Our Reading: 1 Timothy 4

In this writing of Paul to Timothy, he warns him about the importance of being disciplined and vigilant to keep his heart focused on Christ so that his impact on others is that of a good servant.  In contrast, he warns against false teachers who lead believers away from their faith. He describes them as having a “seared conscience”. 

What does it mean to have a “seared conscience”? Just as meat is seared in a pan and forms a thick, hard crust on the outer surface, our hearts can be seared and become so hardened that they can not even detect the conviction of sin. How does this happen?

“The more a person suppresses (ignores) the voice of the Spirit, the harder it is for the Spirit of God to speak to them about their sin. If this continues, the conscience will become like a callous on a hand…it will not feel anything anymore. By tuning out the Spirit of God, we are making it harder each time for the Spirit of God to speak to us. In time, the conscience will be so seared that we cannot even hear the Spirit anymore, and that will surely bring disaster.” (Jack Wellman). 

Paul gives Timothy some good advice that we all can benefit from.  To keep our hearts attentive to hearing God’s voice, knowing truth and being teachable, we have to be intentional about our behaviors and the focus of our priorities. We also have to be vigilant to not be influenced by deceit and untruthful teachings. This includes the messages we are bombarded with everyday in the world around us.

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 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.”(7-8)

This tells us that we can’t just do nothing and expect to grow spiritually. Spiritual health involves right choices about what we feed our minds and exercising God’s truths in daily application. If we sit in church and hear a message from God’s Word but don’t incorporate that into the rest of the week, what is the benefit to our spiritual well being?  Just as we keep a certain weight or body tone or healthy immune system in mind as motivation to eat right and exercise, we should keep goals in mind to motivate our spiritual habits as well. 

“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.”(10)

It’s not uncommon when you start to pursue spiritual growth, that the enemy puts doubts and obstacles in your pathway to hinder you or discourage you. For Timothy, who was trying to be a spiritual leader, his young age was a potential source of difficulty, but Paul encouraged him to not allow that to impede him but to be devoted regardless. 

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”(12-13)

We also should realize that others watch our behaviors and motivations which means our sphere of influence in the world is important. We should strive through the enablement of God’s spirit ( for we can not do it in our own flesh) to be good examples through our speech, conduct, faith and purity as well. Our devotion, should also include being in God’s Word so we know truth and our hearts remain soft and yielding. As opportunity presents itself, we can then teach and encourage others.

Paul lists some important attributes of discipline: Practice, Immersion, and Persistence.

“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 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.”(15-16)

I challenge you today to examine what you find yourself most immersed in for it will reveal a lot about your spiritual health and the condition of your heart. Is your heart becoming seared with bitterness, selfishness, self-seeking, or indifference. Or is your heart remaining soft as it seeks, yields and immerses its self in the love of God?

Many will hear the Word of God. Then, they will follow one of two paths.  They will persist in their faith or they will depart from it. 

Paul warns: “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,”(1) As we've talked about over the last few weeks, it is very important to know God's character, study His Word for yourself to know truth and have a personal relationship with Him so that you will not be one of those deceived to follow wrong teaching and beliefs. 

Paul encourages us to be " a good servant of Christ Jesus"(6) He uses the word training, specifically “being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.”(6) Training is something that takes time, commitment, focus, and dedication knowing that the end result is worth all the sacrifice and effort. Paul warns us: “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;” (7) There may be many things we choose to devote our time and efforts towards. These may be worthy goals such as physical fitness but God doesn't want us to make other pursuits too important and not devote enough time to our spiritual training.  The reason he gives: ‭‭“godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (8)

Paul also encourages us to be examples to other believers “in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (12) He encourages us as a church: “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” (13)

Where do you see yourself in your spiritual training? Are you sitting on the sidelines watching and trying to motivate yourself to begin?   Are you a beginner, taking slow, cautious steps and perhaps not sure how to proceed?  Are you somewhat experienced but inconsistent and struggling to stay the course?  Are you a more seasoned believer, so persistent and faithful in your spiritual walk that it's as much a part of your daily life as breathing? Wherever you are, don't train alone!  Partner with other believers, seek godly mentors and most importantly, seek the help of God.

Paul knew how to persist.  He wants us to persist too.