Denying the God of Creation (1 Timothy 4:1-5)

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Not long before this Paul had to warn the elders there about threats to biblical truth – Acts 20:29-30.

  1. The source of false teaching.
    • 4:1-2. The ‘later times’ is not near the end of all things, but within Timothy’s own lifetime.
    • 2 Cor.11:13-15; John 8:44. Look at what happens to the people – they depart from the faith; they devote themselves to false teaching (they are devout); they are deceived; they are hypocritical; they are liars; and their consciences are eared. They become morally insensitive.
  2. The content of this false teaching.
    • 4:3. There are two components to this particular error: forbidding to marry, and food laws. What is behind this is dualism. But God says marriage is good – Gen.2:24-25; John 2:1-11. See too 1 Tim.2:15; 3:2, 4-5, 12.
    • the same goes for food laws – Gen.1:29-30; 9:3; and note Lev.11. But they are fulfilled since the coming of the Messiah – Mark 7:15, 18- 19; Acts 10:9-16.
  3. The remedy for this false teaching.
    • 4:3-5. Paul reminds us of two things:
      1. God is the creator of all – read Ps.24:1; Gen.1:31. The Bible is, in that sense, world-affirming.
      2. These things can therefore be made holy. See Jesus’ own example – Matt.14:19; at the Lord’s Supper – Matt.14:26-27. Even during a shipwreck, Paul prays – Acts 27:35. Calvin: ‘We must not be like dogs or swine who devour and gobble up God’s gifts but who know nothing of him or of his goodness.’ Marriage too can be sanctified – Eph.5:25-28. We can sing: This is My Father’s World.