NT Fire Starters – Day 294: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

READ: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

THINK: Are you practicing a “compartmentalized Christianity”? In other words, are you separating your spiritual life from other aspects of life so that your faith has little influence on things like your relationships, school life, entertainment choices, spending habits, etc.? While such a lifestyle comes easily and seems acceptable for many church-goers today, it is not acceptable to God. He expects your faith and relationship with Him to pervade your entire life, positively influencing all you are and all you do. Of course, that takes discipline and devotion, but the reward is a life full of purpose and the opportunity to be all you were created to be.

RESPOND: What does it mean that in the end times “some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (v. 1), and why will this happen? (See 4:1 note.) What can you do to guard against this in your own life? (See sub points 2 & 4.) What do you think it means that “such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron” (v. 2)? What were some of the extreme beliefs held by false teachers of that time, and how did they contradict Biblical truth? (See 4:3 note.) Even though the false teaching seemed to emphasize self-denial, how did it actually contribute to sexual promiscuity and other physical indulgences? (See 4:3 note.) How do the benefits of godly spiritual training compare to the benefits of physical training (v. 8)? What does it mean that God “is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe”? (See 4:10 note.) Why is it important for youth in the church to set an example of godliness and purity? (See 4:12 first note.) What influence can this have on a church congregation? In what way should pastors set an example for all people in the church? (See 4: 12 second note.) Why must spiritual leaders–and all Christians watch their lives, beliefs and teachings closely (v. 16), and how can this affect the spiritual salvation of oneself and others? (See 4:16 note.)

PRAY: Pray for spiritual discernment so you won’t fall for deceptive ideas in the days ahead. Ask God to help you become more disciplined in spiritual matters and to help you set a worthy example for young and old alike.

ACT: Determine a specific way in which you will practice greater discipline and “training” in spiritual matters, just as you may already do in a physical way for an activity in which you participate. Sometime today, read the article on Campus Missions Commitment to Live, p. 1776.