1. Godliness and the gospel
1 Timothy 3:14 - 4:5

2. Godliness and the gospel
BACKGROUND
Letter written by Paul in around 64 AD
Written to Timothy who he had left in Ephesus to lead the church there
Having dealt with issues of leadership and behaviour in the church Paul now addresses and advises Timothy personally

3. Godliness and the gospel
Paul’s concerns (14 – 15)
Paul intends to visit Timothy in Ephesus but before he comes he wants to remind him about certain matters
Godliness is key to the life of a leader in the church but also to all believers
The church is God’s means to reach the world with His truth
Pillar and foundation of the truth – stability and strength

4. Godliness and the gospel
The mystery of godliness (16)
Mystery – a secret now revealed
Paul possibly quotes an early hymn or creedal confession
Affirms the reality of Jesus’ incarnation, His ministry and Ascension
Jesus’ work of justification is confirmed, as is the fact that the gospel is preached to the Gentiles and the gospel truth believed

5. Godliness and the gospel
The danger of false teachers (4:1 – 2)
The “last times” refers to the entire period between Jesus’ Ascension and Return – we are in them now
Paul had warned the Ephesians of this in Acts 20:28 – 30
Satan works through lies and deceptions
Deceiving spirits and demonic doctrines opposed to the gospel
The false teachers were now insensitive to the truth (consciences seared)

6. Godliness and the gospel
What were they teaching? (4:3a)
Forbidding people to marry
- opposed to God’s creation ordinance
- likely to result in a rise in immoral behaviour
Requiring that certain foods should not be eaten
- a return to the Law regarding eating
- creates barriers to people joining the Church
- results in a lack of praise for God’s provision

7. Godliness and the gospel
What was the antidote? (4:3b - 5)
Celebrate the good provision of God
Celebrate God’s Creation
If something is created by God then it is holy and not to be abstained from
Give thanks for all that God has done and given
Prayer and the Word of God will keep people close to Him and His truth

8. Godliness and the gospel
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Live to show the world that the gospel is good and life changing
The truth of God’s Word is shown as we live God honouring lives
Beware of false teachers
Celebrate God’s good gifts to us all
With prayer and thanksgiving we will keep focused on God’s truth