Stand for Truth - 1 Timothy 4:1-9

We are in a Spiritual War

1 Tim 4:1 “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,”

Deceit is Satan’s most powerful weapon. It looks like truth from the outside, but as we get closer, sometimes it raises questions that we choose to ignore.

1 Tim 4:2 “through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,”

Other Gospels Are Present

We are in a spiritual war and there are other gospels that are being presented as truth, but they’re twisted lies from Satan trying to lure us.

1 Tim 4:3 “who (the teachers from v1) forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth...”

Pressure from our Culture

Our culture today encourages these same teachings. As a society we are bombarded about these same practices.

Knowing the truth is so important. In a world that doesn’t know truth, we have to keep our eyes focused on God’s truth, the truth above all else. That truth is found in Scripture.

1 Tim 4:4-5 “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.”

God only creates good things.

1 Tim 4:6 “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.”

Paul has given Timothy this warning and he wants him to spread that warning to others in the church he is leading.

This is the first act of obedience that Paul is telling Timothy to do in this section.

Become a Student of the Bible

We need a trainer. We need to train each other. If we are in a spiritual war, you don’t go to war without proper training.

Same with us as followers of Jesus. Many of us haven’t been properly trained.

Bible App Plan - Delights and Disciplines of Bible Study - 4 day plan that will get you started.

1 Tim 4:7 “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;”

Focus on obeying God. Don’t get distracted with superficial things.

1 Tim 4:8 “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.”

God’s Words are Supreme

When reading the Bible at least 4 times a week

* Loneliness drops 30%

* Anger drops 30%

* Getting drunk drops 55%

* Sexual sins drop 65%

1 Tim 4:9 “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance.”

Stay focused on obedience to Jesus