top of page

1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4 discusses the spiritual and practical guidance Paul gives to Timothy, his younger protégé. The chapter warns against false teachings and emphasizes the importance of godliness and discipline in personal conduct. Paul provides instructions on how to be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nurturing one's faith through the teachings of the Scripture and personal spiritual disciplines.

1 Timothy 4:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;
5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

This passage warns of a time when some will depart from the faith, following deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. Among the practices highlighted are forbidding marriage and commanding abstinence from certain foods, both of which reflect a distortion of God’s intentions. Historically, this has been linked to practices within the Catholic Church, such as the requirement of celibacy for clergy and abstaining from certain foods on specific days, like Fridays during Lent.

The passage emphasizes that "every creature of God is good" and should be received with thanksgiving, as long as it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. However, this does not mean that every animal or food item is intended for human consumption. God’s declaration in Genesis 1 that creation was "very good" refers to everything functioning within its intended purpose. At that time, humans were instructed to eat only plant-based foods, and no permission was given to consume animal flesh. After the Fall, creation was marred, and after the Flood, God permitted the consumption of clean animals (Genesis 9:3), but clear dietary principles were later outlined in Leviticus 11, distinguishing between clean and unclean animals.

For example, animals like pigs, shellfish, and cockroaches serve specific roles in the ecosystem, such as scavenging and cleaning, but they were never meant for human consumption. Pork, for instance, is classified as unclean due to health risks and its scavenger diet, while shellfish and cockroaches, though part of God’s creation, are unsuitable as food for humans. Paul’s statement in 1 Timothy 4:4-5 must be understood in this context: he is not abolishing these distinctions but addressing false teachers who impose unnecessary restrictions on foods that God has declared clean.

The passage ultimately rejects human-imposed rules that contradict God’s design while affirming that food created by God (including meat, as permitted after sin entered the world) can be received with gratitude when consumed in harmony with His Word. It reminds believers to rely on Scripture for guidance and to avoid ascetic practices or traditions that go beyond God’s instructions.

Having said all this, eating clean meats and avoiding unclean meats should be done for health reasons, not for religious or salvational purposes. Whatever we eat affects only our physical body or flesh; it cannot directly affect our spirit, our relationship with God, or our salvation. Salvation is based on faith in Christ and obedience to God’s will, not on dietary choices. However, caring for the body through healthy living reflects stewardship of the body God has entrusted to us.

1 Timothy 4:6 (NKJV)
6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

By advising Timothy to teach against these false doctrines and to focus on true Christian faith and sound doctrine, Paul highlights the role of a church leader in safeguarding the teachings of the faith. He emphasizes the importance of being nourished by the true teachings of the faith, which Timothy has adhered to under Paul’s guidance.

1 Timothy 4:7-10 (NKJV)
7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.
8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.
9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance.
10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

Paul encourages believers to reject profane and old wives' fables, focusing instead on godly living through spiritual discipline. Paul draws a comparison between physical training and godliness, acknowledging the limited value of physical training while emphasizing that godliness holds eternal value, benefiting both this life and the life to come. Physical training, in this context, can include activities like exercise, eating habits, self-discipline in lifestyle, and even manual labor, which help maintain the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. While such practices are valuable for supporting physical health and serving God effectively, they are temporary and limited to earthly life. In contrast, Paul emphasizes that godliness strengthens the soul, builds character, and prepares believers for eternal life. He reminds believers that their efforts in faith and ministry are rooted in the hope of the living God, who is the Savior of all, especially those who believe. The labor and suffering endured in serving God are not in vain, as they are anchored in the hope of salvation and the assurance of God’s faithfulness.

1 Timothy 4:11-16 (NKJV)
11 These things command and teach.
12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.
15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.
16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Paul concludes by empowering Timothy to teach with authority and not to let others dismiss him due to his youth. Instead, Timothy should set a strong example in his speech, behavior, love, spirit, faith, and purity. Paul encourages Timothy to focus on Scripture, preaching, and teaching, and to utilize his spiritual gifts. He also stresses the importance of personal diligence and doctrinal integrity, which will not only ensure Timothy's salvation but also that of his listeners.

bottom of page