Down to Earth But Heavenly Minded

What does 1st Timothy Chapter 4 mean?

Chapter 4 marks a major transition in the focus of Paul’s letter. First Timothy chapters 1 through 3 emphasized personal matters related to church worship. Here, the primary topic is dangers posed by false teachers and the specific responsibilities of various groups. Chapter 4 is often viewed as being written in two parts: a description of the false teachers in Ephesus (1 Timothy 4:1–5) and practical steps for defense against these false teachers (1 Timothy 4:6–16).

Verses 1–5 begin with a focus on what the Spirit says will happen in the end times (1 Timothy 4:1). As we wait for the return of Christ, many will fall away from the faith. Some of these people will attempt to enforce false rules as conditions for following God. One early example of such people, present when Paul wrote these words, was the Gnostics. This group taught that all physical matter was evil, leading them to denounce many foods, as well as marriage. However, according to Paul, “everything created by God is good” (1 Timothy 4:4; Genesis 1—2), and should not be rejected out-of-hand. Anything used as God intended, and with a thankful spirit, has been sanctified or “set apart” through the Word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:5).

Verses 6–16 shift to a focus on combatting these false teachers and their teachings. Paul’s advice here is extremely practical. For the most part, these directions involve what Timothy needs to accomplish in his own life and teachings. Timothy is to point out these truths to others (1 Timothy 4:6) and discipline himself for godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). He is especially commanded to set an example for the believers (1 Timothy 4:12), persist in sound teaching (1 Timothy 4:13), and fulfill his unique spiritual calling (1 Timothy 4:14).

Paul also instructs Timothy to be totally focused on this work (1 Timothy 4:15) in order to help both himself and the people to whom he is ministering (1 Timothy 4:16).

Chapter Context
First Timothy chapter 4 serves as a bridge from Paul’s introduction into the later part of his letter. Prior chapters indicated the qualifications for church leaders, and some instructions on the proper way for church members to conduct themselves. Here, in chapter 4, Paul reminds Timothy not to be swayed by the false teachings of others. This combination of encouragement and warning sets the stage for the rest of Paul’s message. The final two chapters will provide a means for Timothy to identify and avoid errors in his spiritual life.

Verse by Verse

Verse 1. Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

The beginning of chapter 4 transitions from Paul’s personal and church policy, which was the focus of chapters 1–3, to the issue of false teachers. Verses 1 through 5 focus on the various dangers presented by these deceivers.

The opening phrase “the Spirit expressly says” is often met with confusion. There is no specific quotation in Scripture which matches this wording. Some believe that Paul was referring to information given directly to Paul in a special revelation. Others believe this might be a reference to some other, non-biblical work. However, the most likely interpretation is also the simplest. This idea that false teachers would arise to deceive Christians is a clear doctrine of Jesus (Mark 13:22), and is seen in other parts of the Bible. So, while the specific words in 1 Timothy 4:1 are not found elsewhere in the Bible, they reflect a truth which the Holy Spirit has “expressly” taught.

Paul’s reference to “later times” is similar to that of 2 Timothy 3:1. Paul certainly has in mind the time he actually wrote this letter, since he spoke of these actions as taking place in Ephesus. However, this is a general forward-looking statement, incorporating all time until the eventual return of Christ.

Paul’s prediction is that certain people associated with the Christian church will “depart.” This verse, in and of itself, gives no specific indication whether these people are true believers who were deceived, or unbelievers. In either case, they were part of the church family, but later separate themselves from the faith. The motivation for their departure will be spiritual deception. This might involve actual spirit worship, common in the ancient world. Or, this may be a vague reference to false teachings (1 Timothy 4:3).

Paul often notes that any doctrines which contradict the gospel are inherently evil (Galatians 1:8–9). Saying that these are the teachings of “demons” is a potent way of declaring that their claims are contrary to the “sound doctrine” which was given by Christ (James 3:15).

