Text: 1 Tim. 4:1-11
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Two examples of things taught by demons:
• They forbid people to marry and
• Order them to abstain from certain foods
…which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things.
Universalism is the belief that all humankind will eventually be saved.
Christian universalism teaches that Christ’s atonement did atone for everyone’s sins. While I do not believe that universalism correctly reflects the teaching of the Bible, I do believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection makes salvation available to everyone. In that way, the living God…is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe.”
In verses 7 and 8, the apostle contrasts two things ~ one we should reject and the other we should pursue…
Reject: Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales…
Old wives’ [women’s] tales is a derogatory term introduced by the translators of the KJV Bible in 1611.
It was a time when women were largely illiterate. And so, women were known for telling and retelling stories that often had little or no basis in fact…
• If you break a mirror you’ll have seven years bad luck.
• Don’t touch a frog or you’ll get warts.
• It’s bad luck to walk under a ladder.
• Feed a cold and starve a fever.
• You’ll get arthritis if you crack your knuckles.
The term “old wives’ tales” also comes from the tradition of mothers scaring their children out of unwanted behaviour. For example, if you swallow chewing gum, it will stay in your stomach for 7 years.
So, the reference to “Old wives’ tales” dates back to the early 1600s and was introduced by the KJV. It’s been picked up by other translations using even more offensive terminology. Consider the NASB: “But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women.” This is derogatory, misogynistic, and unbiblical. These words are NOT found in the original Greek manuscripts which simply say, “But profane and silly fables refuse.”
That sentence on its own could be the most profound revelation for the church for the past two years, during which time we have heard countless Christians and Christian leaders propagate some of the silliest fables we’ve ever heard. God’s Word tells us to refuse or reject such things as silly, senseless, and pointless. Instead we are to…
Pursue: godliness ~ “train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (v. 7-8).
Let’s break this down…
Physical training is of some value…
It sure is. It’s hard work. It takes discipline. It pays great dividends.
Exercise has great value in this life, BUT one day my body (and yours) will die and any exercise I’ve done will no longer have any use.
2 Cor. 4:16, “outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
In contrast to the temporal benefits of physical exercise, Paul writes…
But godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Q. What is godliness?
Ness = an suffix meaning, “the state or quality of.”
In this case, the state or quality of being godly.
Godly = someone’s inner response to God that shows itself outwardly
Godliness = Devotion in action
And so, 1 Timothy 4:8 encourages us to train ourselves to be godly. Just as we discipline ourselves to eat healthily and exercise regularly, we are also to pursue godliness. Just like physical exercise, training to be godly will take deliberate effort and self-control. It’s not something that just happens. We need to be strategic when it comes to growing in godliness. Training ourselves so that our devotion to God overflows into action…
Q. How does connection with other Christians encourage you?
As I wrap this up, let me give you one reason why you may like to consider strengthening fellowship & engagement in the New Year Restart…
Fellowship & engagement makes life more fulfilling.
That’s what the Christian life should be like. Fellowship & engagement makes life more fulfilling. You see, we are not the church on our own…
We are not the church on our own. That’s why God has called us to do the Christian journey with others who are part of our church family. It makes life more fulfilling.
One of the great things about fellowship and engagement is the support people give to one another when someone is facing a tough time.
But it doesn’t stop at support during tough times, it also means that we celebrate life’s triumphs together too ~ Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
Fellowship & engagement makes life more fulfilling.
Discussion Questions
What so-called “Old wives’ tales” have you been told or heard? Did you ever believe them?
Discuss: How does connection with other Christians encourage you?
What do you do to keep yourself fit and healthy?
Godliness is “Devotion in action.” In what ways do you show this quality?
In 1 Tim. 4, Paul encourages Timothy to train himself so that his devotion to God overflows into action. Is there an area you’d like to strengthen during the New Year Restart? If so, what? Who could you partner with?
Have you ever started an enormous task that others then came and helped you with? Share your experiences and the emotions you felt.
Discuss: “Fellowship & engagement makes life more fulfilling.”