Stay Faithful to God's Word and Ways 1 Timothy 4

Timothy was a young pastor appointed by Paul to pastor the church in Ephesus. During this time false teachers were rising up and preaching a mixed gospel. Once again truths are presented in regard to a pastor's individual life and leadership. Even though addressed to Timothy to maintain his passion for the truth, it is also imperative that we all listen to what is encouraged for Timothy to maintain in a crooked and perverse world.

First we need to understand that all things have been given to us by God and have been created as good--but are to be received with thanksgiving. Some in those days were saying eat this, don't eat that--almost sounds like today doesn't it! All things in moderation knowing that God has called the food on our tables good.

Once again we are warned that in the last days many believers will fall away from the truth because they failed to love it and to live it out in their lives! How very crucial for us today to not allow compromise in our lives when it comes to God's Word! It enables us to "train ourselves to be godly....to watch our life and doctrine closely." Paul uses the word "persevere," in other words, work hard at it and don't give up!

Finally, we put our hope in the living God who "is the Savior of all men, and especially those who believe." By our lives, we set an example for those who believe (and for those in the world who have not yet given their lives to Christ) to live a life of love, faith, and purity.

Let us be diligent in our service to the Lord that He might be glorified in all we say and do!