Context Summary
First Timothy 4:1–5 transitions Paul’s letter towards a discussion of false teachings. In this passage, Paul is especially concerned with teachers who encourage a practice known as asceticism. This is the rejection of worldly comforts in an effort to become more spiritual. In Paul’s day, groups such as the Gnostics taught that sexuality and food were physical, and therefore corrupted. On the contrary, as Paul explains, everything God created can be more than just ”good.” It can actually be ”holy,” when used as God intended.

Verse 2. through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

Paul’s description of false teachers in Ephesus continues from verse 1. Here, he adds the idea that these dangerous voices are not entirely honest. He describes them using the Greek terms hypokrisei and pseudologōn. These are literally “hypocrites and liars.” Upcoming verses will detail the restrictions they place on others. At least some of these are points which the false teachers themselves don’t actually ascribe to (1 Timothy 1:7). A true “hypocrite” is not one who teaches something they fail to follow, but one who teaches something they don’t really believe.

Paul’s phrasing about the conscience comes from a single Greek word: kekaustēriasmenōn. This literally means “to be branded with a hot iron,” and is often translated simply as “seared.” One of the unfortunate side-effects of a deep burn is the destruction of nerves. A person whose body is branded frequently loses sensation in that spot. In the same way, it is possible for a person to be desensitized to their own sin (Ephesians 4:19).

This can become a dramatic moral numbness, as was the case in Nineveh (Jonah 4:11). In that case, God promised judgment, yet relented when the people repented. God offered the same to those in Paul and Timothy’s time. In verse 16, Paul will encourage persistence in correct teaching, to avoid the disasters it invites (1 Timothy 4:16).

Verse 3. who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

Paul mentions two specific points in which the false teachers of his day were mistaken. These are both consistent with the heresy of Gnosticism. Gnostics believe that all physical matter is evil; therefore, the human body, all forms of sexuality, and pleasant food were labelled as evil. As a result, the Gnostics rejected marriage and taught people not to eat certain foods.

While Paul was unmarried (1 Corinthians 9:5–6), Christianity has never prohibited marriage. Nor has it upheld celibacy as a “holier” approach than married sexuality. This ascetic practice was a false teaching arising from those at Ephesus who held to early versions of Gnostic teachings (Colossians 2:20–23).

A focus on Jewish law would have promoted kosher dietary restrictions upon Gentile Christians, even though the early church had rejected this (Acts 15). According to Paul, the physical things God created for our benefit should not be rejected. Paul’s reference here is not to the early church, but goes all the way back to God’s creation in Genesis chapters 1 and 2. No food is to be rejected out-of-hand (1 Timothy 4:4), but should be embraced with a grateful attitude. The ability to thank God for good things, instead of rejecting them, is credited to those with correct understanding of God’s Word and His will.

Verse 4. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

Paul repeats his theme from the previous verse: everything God created has some good purpose. Nothing in this world is supposed to be treated as “evil,” in and of itself. Of course, good things can be abused. Alcohol has use, but can be abused in drunkenness. Food is good, but can be abused in gluttony. Sexuality is good, but it can be abused if practiced outside of godly marriage. Both verses 3 and 4 refer to the importance of receiving God’s creations with a thankful spirit. Christians are to pray and give thanks for food, not reject it based on a false understanding of God’s truth.

Elsewhere Paul wrote about food sacrificed to idols, saying, “Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that ‘an idol has no real existence,’ and that ‘there is no God but one’” (1 Corinthians 8:4), though he showed concern for those for whom this could be a stumbling block (1 Corinthians 8:7–13; Romans 14). Mark 7:19 also reveals that Jesus “declared all foods clean.” We are to give thanks for our meals and for our marriages (1 Timothy 4:3), knowing that both are “good” (Genesis 1and have been blessed by God.

Verse 5. for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

Here, Paul repeats the main theme of the last two verses. Nothing God created is evil, in and of itself. Various false teachers, particularly those adhering to Gnosticism, were teaching that physical matter was sinful. As a result, these people discouraged both marriage and the eating of certain foods. Paul’s response appeals to God’s role as the Creator (1 Timothy 4:3–4). In fact, everything God created has some good purpose. Nothing given to us by God is meant to be rejected out-of-hand. Rather, we should be thankful for the opportunity to use His creation in a positive way.

