Around A.D. 62 the Ephesian church was struggling, thirsting for leadership. Paul appointed his fellow missionary Timothy as the leader of the churches in Ephesus, for him to restore order and bring honor to the body of Christ.
Because Ephesus was one of the largest and most influential cities in the Roman Empire, believers in the area were constantly under attack by the enemy. False teaching would trickle down from Rome, where gnostics ruled. It would also crawl up from Jerusalem, via the judaizers and their legalistic views.
The apostle Paul felt the need to remind Timothy of the importance to maintain focus, and to stand firm by the truth about Yeshua, and His sacrifice on the cross which was not only the fulfillment of prophecy, but also doubled as the gateway to heaven for all those who believe, repent and surrender to Yahweh, to God almighty.
“1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1)
Paul warns of those who will reveal their true selfish purpose as their teaching shifts from God’s word to Satan’s. Such hypocrites should be dealt with with the love of Christ, and cut off from the church by the sword of truth which is the gospel.
“2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.” (1 Timothy 4:2)
At least in their spiritual message, Paul calls false teachers “deceivers” out to preach a gospel different than Yahweh’s. Such apostasy, instead of leading believers to salvation, confused them and wrongly inspired them to worship more than one god, or another god than Yahweh. This is a blasphemous trespass before Yahweh punishable by death and eternal suffering.
“3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth.” (1 Timothy 4:3)
Paul points out clear signs of false teachings within the apostasy he predicted, such as marriage and forbidden foods.
The apostle reminds us it was Yahweh who created all foods, to be eaten with thanksgiving to God and not used to divide the body but instead unite us as a stronghold of salvation, used by our divine creator to fulfill His perfect plan for humanity.
“4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:4-5)
Because every food created by God is deemed good to eat in its intended and proper use, anyone rejecting such blessings is guilty of sin against Yahweh and against His divine creation.
Therefore all foods should be prayed over as each believer give thanks to the almighty provider, Yahweh, the King of kings. Paul teaches us it is prayer that cleanse the food, because of this all foods are good to eat.
The apostle closes this section of his letter to Timothy by revealing God intended for His children to kill and eat, as we strive to advance the gospel to the four corners of the earth thereby fulfilling Yahweh’s perfect plan for our lives. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
