1 Timothy 4 – 6
Verse 4:1 implies we can lose our salvation:
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,
The “once saved, always saved” mantra is often used in the church. If they end up drifting into a sinful life or reject God, the standard line is “they were never ‘really’ saved.” I tend to reject that thinking although I want to embrace it, especially because of two people close to me. Both accepted Christ as young men around 12 years old, both today reject the existence of God. As much as I want to say their salvation is secure, I don’t believe that is the case. As we continue on I will see how the ESV translated those other passages, which I can’t remember off the top of my head.
Verse 4:13 makes me uncomfortable:
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
Flat out Paul is saying get out your soap box to preach in the square. I cannot take this any other way.Granted this is a public “blog” and gets a bit of traffic, but I am more disseminating information I have learned from reading the Bible. As you often know it goes off many “theologies” of main stream churches, but I am not emphatically urging you to convert or accept Christ. I am just offering the choice which I have found as the truth.
Verse 5:8 makes me wonder if the “nursing home” mentality is wrong:
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
I often wonder if the nursing home is an “easy” way out of actually “providing” for our elders. Also, how about those “extended” family members; does this imply we should help them also? I think of President Obama’s half-brother in Kenya, who is living in poverty, while the president is living in luxury. Is that a direct violation of scripture? Is placing grandma in a “nursing” home so she can get adequate care a violation of scripture?
Verse 5:23 is in parentheses so I wonder the emphasis:
(No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)
I notice that a “little wine” is ok, debunking the “thou shalt no drink alcohol” doctrine. I do understand that much of the drinking doctrine comes more from catering to the alcoholics than really following scripture. It’s hard to say don’t drink, when Jesus and his disciples are often found drinking together. But when you apply scripture that says do not allow your brother to stumble and he is an alcoholic, then the doctrine makes sense. But it should be presented that way and not over simplified into God does not want us to drink booze.
Verse 6:9 and 6:17 have me scratching my head:
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
Often we tend to mix up blessings and wealth with what God really desires in our hearts. Those without and desire much can often get tempted into some unsavory business dealings to become rich. I am in that category, since most of the homes I own were purchased with inflated income numbers. Granted they are all current, but the banks allowed me to do this as well as the rest of the nation. The problem was many decided not to pay the loans and thus created a huge economic mess. So Paul is cautioning not to allow the desires of wealth take over your desire for God.
At the same time many find salvation after achieving wealth. Paul is NOT saying give it all away and follow Jesus, but rather direct some of your resources to helping the poor. God does not want us to be destitute, but rather enjoy life to the full. We can technically do this rich or poor. The key is to not focus on the money, but rather the relationship with Christ. If you have “it”, use it to expand the kingdom. If not you always have to soapbox!!