Here, Paul extends this teaching even further. The physical creations of this world all have some positive use, but even more so, those things used in a thankful, prayerful, biblical way become “holy”! The food we eat, the materials we build with, the blessing of sexuality within a marriage—everything God gave us in this world can be more than just “good.” It can be holy and used for His glory, when used as He intended.

Verse 6. If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.

Prior verses began Paul’s refutation of the false teachers Timothy was facing. Verses 1 through 5 specifically called out those who condemned marriage and eating certain foods.

Here, Paul focuses more on Timothy’s pastoral approach to these heretics. A church leader’s primary strategy for combatting false teaching is to keep sound doctrine in the eyes and ears of his congregation (Titus 2:1). And, Timothy was to teach what he was given in this letter to others (2 Timothy 2:2). Paul uses a Greek term here, adelphois, which literally means “of the same womb.” This is often translated as “brothers” in English, but it is meant to refer to all members of the Christian family.

Those who seek to promote the truth, and combat error (Titus 1:9), are pursuing the primary goal of a follower of Jesus. The same Greek phrase is used by Jesus in Luke 19:17 when He taught, “Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.” The word “servant” here is from doulos, meaning “slave or bondservant,” rather than a volunteer. The purpose of this term is its emphasis on a serious commitment and obligation to serving Christ.

Paul also identifies an aspect of a “good servant” as one who is knowledgeable and experienced in the truths of the Christian faith. In order for a person to know the truth, teach the truth, and defend the truth, they have to have experience with the truth. This means a knowledge of the Scriptures, and an understanding of how they are meant to be lived out. This living out of what we study is a core part of what it means to “follow” the teachings of Christ.

Context Summary
First Timothy 4:6–10 provides perspective on the right way to lead, as a church elder. Timothy has already been warned about false teachers. In response, he needs to be diligent in learning, living, teaching, and defending the truth. Paul makes a comparison here with physical training. Fitness is good, since it has benefits. But physical fitness is only temporary. Spiritual fitness, then, is much more beneficial, since its effects last forever.

Verse 7. Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;

Verse 6 commanded Timothy to prepare himself, and his church, to defend the truth against false teachings. Here, Paul continues to offer practical advice on how to do this most effectively. Paul has previously referred to “myths,” as in 1 Timothy 1:4. These superstitions also include the Gnostic heresies mentioned in verses 1 through 5. There, Paul discussed those who condemned certain foods and marriage. These falsehoods are “irreverent,” from the Greek term bebēlous, literally meaning “unholy or profane.”

Not only are these errors spiritually false, they are ignorant. Paul calls them graōdeis, which literally means “old woman-ish.” In the culture of that day, superstition and gossip were rampant. Today, we refer to a superstitious myth as an “old wives’ tale,” and this is a similar sense of what Paul is saying here. The claims about God which Timothy needs to avoid are “silly:” unreliable hearsay which does not honor God.

Timothy was told to instead focus his efforts on personal godliness. The phrasing used here specifically refers to teaching and instruction. This training was not simply for knowledge, but rather for godly living. This resembles the words of James 1:22, which commands, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Learning is always meant to lead to action.

Verse 8. for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

In the prior verse, Paul instructed Timothy to ignore silly myths and instead focus on training himself for godliness. Both of these specifically involve proper teaching, and learning, leading to action. Here, Paul compares physical training for an athlete with spiritual training for godliness. He states that physical conditioning is of some importance, but is less important than a godly life.

The reason godliness is more important than physical fitness is due to its eternal value. Physical fitness is a good thing. At the very least, it means taking care of the body God gave us. But physical fitness only benefits us while we have this physical body. On the other hand, spiritual growth impacts eternity. Paul often speaks of the “next life” as the true focus of the believer. Colossians 3:2 reminds us to “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Many believe the words, “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you are of no earthly good,” are in the Bible. They are not, though it is true that we cannot ignore the earthly realities around us. However, a person with a godly perspective on the good things God has given us (1 Timothy 4:4) can be completely “heavenly minded” and still of much “earthly good.” Paul sees the promise of heaven as a reason to live a godly, effective life today.

