SEPTEMBER 29 READING..1 TIMOTHY 4
The Lord had given Paul insight through the Holy Spirit concerning what things would be like in the last days. Pastors needed to know what the Spirit had revealed to Paul…for it is the pastor that is required to both teach sound doctrine, and beat off the wolves who come into the church with their “doctrines of demons”. Paul states that in the last days there would be a large movement of people away from the faith, replacing it with doctrines of demons as they listen to, and submit to, deceiving spirits. They would speak lies as hypocrites, because their conscience has been seared. We see this all around us in the church, in politics, and in business…as these deceived individuals condemn and hold others accountable, for the very things they do themselves. These false teachers would attempt to become the authority in other people’s lives…rejecting the Word of God, and replacing the Holy Spirit.
Paul commands the true teachers/preachers of God’s Word, to both stand against these false doctrines, and to teach that which is true and comes from God. The pastor is to reject the profane and fables. Spend time nurturing that which last for eternity, the soul…give it more attention than the temporal things. The pastor must know that in this sin fallen world he will suffer reproach for his faithfulness to the truth of God. Paul tells the pastors to command and teach the things of God. To keep the focus on both reading and preaching true doctrine, while being an example to others in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. Fulfill the gift the Holy Spirit has given…the gift of a pastor/teacher. And the pastor must take heed to themselves and to proper doctrine. For the pastor has responsibility not only for others, but also for his own soul.
Please share your thoughts from today’s reading.
TOMORROW’S READING…1 TIMOTHY 5
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