Pursuant to Heavenly Things 1 Timothy 4:6-8

6 “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” 1 Timothy 4:6

“…These things” All the warnings that have Paul has mentioned in the first five verses: 1)Falling prey to deceitful teachers 2)Believing hypocritical leaders 3)Given to religious rituals as forms of spirituality.

“…forbidding to marry and commanding to abstain from food.” 1 Timothy 4:3 Ascetic teaching, popularized in the first century, taught spirituality came from pious acts, ceremonial rites, and self- sacrifice. Chief among these acts were a) Celibacy b) Dietary Laws This teaching came from Greek thought, Jewish extremists, and false religions.

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head…” Colossians 2:16-19

20 “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” Colossians 2:20-23

1 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2  The spiritual fulfillment sought for by those indulging in self-sacrifice is in Christ.  Religious extremists are puffed up thinking they deserve their position  Have an appearance of humility and Holiness  Cannot conform a man’s sinful nature which can only be conquered internally.

Defining Legalism Legalism- One’s salvation is based on discipline of conduct, rigorous adherence, and man-made rules within a religion. Salvation is by grace through faith! We obey God’s principles because we are saved not to earn salvation.

Timothy’s Promise Paul’s personal charge If Timothy continues cautioning the Saints (condition), he-Timothy- would be a) regarded as a good minister b) continually nourished in doctrine and words of faith c) counted as faithful. Ref: Romans 10:16; Isaiah 52:7

Table of Shewbread The table of showbread was a small table made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. It stood on the right side of the Holy Place across from the lampstand and held 12 loaves of bread, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. (Leviticus 24:5-9)

The priests baked the bread with fine flour and it remained on the table before the Lord for a week; every Sabbath day the priests would remove it and eat it in the Holy Place, then put fresh bread on the table. Only priests could eat the bread, and it could only be eaten in the Holy Place, because it was holy. The table and the bread were a picture of God’s willingness to fellowship and communion (literally speaking, sharing something in common) with man.

Life Group Leader Greatest Revelations are reserved for you during personal study. As you prepare by studying God’s Word your spirit will be nourished and edified by doctrine and stirred faith. God will share insight intended for group with you FIRST! As you inspire those in your group to grow in the Word you will be counted faithful!

7 “ But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy 4:7-8

Greek mythology is the body of myths and legends belonging to the ancient Greeks, concerning their gods and heroes, the nature of the world, and the origins and significance of their own cult and ritual practices. They were a part of religion in ancient Greece and are part of religion in modern Greece and around the world as Hellenismos. Modern scholars refer to, and study the myths in an attempt to throw light on the religious and political institutions of Ancient Greece, its civilization, and to gain understanding of the nature of myth-making itself.

Profane and Old Wives Fables- Warning to stay away from myths, fables, and old wives tales. Paul recommends rather than spending time proving or rejecting fables and pointless genealogies that attract the idle spend time seeking Godliness. Godliness is a reference from 3:16 a) Christ’s work b) ascension and c) Power

“For bodily exercise profiteth little” Again this is a reference to the ascetic, self- sacrifice teaching of many religions. Paul does not totally disregard the benefit of the principles. For instance keeping with a Mosiac Law dietary guideline (Kosher diet) will lessen your exposure to food-related bacteria or disease that comes from eating such meat as pork.

“…but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” While following dietary and physical guidelines is beneficial to the temporal body, the pursuit of Godly things has eternal implications. “Exercise”- a term describing an athlete in training.

Contrasting Exercise Bodily Exercise Sexual Purity Dietary Guidelines Searching and studying philosophy, meditation, and mythology Godly Exercise Making God your priority and center Nourishment that comes from the Word of God. Pursuing God’s Holiness, gifts, and Power.