Verse 9. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.

The prior verse encouraged Timothy, and other Christians, to pursue spiritual “training.” This process of learning, teaching, and living out the word of God is critical for the health and growth of the church. To emphasize this importance, Paul has just indicated that this spiritual “exercise” is more useful than the exercise an athlete gives to their physical body. Bodily fitness is temporary, but spiritual fitness lasts for eternity.

So, here the statement Paul is encouraging Timothy to fully accept is the prior verse. Believers are to strive for godliness, because it has impact both in this life and the next. The phrase “the saying is trustworthy,” is unique to the Pastoral Epistles in the New Testament, used five times by Paul. He also uses the phrase in 1 Timothy 1:15 and 1 Timothy 3:1, as well as 2 Timothy 2:11 and Titus 3:8. Each time, the phrase emphasizes a particular point or quote Paul wants Timothy or Titus to remember.

The second part of this phrase, “deserving of full acceptance,” is repeated elsewhere only in 1 Timothy 1:15, where Paul emphasized that “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I [Paul] am the foremost.” Just as Timothy was to fully accept the fact that Paul was a sinner saved by God’s grace, he was also to accept that godliness or spiritual training was important now and for eternity.

Verse 10. 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.

Paul continues the instruction he began in verse 6. The end goal being fought for is godliness, or godly living, as described in verses 7 through 9. Paul and Timothy both focused their lives on spiritual growth that led to godly living. Rather than accepting false teachings (1 Timothy 4:1), or silly myths (1 Timothy 4:7), a church leader is meant to focus on knowing and defending the truth (1 Timothy 4:8–9).

“Living God” was a name often associated with God the Father in the Old Testament. For example, Psalm 42:2 says, “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” Yet this verse also calls this “living God” the “Savior of all people.” Paul acknowledged Jesus and the Father as one (John 10:30).

The phrase “Savior of all people” is unique in the Bible to this verse. It clearly does not mean every person is saved in the sense that every person goes to heaven. Scripture often presents the need for people to be “saved” in order to have eternal life, rather than eternal destruction (John 3:16–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). The more reasonable interpretation is that Paul means to highlight the unity between Jew and Gentile (1 Timothy 2:1). Paul was encouraged by the fact that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords (Philippians 2:9–11), the same ruler over all people and for all time.

“Especially of those who believe” simply places an emphasis on Jesus as Savior to believers, though He is also the one, true God.

Verse 11. Command and teach these things.

This short verse includes only four words in the Greek text and five in English: “Command and teach these things.”

Timothy was given two imperatives. The Greek word parangelle means to “declare, command, or charge.” Timothy is to explicitly instruct people according to these truths. In addition, he is to teach. This follows the instructions Paul has given in the prior verses.

This two-fold command to preach and teach was common in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:12). In 1 Timothy 5:7, Paul will also tell Timothy to “Command these things as well,” there referring to instructions regarding the church’s treatment of widows.

The items Paul has in mind are all the points made in verses 1 through 10. In particular, Paul is referring to the immediate context of verses 6–10. There, he dealt with avoiding myths and pursuing godly living. These words also hold special importance; the next verse will command Timothy to be an example through his life of these commands and teachings.

Context Summary
First Timothy 4:11–16 focuses on Timothy’s own personal conduct as the leader of a Christian church. Paul emphasizes ideas such as persistence, confidence, and diligence. Of particular importance is that Timothy live out an example for other believers. Among the most powerful counters to false teaching are the positive results spiritual truth can bring. Along with teaching the truth, Timothy must live it. By devoting himself to these principles, Paul reassures Timothy that he can be a powerful positive influence for Christ.

Verse 12. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

This important verse has often been quoted to youth ministries and young leaders. Though Timothy was likely in his early 30s when this letter was written, the words apply to any church leader, regardless of age. Timothy was not to let anyone look down on him because of his age. For all of human history, there has been a tendency for older generations to dismiss younger teachers, simply because they are young. In order to counter this, the influence of a young leader should come through his example. In this particular context, the “example” is that given to other Christians, not for unbelievers. Though both are important (Matthew 5:16), Paul is focusing on leadership within the church in this verse.

