The Minister and His Ministry I Timothy 4:1-16 9 The Minister and His Ministry I Timothy 4:1-16

Apostasy An abandonment of former loyalty Falling away from a fixed position

1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, - I Timothy 4:1-2

Falling Away from the Teaching Causes one to fall away from the Teacher So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; - John 8:31

Causing of the Apostasy Deceitful teachers (spirits) 1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. – I John 4:1-3

Causing of the Apostasy Men with seared consciences 29 I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. – Acts 20:29-30

men 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. - I Timothy 4:3

Dualism Man had 2 natures – spirit/matter (flesh) Goal was release of the spirit Two ways to accomplish: Very strict restrictions of the flesh (Asceticism) Complete indulgence of the flesh (Libertinism)

Spirit and flesh were God-given Errors in Dualism Spirit and flesh were God-given Genesis 1:31

Sin is evil, not flesh Errors in Dualism I John 3:4 Spirit and flesh were God-given Sin is evil, not flesh I John 3:4

Actions in the flesh affect the spirit Errors in Dualism Spirit and flesh were God-given Sin is evil, not flesh Actions in the flesh affect the spirit Romans 6:23

Restrictions do not increase spirituality, love does Errors in Dualism Spirit and flesh were God-given Sin is evil, not flesh Actions in the flesh affect the spirit Restrictions do not increase spirituality, love does John 13:35

4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. - I Timothy 4:4-5

We can accept what God has given to us for three reasons: He wants gratitude, not restriction

We can accept what God has given to us for three reasons: His Word assures us Food (Mark 7:18-23; Colossians 2:16-23) Marriage (I Cor. 9:3-5; I Tim. 3:2; Heb. 13:4)

We can accept what God has given to us for three reasons: Prayer purifies

False Teaching or Immaturity? The “essence” of the Gospel: Jesus, divine Son of God Resurrected from the dead Salvation by faith through grace Returned to heaven, will return again

False Teaching or Immaturity? Three reasons in the Bible for discipline or disfellowship: False teaching of the Gospel – Gal. 1:6-9 Divisiveness – Romans 16:7 Gross public unrepented sexual immorality – I Corinthians 5:1

Our response to immaturity? MATURITY! (Ephesians 4:11-13)

Points out what is true and false The Good Minister Points out what is true and false In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. – I Timothy 4:6

Practices and teaches personal spiritual discipline The Good Minister Practices and teaches personal spiritual discipline

But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; - I Timothy 4:7

8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. - I Timothy 4:8-9

10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. 11 Prescribe and teach these things. - I Timothy 4:10-11

Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. - I Timothy 4:12

Preaches the Word The Good Minister 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was bestowed on you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the presbytery. – I Timothy 4:13-14

Preach the Word: Read Exhort Teach

Perseveres in ministry The Good Minister Perseveres in ministry

Ministers are Discouraged by: Lack of response or success

Ministers are Discouraged by: Lack of response or success Lack of encouragement

Ministers are Discouraged by: Lack of response or success Lack of encouragement Abundance of criticism

Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. - I Timothy 4:15

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. - I Timothy 4:16

Paul’s Instructions to all Ministers Preach the gospel to the lost Teach God’s word to the church Persevere in ministry to the end