, if not, we'll be at the second resurrection. This whole plan, this whole gospel of the truth is veiled by Satan, the God of this world. And we can see that in 2 Corinthians 4 verse 3 to 4, where he says the gospel is veiled. And we also know that there is a spirit of the power of the air. Ephesians 2 verse 1 and 2, there's a spirit of the power of the air. There's this vibe, this bad attitude sometimes, and sometimes you walk into certain environments, it is as if you can feel it. As if you can feel it. So, I'm getting back here to continue reading. This is in verse 3, talking about some of the doctrines of demons. But then it says here, foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving.

You see, so God created these foods, but the interesting thing is, the point here about God created is talking about forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from foods.

And so this which God created to be received could apply both to the blessings of marriage and the joy of sex within the marriage, and could also apply, of course, to foods.

Because it says which God created to be received with thanksgiving. The word received is the word called metalepsis, which means created for us to participate.

So God created for us to receive. In other words, God intends us to receive in a positive, godly way the act of marriage and to be married because there's a joy in marriage and there's a joy in eating good, clean food.

It's not talking about unclean foods. And then it continues, yeah, it says received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

It says those who know the truth. Now, John 17, 17 says that word is true. In other words, using God's word, we know God's word, we know the truth.

And what does God's word tell us? God's word tell us the truth, what foods we ought to eat and what foods we not to eat.

For instance, Leviticus 11, Deuteronomy 14 tells us instructions on what to eat or what not to eat.

And so what we have here is that God created and created, as it says, yeah, created to be received with thanksgiving.

Well, it could be. Continue that to those who believe and know the truth of the truth. For every creature, verse four, for every creature of God is good and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.

For every creature. Now, every creature, the wordia is actually kitsma, Greek 2938, kitsma, which means all created things, all things that were formal, created.

So, yes, it's translated in English as creature, but it could be translated, maybe in a better way, as created things.

So it obviously does apply to food, but it could apply to everything else that God created. God created marriage.

And, for instance, when we look at the end of Genesis, chapter 1, when it says God created all these things, and it says it's very good.

And He created male and female, and very good, and everything has a purpose. And so God created everything for its purpose.

And so, every things that God created is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.

But again, as we read in the previous verse, it is according to truth. And God's Word tells us what is truth, and what is to be eaten, and not to be eaten.

But whatever is good to be eaten is to be received with thanksgiving. Are we thankful? Are we grateful? For the variety of food, for the variety of beautiful mountains, going to beautiful scenic areas, beautiful islands, lovely waves of the sea and beaches and things like that.

Or just enjoying beautiful seasons and the changes of the seasons, for a variety of music and art and literature and science.

God created all these things which we are to receive with thanksgiving. Now verse 5, for it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer.

It is set apart by the Word of God and prayer. The Word of God defines what is good and evil, as I mentioned. What is good to eat and what is not good to eat.

God's law, the Ten Commandments, tells us how to laugh, what is good. It tells us what's right.

For instance, meat, and meat, unclean meat is not unclean meat because God is spiteful to us.

The reason God said don't eat certain foods is set apart some to eat and some not to eat, is because some are not good for us.

Sanctified is the word hajiazu, which means holy, sanctified, set apart.

For instance, marriage is set apart by God as honorable. God ordained marriage.

And so, as we can see about setting apart or sanctifying, first, it's set apart from other similar things.

So, a couple, a husband and wife are set apart and they're married from other human beings. They set apart for that purpose.

The ministry is ordained, or the deacons are ordained, are set apart for that purpose.

When a person is ill and is colon and then we anoint over him and we set him apart and ask God to heal that person, we receive God's Holy Spirit and God's Holy Spirit sets us apart from the world. So, we can be set apart from other similar things, but we also can be set apart for a specific purpose.

Certain people are set apart, ordained and given certain responsibilities.

And God knows each one is put in the church in his own place for a specific purpose.

And the other thing is that God is involved. God is the one that sets apart.

Now, I heard a story from another minister that he said, okay, he had to give the blessing of a meal.

They asked him, well, you are a minister and he was in a group of other people and they asked him to give a blessing on a meal.

But he looked at a lot of the food that was in front of him was unclean food. And so he said, oh, now what am I going to say? Because I've got to pray and ask God to bless, but I can't ask God to bless what is unclean, which is not to be eaten.

So, in the prayer, he said he asked God to bless the food which he created to be eaten.

So, that was a way of him saying, well, bless the food that you created to be eaten. And so that's how in his mind he addressed that issue, which I thought was something that I remember this minister mentioning and something that stuck in my mind. Now, from verse 6, 1st Timothy chapter 4 verse 6 through to verse 11, is saying now what a good minister of Jesus Christ will teach.

You'll teach and then let's just read verse 6.

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you'll be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

So, if you really are teaching these good things, these things that I've mentioned here, correct things that he's mentioning in the soul book, in the sleepers' soul, you'll be a good minister. And but first, you need to be nourished. A minister must be nourished first. Otherwise, how can he teach? That's why he says if you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith. You and I need to be nourished. We need to be studying the words of faith. We need to be close to the Bible, to what God says.

And then he also says the words of faith and of the good doctrine. So the words of the good doctrine, you know, words, specific teaching on specific subjects.

