Introduction

A major danger for the church in Ephesus was the effects of false teaching, and that was in spite of Paul’s spending three years there himself. When he saw the Ephesian elders for the last time, Paul warned them of coming problems (Acts 20: 25-31). Note the extent of his own teaching programme among them (Acts 20:27). Good teaching will always involve repetition – reinforcing the truth – and that was Timothy’s task.

Look at the points he stressed in 1 Tim. 4:

1. The devil wants to take us away from the truth

a. See how vs. 1,2 bear this out, fulfilling Acts 20: 29,30. Liars have a special affinity with the devil (v.2; John 8:42-45). Fundamentally, what do they oppose (Acts 20:30)

b. As Satan steps up his opposition to the gospel (v.1,2 Tim. 3:1-7) see how they oppose what is true and good. 2 Peter 2:1-3 makes the same point.

c. What is the approach followed by these ‘hypocritical liars’ (v.1) in Ephesus (v.3a)? Think about the effect on the Christians of a complete ban on marriage. What abuses would it lead to? Think about God’s original purpose for men and women (Gen.2:18-24), and its significance for Christians (Eph. 5:22-33).

Scripture sees celibacy as right for some (Matt. 19:12). How would it sometimes be right to remain single?

d. These false teachers (probably Judaisers) wanted to return to O.T. regulations, banning some kinds of food (v.3). See how Jesus dealt with this (Mark 7:14-19), and Paul (vs. 4,5).

e. In a complete reversal, how does the devil try to take us away from the truth nowadays in connection with the same two subjects of a. marriage and sexual relationships and b. food? How does he work through T.V. and the rest of the media?

f. Satan has another weapon (v.7): religious lies, ‘godless legends’ (GNB). What evidence of this can you see today?

Note: How can we express our thankfulness for God’s good gifts (vs. 3-5)?

2. God’s response is to recall the truth

His aim is that we should know the truth and believe it (v.3b). See how through teaching Timothy is to achieve this:

a. He is to tackle the issues. That’s the force of v.6, especially ‘point these things out…’ (NIV).

b. What should he constantly underline (vs. 9,10)? How does this help us in dealing with the practical and urgent issues which we must face?

c. Why was it essential for Timothy’s life-style to back up what he was verbally teaching the believers (vs. 11,12)? Why is the example of our life-style a potent element in the actual teaching process?

d. What three elements were important in the church programme (v.13)?

‘Preaching’ emphasises practical exhortation, while ‘teaching’ underlines the doctrinal instruction.

Why are both necessary and when? Why does Paul emphasise the ‘public reading of Scripture’?

e. Like Timothy, we all have our own particular gift (v.14). What happens if we neglect it?

f. How do vs. 15,16 summarise Timothy’s responsibilities? Note that they are imperatives i.e. commands, not mere ideals or suggestions. They are vital to success. What is implied if we don’t take them to heart? And what is promised if we do?

‘Save yourself’ doesn’t refer to saving one’s soul by good works; that’s by grace alone (Eph. 2:8). Rather, it has the same emphasis as Phil. 2:12,13 –fulfilling with total dedication and in His strength the calling He has given us.