1st Timothy Chapter 4
Originally posted Thursday, September 25th, 2008
1st Timothy Chapter 4:1-6
False Asceticism
In 1:3-5 the writer addressed the
issue of "certain people" who were wasting their time with myths and
genealogies leading to speculations. They were apparently eager to teach the
results of their latest reading of the law rather than the "divine
plan" (the mystery of [their] religion]" (3:16). Such instructions, he writes, are "meaningless
talk" and do not come from a "pure heart, and good conscience
and a sincere faith" (1:5). The
fascination with myths and speculations has made such "certain
people" susceptible to other influences which were in vogue in the latter
part of the first century. These times were, in the writer's estimation,
the onset of the end times when "some will abandon the faith (the Gospel). Based on
the writer's harsh criticism these influences were coming from Christian and
Jewish eschatological (end times) prophets of an apocalyptic bent.
They emphasized the need for the ascetic life style, the renouncing of the
usual activities of life, for this life was about to pass away and a single
minded concentration on pious purification was necessary as
preparation.
We
cannot avoid recognizing the connection between 1:3 where the author urges Timothy
to stay in Ephesus and the rise of ascetic end time teaching. Ephesus
was a center of end time speculation which influenced the Book of
Revelation. The writer lashes out against such end times scenarios as the
product of those who have renounced the true faith. These myths and
speculations come from listening to "deceitful spirits" and
the "teachings of demons." Supposed believers and
outsiders who spread such teachings are liars "whose consciences
are branded with a red hot iron." The lies are the words of the
demonic and false spirits spoken through the branded apostates who wear
the false faces of hypocrisy and speak "without understanding either
what they are saying or the things about which they make assertions" (1:7).
As
part of the end times a form of asceticism was being promoted which forbid
marriage and was "commanding abstention" from eating certain
foods. The former is an exaggeration of a teaching of Paul (1 Cor, 7:26-27) who viewed
marriage as a distraction from attention to "the affairs of the
Lord," in view of his belief that "the present form of this world
[was] passing away" (1 Cor. 7:31b). However,
he did not command such celibacy for men or women. He merely thought it prudent
to remain single. Paul also dealt with the issue of abstention from meat which
he criticized as part of the Mosaic tradition from which Christians had been
freed. Only in circumstances of one's conscience should such decisions be made,
not as a matter of command (1 Cor.
8:8-9; 10:23-24). The writer affirms Paul's point that
"everything created by God is good" (Gen. 1:31) and should be accepted with prayers of thanksgiving. The
writer uses the term "being sanctified" (4.5) to emphasize the holiness of all foods, made holy "by
God's word (Gen. 1:31). This is the
same word used for the work of the Spirit in the on going strengthening of
the believer's spiritual life and faith.
1st Timothy Chapter 4:6-16 A
Good Minister of Jesus Christ
The
written instructions have been for the order of the community, defining the
issue and impact of end time fervor and false teaching. The
instructions will be fulfilled by establishing an orderly system of
governance through Bishops and Deacons. The rejection of the product of
deceitful spirits and teachings of demons (through those who have abandoned
their faith) and reaffirming the "mystery of our religion," will
bring about calm and unity.
The
author now turns to exhortation and encouragement for Timothy. If, as one
"nourished on the words of faith and sound teaching," he
presents these instructions to the members in the most serious fashion, he
will be a "good servant of Christ Jesus." He must not allow himself
to be tempted, to even listen to the "profane myths and old wives
tales." He should pay attention to his spiritual practices of Christian
piety. As an athlete trains the body, he must "train [himself] in
godliness" (holiness). He should not neglect keeping
physically fit but realize that godliness is of the highest value for both
this life and the life to come. It is for that future life and the hope set
upon God's saving promise that the evangelists toil and face hardships. By
his mature example "in speech and conduct in love, in faith, in
purity" he will avoid the disrespect of others on account of his youth (If
Timothy was the recipient he would have been in his mid to late forties).
Timothy
is to see to the proper forms of worship: public reading of scripture,
preaching and teaching, for he has the gift of the Spirit conferred at
his anointing as an evangelist with Paul through the "laying on
of hands." (This practice was inherited from the Jewish practice of
ordaining Rabbis in the post Temple period.) The gifts of the Spirit were
(and are) associated with Christian baptism but also extended to the
special "setting apart" of those who were called to preach the
Gospel. If Timothy continues the discipline of his faith through practice and
application the members will take notice and respect for him will grow.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Note:
Our
text is an example of a community of Christians that was caught up in the
fervor of end times speculation. The difficulty was not so much the itinerant
prophets who brought their message of asceticism as preparation for the
imminent Parousia. It was more the willingness of typical believers to accept
the message at face value without critical discernment and examination.
The members were like sheets on the clothes line, swaying which ever way the
wind blows. We Christians lack a Biblical and historical inquisitiveness
which too often leaves us open to other peoples' speculations. We rarely
challenge what we hear quoted from the Bible, even when its' decidedly poor
interpretation has nothing to do with the verse or passage's
context - how it was used in its' setting. Perhaps we assume the speaker
knows what he or she is talking about. Why not trust what they say?
A
new Pastor had recently arrived at his first church. When he had finished his
sermon and the benediction had been given, he stood at the door to greet the
parishioners. There were the usual platitudes and a few honest appreciations
for his effort. A farmer, wrinkled with the winds of age and toil stopped,
looked him in the eye and said, "The Spirit bore witness to you in my
spirit. You spoke the truth," and he walked out the door. The old man
intuitively knew the preacher had been a vessel for something greater than he.
Sometimes when we listen carefully and receptively we will know. The words will
make sense. They will penetrate our souls and we will know and we will be changed.
No comments:
Post a Comment