Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:1-5

If you don’t believe the Word of God is as relevant today as it was back then, read this text today. The first thing I want you to notice about the text today, its begins with “Now The Spirit expressly says” This revelation and warning is coming directly from the Holy Spirit, this is not Pauls idea or prediction, God is warning us that in the last days, there will be a great falling away, a great apostasy in the Church. Are we not seeing this today? If you look across the denominations in Christianity, there is a great falling away going on, we are living in this prophecy.

“Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed or following seducing or deceiving spirits and doctrines and teachings of demons” This is what we see in the Churches today, many Churches have been overtaken by demons, teaching false doctrines and deceiving the masses. We see many Christians falling away from the faith and following demonic teachers and religion. The Holy Spirit warned us about this, this is why you need to study your Bible, you need to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit, you need to submit to our Lord Jesus Christ. 

These false teachers who are under the influence of demons and not the Holy Spirit “speak lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” Many people wonder how can these false teachers be so wrong, how can they stand up in the pulpit and teach the lies they teach? Because they are under the influence of demons, they have no conscience anymore, they have no love of God, they are planted by Satan to destroy the Church and to confuse the elect.  You must discern these demons and rebuke them!

The Apostle Paul gives Timothy some examples of false teachings that have invaded the Church of Ephesus, forbidden marriage, dietary laws, circumcision, ect. These are all works based salvation, which is the root of all false religions. Salvation is found in Christ alone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) anyone who adds to Christ for salvation is a false teacher. Unfortunately many of these false teachers are still alive and well today, many people want you to be yoked under the Mosaic Law instead of Christ, these are false teachers and deny the saving grace of Christ. 

Brothers and sisters, its clear we are living in the last days, the great apostasy has come upon the Church, don’t be deceived, test the spirits, be led and filled with the Holy Spirit, read your Bible, and put your faith in Christ alone for salvation, Amen!

These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:14-16

The Apostle Paul is now summarizing everything that He just taught under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “That you may know how to conduct yourself in the House of God” This is clear instructions of how the Church is to be structured and behave together. What is the House of God? The Apostle Paul defines it here “the Church of the Living God” the Ekklesia, the body of Christ, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul is laying down the foundation of how the body of Christ is to be structured. Over time Christians have strayed away from this order, but this was the God given order by the Holy Spirit. The root of alot of failure within the Church today is the disobedience of the Church. The Holy Spirit has given us directions through the Apostles, yet many people still defy those orders and make up their own religions which ultimately fail

Now the Apostle Paul here says “And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness” Throughout the Apostle Pauls epistles, he reveals mysteries or revelations from God. The Apostle Paul is giving us revelation from God, he is given us explanation or commentary on the Old Testament or doctrine of God. Here the Apostle Paul is revealing to everyone that Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh.

Back up again , remember the Apostle Paul said “without controversy, Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh” Even today, the revelation of Jesus Christ being God in the Flesh is a great controversy, in fact many people who profess to be Christians still try to deny this fact. The Apostle Paul is saying, and I’m paraphrasing, this is not even debatable, this is foundational Christian doctrine that Jesus Christ is God manifested into the flesh. Again, going back to many Christians deny the revelation and instructions of scripture, which ultimately leads them to fall away to a false religion

“Justified in the Spirit” The Apostle Paul gives recognition to the Holy Spirit, who was there also , as the Triune God throughout Jesus ministry, the Incarnation of Christ, the Wilderness, the Baptism of Christ, and the resurrection of Christ. The Holy Spirit was with Christ throughout the fulfillment of Christ ministry

“Seen of Angels” Now this is an interesting passage, because the original Greek word “angelos” can also mean messengers. I believe this passage is in reference to the Apostles being eyewitnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ

“Preached among the Gentiles” Here the word Gentiles can also be translated as world. As we know the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) needs to be fulfilled, The gospel of Jesus Christ preached to the entire world, the fullness of the gentiles must happen!

“Believed on in the world” The gospel is not only preached to the entire world, but the gospel will be received by the elect, the remnant of God that was chosen before the foundation of the world

“Received up into glory” And this is obviously a reference to the Ascension of Christ, where 40 days after the resurrection of Christ, Jesus ascended back to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father, as King of all Kings , and Lord of all Lords. All power and authority has been given to our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Here we see the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, giving the qualifications for the leaders of the Church. Previously Paul gave the qualifications for an “overseer” which includes positions such as a Pastor, Elder, ect. And we see the qualifications are we see the seriousness of these callings. Nobody should enter into these positions lightly, as the Apostle James said “Not everyone should be a teacher, as you will be held under stricter judgment” (James 3:1)

Today we look at the position of “Deacon” this word means “to serve” A deacon is essentially anyone who is serving the Church under the authority of the Overseer (Pastor, Elder, ect) While many like to claim the title as Deacon for carnal reasons, from a Biblical perspective, the Deacon is a servant of the Church, held under strict qualifications just as the overseer, as the Apostle Paul says “they should have great boldness in that faith which is in Christ Jesus”

Now an interesting note in verse 11, the original Greek word is “Gune”now this word can be translated as wife, but also as woman. If you look at the different English translations, many translate it as woman, meaning this role as “deacon” is open to men and women in Christ. We can see an example of this in the Bible, Romans 16:1 Phoebe is listed as a deacon or servant of the Church. 

