Lessons

Timothy Study – Part 8. Continuing in 1 Timothy, this lesson starts in chapter 4 which was given on March 4, 2007. Paul reminds Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:6 ”If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.”. The encouragement is to practice Godliness which we do by putting on the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5). God’s spirit communicates with our spirit as we learn in 1 Corinthians 2:10 “But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” and verse 11-12 says that we have received the spirit of God “… that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.” Remember, God has finished the word of God in the revelation of the Mystery (Colossians 1:25-26) so His spirit will not say anything beyond the confines of scripture. Anything you think God is revealing to you has to be proven out by scripture for we are requested to test the spirits (1 John 4:1). An example of this is to try and apply worldly truths to your spiritual walk (like the “Think and Grow Rich” crowds or the philosophy of a positive mental attitude). Now, starting in verse one Paul tells Timothy of the “latter times”. Keep in mind that there are two latter times, one for the dispensation belonging to the Israel, and the other one belonging to the dispensation of the Mystery (which involves the church which is the body of Christ). The characterization of the last days (latter times) for our dispensation is described in 2 Timothy 3:1-7; and 4:3-4. We see a lot of these attributes in the world today. Back in 1 Timothy 4:1 Paul tells of some turning away from the faith. It’s important to determine what you have your faith in… is it in Christ or something else? The individuals in verse one had faith but they have since turned away by giving heed to the doctrines of demons. It’s a spiritual warfare! (Ephesians 6:10-12). The end of the lesson talks about those believers whose conscience has been seared with a hot iron.