1Timothy 3: 14- 4: 1 – 5

October 31, 2022

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

Verse 4:1. Talk about being ‘spot on’. Think about the world today; falling church attendance, the ‘seducing spirits‘ that pull our attention away from what we know we need to be doing, and the ‘doctrines of devils;‘ that we can read about every day.

The Bible tells us there is nothing new under the sun (Ecc. 1:9). Church history has taught us about the ebbs and flows and how the Church has always risen above the troubles that have beset her but one can’t help but wonder, given the 24 hour news cycle and the internet and the social media platforms, if we’re close to seeing the Church fade away entirely.

Not if we fight the good fight!(1Tim 6:12), Not if we put on the full armor of God (Eph 6:10-18). Not if we remember we are Christian soldiers.

Advertisement