However in the next verse 12, we see the Apostle Paul says “Deacons to be the husbands of one wife” So the question would be in verse 11, is Paul addressing the woman deacons or is he addressing the wives of the men deacons of the Church? Either way, this position of Deacon is to be under the spiritual authority of the Overseer (Pastor/Elder) 

It’s clear the Deacon is not to be a new convert, as the Apostle Paul says “let them first be proved, and let them use the office of deacon , being found blameless” This should be a mature Christian, who has been proven to the Church for their spiritual maturity and leadership. In the Early Church , one of the main responsibilities of the deacon was managing the finances of the Church. As you can imagine, this trust needed to be put in a Christian who was well respected and trusted by the body of Christ. 

One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:4-7

As we continue to look at the qualifications for an “overseer” , which is a common term shared among leaders in the Church such as Pastors, Elders, Bishops, these rules apply to all these leadership positions. The first thing we notice the correlation between family and the Church. As we talked about the structure of the family, (husband, wife, children) is the same in the Church. There is a structure and order to the family as well as the Church. 

One of the qualifications is for the man to be able to manage his own household. If you want to get a good idea of what kind of leader your Pastor/Bishop/Elder would be, ask their spouse and children. You will get a real and honest depiction of this persons character. If this man’s homelife is a disaster, why would you think he would be able to manage a Church family? Now of course there are exceptions and alot of variables that apply to this, however we can generally get a good indication of someone based on their homelife

Another qualification is this leader should not be a new convert. We know often when people get saved or “come to Christ”, many new believers are on fire for The Lord. However a new convert can easily be confused and deceived by false doctrine. I’m sure most of us have experienced this during our walk with Christ. Your faith should have been tested and tried in the fire, when you become a leader of the Church, you will face heavy opposition from Satan and demons everywhere. You need someone who is prepared for the spiritual warfare they will endure, and be able to lead a community in their walk with Christ

The Apostle Paul mentions, they shouldn’t be a recent convert because “lifted up with pride , become conceited, and fall into condemnation of the devil” A new convert might like the idea or title or a leadership role in the Church, however these reasons are carnally driven and not led by the Holy Spirit. Satan likes to tempt us with pride, and eventually we will fall in sin. We need to make sure the leader is rooted in Christ, actually called by God to fill this position, not answering the call for financial gain or feeding their egos.

Finally, what kind of reputation does your Pastor/Elder/Bishop have with the outside community? What are people saying or what experiences have they had with them? We understand some people have good testimonies, but those testimonies should be old news, we shouldn’t be seeing the local Pastor as the local bar every Friday night. It loses all credibility to the Church and Christ, this person must have the mentality as a servant of Christ, to bring all glory to God in everything they do, especially their family, Church, and ministry, Amen!

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works 1 Timothy 2:8-10

So now we see the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is giving instructions on the order of the Church. We worship a God of law and order, not a God of chaos and confusion. There is order and instruction in Gods design for everything, just as it was in the beginning in Creation. God had structure and order with Adam and Eve, and this model is to be implemented in the Church and throughout society. Any deviation from this structure leads to disaster as we are seeing in todays society and the Church. 

God is calling all men to be Holy, to be set apart for Christ , and to be leaders of the Church. As the Apostle Paul says here “ I will therefor that men pray everywhere” The original Greek word here translated as pray can also mean worship. We need Men of God, who are Born Again and have a relationship with God. We need men who have a relationship with Christ, to rise up and lead the body of Christ and their families. Notice the Apostle Paul says “everywhere” the Men of God are to lead worship everywhere they go. Not just in the sanctuary on a Sunday morning, but also at the dinner table during the week, and everywhere. Problem is many men have abandoned their calling and role by God to pursue the lusts of this world

These Men of God are also to lead the Church “without wrath or doubting” As Jesus said “A kingdom divided shall not stand” (Matthew 12:25) These men need to be real leaders for Christ, and not dividers. They need to be Shepherds of the Church and keeping the flock together and safe, not allowing the wolves to enter from within and devour the flock. They must also truly be Born Again and have faith in Christ. If they are weak in the faith, they will be weak leaders. 