Paul gives five specific areas in which Timothy is to serve as an example. First is his words. Second his actions, which should reflect an example of godliness. Third, his love was to be an example (1 Timothy 1:5, 14; 2:15). Fourth, Timothy was to be an example in faith. This is similar to 1 Timothy 1:5 where Paul said, “The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” Fifth, Timothy’s example was to include his “purity,” both physically in his behavior around young women (1 Timothy 5:2) and in his spirituality (1 Timothy 5:22).

Verse 13. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.

Paul’s reference to a later visit suggests he planned to return to Ephesus from Macedonia. Based on what we read in his later letters, Titus and 2 Timothy, it appears likely Paul returned to Ephesus. Historically, we are not sure whether or not Paul was able to make his planned trip to Spain (Romans 15:24–28), or to Colossae at Philemon’s home (Philemon 1:22). However, he seems to have successfully arrived at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3), and Nicopolis (Titus 3:12), where he planned to spend the winter. We then find him imprisoned in Rome (2 Timothy) where he expected soon to die.

Paul told Timothy to “devote” himself to three areas. First, Timothy is to be committed to the public reading of Scripture, which at that time specifically meant the Old Testament. Second, he is to be faithful to exhortation, meaning preaching. Third, he is to teach others. All three aspects are important in the life of a preacher or pastor. He must be able to publically read Scripture well—an often forgotten practice in many modern churches—as well as proclaim it, and instruct others accurately.

Verse 14. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.

Paul followed his commands regarding preaching and teaching with a reference to Timothy’s “gift.” He mentions this again in 2 Timothy 1:6: “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” This likely took place in Lystra when Paul first planned to take Timothy with him into ministry. Timothy was gifted in leadership and teaching through “prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.” This prayer or ordination event must have been memorable, as Paul twice referred to it to encourage Timothy’s leadership based on an event that happened around 15 years earlier.

Interestingly, Paul included himself in this council of elders (2 Timothy 1:6). Timothy would travel with him through Macedonia, Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea with Luke and Silas before staying in Berea with Silas (Acts 17:14). Timothy would later be with Silas in Macedonia and then rejoined Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:5) where they also ministered with Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2) and likely ended up in Ephesus where he ministered for a longer period (Acts 18:19–21). Timothy would later go back to Macedonia (Acts 19:21–22) and Troas (Acts 20:4–5) and was later with Paul during his first imprisonment.

Verse 15. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.

Here Paul gives Timothy a specific command regarding the points he has just made. The larger context includes 1 Timothy 4:1–16. This verse likely focuses on the five areas of example mentioned in verse 12: speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. It also covers Paul’s command to publically read Scripture, preach, and teach (1 Timothy 4:14). Timothy was to “practice” similar to the athletic analogy in verse 8. Also, Paul uses the Greek phrase en toutois isthi, literally meaning “be in” them. Some translations represent this as “immerse.”

Timothy’s life was to be so focused on serving Christ that it was obvious to everyone. Many people in Ephesus claimed to be believers. However, not all lived like it. One way Timothy could stand out, in addition to sound doctrine, was through a life that reflected the true teachings of the Christian faith. In contrast, the false teachers would reveal the wrong nature of their false teachings through their sinful actions.

Verse 16. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Paul’s concluding verse in this passage offers much wisdom. First, Timothy is to evaluate himself, perhaps again building on the athletic analogy used in verses 8 and 15. The areas he is to evaluate include his life and his teaching. Both were developed earlier in this chapter and are essential to effective ministry. The ability to understand, teach, and live out the truths of the gospel are essential to the work of a Christian church leader. These have been the theme of Paul’s message in this passage.

In addition, Paul refers to persistence, a key theme both in physical training and in our spiritual life. For example, Hebrews 12:1 teaches, “… let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Timothy’s persistence would “save both yourself and your hearers.” This was not about Timothy earning his salvation. He was saved by faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). However, he could save his life and those of his church from the error of false teaching through his example and by teaching the truth.

End of Chapter 4.

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