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1 TIMOTHY

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1 Timothy 4:1-5

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.”


Spirit explicitly says: Paul brings attention to the ever-present counsel of the Spirit. The Spirit warns against all who believe teachings of demons. In the context, Paul likely has in mind the Gnostic belief that Christ did not come in the flesh and that salvation is found in secret knowledge instead of Christ. 

Forbid marriage: Those perpetuating these false beliefs were evidently forbidding marriage and promoting a form of asceticism in which certain foods and lifestyles were denied because of the pleasure they bring. God does not forbid Christians, or any person, from enjoying life and feeling good. 

Everything created: There is no competition between the physical and spiritual for Paul. God created many physical things, including marriage, to be enjoyed by His creation. Those who enjoy God’s gifts express gratitude to their creator. This is a tremendous picture of the freedom God wants for His children. 

Sanctified by means of the word and prayer: There is incredible freedom in the Christian life including in what we are able to eat and drink. Paul’s words here are another way of stating that all things are pure for the Christian because they participate in all things with Christ (Titus 1:15). All the wonderful aspects of God’s creation that were made for us to enjoy are sanctified or set apart.

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1 TIMOTHY

CHAPTERS