Woman are to dress modestly and not bring dishonor to The Lord or themselves. The worship services during this culture, had become more of a fashion show, women wanted to display their wealth and beauty, this is very common in todays Church also. However the focus should be on The Lord Jesus Christ and not ourselves. ,We should not be bringing attention to ourselves but bring attention to The Lord. If we have wealth, we should be be flaunting it among others, be humble and respectful to your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. 

As the Apostle Paul says “woman who profess godliness with good works” Woman of God should present themselves as servants of Christ. Not dressing to be seductive or boastful, but present themselves as respectful to The Lord and their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, as a sister. This can apply to the men also. 

For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 1 Timothy 2:5-7

The world will tell you there are many ways to God, the world will tell you all roads lead to God, however all of this is a false deception by Satan. There is only One way to God is thats through Jesus Christ, as Christ said “I am the way, the truth , and the life, nobody can come to the Father (God) except through me” (John 14:6) Don’t be deceived by the world, listen to the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, God who became flesh, to deliver you from sin and death!

As the Apostle Paul reveals to us “there is One God, and One mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” There is no other way to God except through Jesus Christ, anyone who teaches another gospel , let them be accursed (Galatians 1:8) In ancient times, even today, you can’t just expect to walk up to a King or a President and be allowed to speak in their presence. No, you need a mediator, you need someone who verifies and approves you can stand before the King. This is the same with God, we are not worthy to stand in the presence of a Holy God. Nobody is worthy to stand before God, except for our Lord Jesus Christ, the sinless Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world (John 1:29)

As the Apostle Paul also said “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him “ (2 Corinthians 5:21) Jesus Christ justified us before our Heavenly Father so we can be in his presence, so we can be reconciled back to God, so we can become children of God. That’s why Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, nobody else can do this for you except Christ. Nobody else can atone for your sin except Christ, the sinless lamb of God. And nobody else can mediate between you and God, except Christ, the Son of God

Why did Christ come to Earth? As the Apostle Paul says here “Who gave himself a ransom for all” Jesus Christ came to reconcile you back to the Father, Jesus Christ came to give you the Holy Spirit, and Christ came to ransom for all who will repent and put their faith in Christ. Nobody else can do this, nobody else can be the ransom for your sin, so why are you praying to them? Why are you putting your faith and trust in anyone else but Jesus Christ alone? 

The Apostle Paul was a preacher of the Gentiles, to teach us the gospel or good news of Christ, that we can all be saved through Christ alone, that we can all become children of God through Christ alone, that there is salvation is no other name under heaven (Acts 4:12) except the One Mediator Jesus Christ, Amen!

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1 Timothy 1:18-20

Being a Christian is not for the faint of heart, as the Apostle Paul is preparing Timothy “that you may “wage the good warfare” or “fight the battle well” The Apostle Paul is preparing Timothy for spiritual warfare to come. To fight the good fight of faith, to stand strong in the face of evil opposition. This is the message we can take away also, fight the good fight of faith in the face of blasphemy and evil that is invading our Churches today, stand your ground, don’t compromise!

Now to back up a little, the interesting thing is it was a prophecy to Paul that TImothy would take over as leader of the Church. As Paul says “I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies made concerning you” Timothy wasn’t selected because of his credentials or because of social favor, Timothy was chosen by God to continue the work Paul had started. When selecting leadership in the Church, do we ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance? 

This next verse I think is very relevant to state of the Church today “holding faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and concerning the faith some have suffered shipwreck” If we are to describe the current state of the Church today, I think a shipwreck might be a good description. Many Christians have not held to the faith in good conscience, they have compromised the true gospel, they have compromised the foundational doctrines of the Church, the have compromised their own souls for the sake of unity , money, and power. In return, their faith has become shipwrecked, can you in good conscience stand before The Lord and say I fought the good fight of faith?

Now next the Apostle Paul has called out some false teachers in the Church by name, Hymenaeus and Alexander, now the Church today would say “thats not Christian” But Paul being a shepherd of the Church is protecting the flock from the wolves, its very Biblical and Christian to call out and rebuke false teachers that have invaded the Church. To stand by and allow wolves to devour the Church is blasphemy and the blood is on your hands also. Remember this is a spiritual warfare, this is not a country club, this is a battle you have agreed to enter.

These false teachers have “been delivered unto Satan so that they may learn not to blaspheme” they are apostates , driven by their own lusts and greed, and have been handed over to Satan to be tormented for their wickedness. As the Apostle James taught “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1)

Fight the good fight of faith, stand strong in the face of blasphemy and wickedness, remain in good conscience with our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, Amen!