And then he says, which you have carefully followed. So Paul was very grateful for Timothy as a minister because Timothy was attentive to sound teaching. He followed carefully. Then he continues in verse 7, but reject profane and old wives' tales, old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.

And so profane means information and stuff that you receive from ordinary, unholy sources. And then he says, and old wives' fables. It's like calling it the spiritual junk food of the day. Today, that spiritual junk food is, for instance, not only old wives' tales, but for instance, social media. There's a lot of junk, junk, spiritual junk food in social media. And that obviously includes some silly or superstitious beliefs or false ideas. I mean, there's so many false ideas going out there that are just silly. For instance, flat earth. It's just spiritual junk food. So avoid that. And that's what he says. Avoid that, says here. Reject profane and old wives' fables and exercise yourself towards godliness. Godliness is what we are going to put in this life and in the life to come. That means physically, emotionally, spiritually, we've got to work in all these areas to build up godliness, a godly relationship with others. And so in verse 8 here, he says, For bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

So Paul is encouraging Timothy to concentrate on the spiritual efforts to build godliness, because that is far more important than physical exercise. Sure, he says physical exercise is good, but godliness is far more. And what is godliness? Godliness is when we repent of dead works and we strive to live according to God's word. That is godliness. And that is a faithful saying. That's what he says in verse 9. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. This is important. This is true. Godliness is far more important as exercising godliness than just exercising physical exercises. Not saying don't do physical exercises, but exercising godliness is far more important.

Verse 10. Verse 10. For this end. For this end. What end? To achieve godliness. To achieve godliness, Paul went through a lot of trials and he had to learn to trust God. And so that's what he says. Yeah, verse 10. To this end, verse 10. We both labor and suffer reproach. That means Paul and Timothy and us, right? Because we trust in the living God.

And so the ultimate end result is for us to be like God. It's for us to develop to full character and statue of Jesus Christ. And so he says, because we trust in the living God, who is the saviour of all man, especially of those who believe. These things command and teach. And so God is the saviour of all men. Does not mean that all men will be saved.

There is a saviour of all people that are willing to change and repent because people have a free moral agency. And so God desires all men to be saved. He's the saviour of all men. But obviously, if man refuses it, then he's not going to force them because people are free moral agents. So God obviously also, as you and I know, calls people when he sees it's best for those people. Some are called now, some will be called later. Continue now and therefore he says these things command and teach these things, these teachings.

Not your own ideas, but you know, even Christ himself said, my doctrine is not mine, but it's the one that sent me. John 7 verse 16 and 18. He says, my teaching that I do is not mine. It's not my speculation. It's not my ideas. It's the Father's ideas. We all have to stick to the true doctrine. Stay within the doctrine. Not come out with ideas and start causing division with these different ideas. And now from verse 12 through 16, Paul emphasizes on Timothy's relationship with the congregation because he was a younger minister and so he says, don't let people despise you.

Hold you in contempt. Make sure that you are a godly example. That's what he says. Let no man despise you, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. And I guess you could have a sermon just out of this verse going through each one of these characteristics.

So, Timothy was commanded by Paul here to teach God's truth, you know, and that also, first and foremost, to be an example. To be an example. How you speak, how you conduct, how you share care and for others, how you behave in a godliness, spirit, and having faith, and being pure in everything you do. So, he was to be an example. He was not to be a lord, a dictator. Now, just to be an example, a leader. A leader leads by example. And then verse 13, "'Til I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine." Reading first, then exhort.

Basically, what we read. And then doctrine. Not speculation, but doctrine. So, one of the jobs of the ministry, as a pastor, as people speaking church, we must teach what is in the Bible. Not our own ideas or speculative ideas. Verse 14, "'Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of hands of the eldership.'" And so, Timothy received God's Holy Spirit as a minister.

This gift receiving God's Holy Spirit is not just when he was baptized, but it is when he was ordained as a minister. And he says, received to him by prophecy. So, he received like a special gift. And if we read that first Timothy chapter 1 verse 18, which we read earlier on in our studies, but just to be a bit of a scale there, verse 18, he says, "'This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you wage the good warfare.'" So, there were a number of prophecies made regarding a job, a responsibility that was prophesied that Timothy had or had a responsibility given to him by God.

And then in verse 15 says, "'Meditate on these things. Give yourself entirely to them that your progress may be evident to all.'" Meditate. Keep your mind focused on what you're doing. Why? Because meditation builds spiritual depth. Don't just read over it. Meditate about it. You read a scripture. Meditate about it. Think about it. And that will show ultimately spiritual growth, will show progress. And that's what it says. Meditate on these things. Give yourself entirely to them that your progress, in other words, your spiritual growth may be evident to all.

And so that is demonstrated by him setting an example. That's what he says, an example. And then he concludes, says, "'Take heed,' in verse 16, "'to yourself and to the doctrine, continuing them. For in doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.'" Now, obviously, no minister has the power to save himself or to save anybody. But we have to be careful, number one, how we live and what we say and what we do. And so, through the proper taking care of ourselves and continuing the doctrine and doing this, you will help. You will contribute to the spiritual growth of others. And first and foremost, we make sure, we make sure, that's why it says, take heed to yourself.

We must make sure that our own lives as ministers and as leaders in the church are above reproach because, you know, there's a bigger judgment on us. And so, we need to take heed to ourselves and to the doctrine.