1 Timothy 4; Psalm 110

I have to confess that apparently I didn't proof-read my last post very carefully. I meant to say that deacons wives must NOT be gossipers! So...I guess it's safe to say that none of us has God's permission to gossip!

1 Timothy 4
We are living in the "last days," which began when Jesus rose from the dead and will continue until He comes back again. We don't know how long these days will last, but we do see the characteristics about which Paul warns us. Some will turn away from the true faith and will teach or follow false teachings. These might include groups that have strict rules such as not marrying or abstaining from certain foods. These rules might lead people to believe that such practices will in some way remove sin or make a person more right with God. This is false teaching. vv. 3 and 4 clearly teach that everything God created is good and we should receive it with thanks.

In the next few verses, Paul encourages Timothy to explain these things to the church. He reminds Timothy that he (Timothy) has been nourished by the message of faith and good teaching, and he warns him not to waste his time with "arguing over godless ideas and old wives tales." Instead, he is to train himself to be godly. We know that it's a good thing to be in shape physically, but it's much better to be in good spiritual shape. This is why we continue to work hard for the Lord, for our hope is in our Savior.

Even though Timothy was a young man, Paul goes on to urge him to teach these things and insist that everyone learns them and not to let anyone think less of him because of his youth. Timothy was to be an example to the believers in

• the way he lives
• in his love
• in his faith
• and in his purity

Paul went on to encourage Timothy to "read the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them." v. 13

Also, Timothy was to practice his spiritual gift with enthusiasm and energy and to make sure he practiced what he preached.

One lesson we can take away from this passage is that we must expect of ourselves at least as much as we expect of others. Paul and Timothy were wonderful examples in this matter.

Psalm 110
This psalm is an Old Testament reference to the Messiah--the Lord Jesus. It is quoted repeatedly in the New Testament. This psalm prophesies that Jesus would be

• Lord--He would be greater than David. v, 1
• He would sit at the Father's right hand. v. 1
• He would be King. vv. 2-3
• He would be our Priest. v. 4
• He would be our Protector. v. 5
• He will judge His enemies. v. 6
• He will be victorious. v. 7

So we see that the Old and New Testaments are in harmony, and we can trust ALL of God's Word.