Mr. D's Notes on I Timothy
Rev. Stanley L. Derickson Ph.D.
Copyright 2000

CHAPTER 20

Someone related that they were at a high school basketball game that went into overtime. The first overtime was so exciting. The crowd was literally on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the outcome. Then, the game went into double overtime. What excitement! Now the cheering was deafening as the crowd expressed their encouragement to the home team. Then, the game went into TRIPLE overtime! Now the crowd was in a frenzy. Everyone was focused on the events on the court. Everyone was cheering, and everyone anxious to know how the game would turn out.

Now, let us consider this illustration as it relates to the pastoral overtimes. If the preacher happens to go a minute or two over the sacred hour, it is HIGH NOON for him. And should he dare to go into triple overtime, watch out!

We want to look at Godliness in this section. The TEACHING OF GODLINESS in verse six, the EXCERCISING UNTO GODLINESS in verse seven, PROFITING FROM GODLINESS in verses eight and nine and REASON FOR GODLINESS in verse ten.

I Timothy 4.6-10 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. 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. 9 This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

I. TEACHING OF GODLINESS

We want to look at GODLINESS in this study. We want to look first at the teaching of godliness.

Verse 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.

Paul tells Timothy he is a good minister if he tells the brethren the preceding

Since the preceding is good doctrine and truth, then by application a "good minister" is one that tells his people of good doctrine and truth. A "good minister" or the evaluation of a "good minister" should be at least in part based on the doctrine or the content that he teaches.

If he is not teaching good doctrine, then steps should be taken to correct it. Steps might include counsel by the board or it may mean more education or moving on.

The term "minister" is the same word rendered deacon in 3:8. Thus not minister as we know minister.

One that serves the people, one that teaches the people, one that ministers to the people. Again we don't see the thought of a fantastic preacher, but that of a man that plods along doing the work of a shepherd.

"Remembrance of these things" truth is always the antidote for error. You don't suppose Paul knew that we tend to be forgetful about spiritual things?

What are "these things?" The previous five verses.

Timothy is to be nourished by this ministry.

Indeed, I don't know how a person could teach the Word of God and not come away nourished. Yet I hear of people that are teaching and preaching declare that they just can't go on any more because they just aren't being fed.

To be quite honest, from what I see in the Word I would say that they are not doing their preparation properly for their ministry else they would be feeding themselves.

Just a little side road - Paul likens spiritual teaching to milk and meat. The milk is for the child, the meat for the adult, but isn't the other side of that illustration true also? Shouldn't there be some point in life when you start feeding yourself just as in real life? I can't imagine that not being the end result of Paul's thought - anyone that needs fed is not feeding themselves!

To be quite honest, I'm not sure I wouldn't go nuts if I had to sit in a church service week after week without ministering. My food and meat spiritually come from my own study and ministry. If I had to exist spiritually on what I am fed in most churches that we have gone too "just for church", I would literally dry up and stay home Sundays and watch TV.

All teachers and preachers are blessed as they prepare their lessons.

We know we are to have the teaching of godliness in the church, but it is not wise to teach it if we aren't willing to use it.

II. EXCERCISING UNTO GODLINESS

Verse 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.

"refuse profane and old wives' fables" Two separate types of fables

This may be in reference with what Paul spoke of in 1:4.

Don't even give them serious discussion. Just don't deal with them except to refute them with Scripture.

One might find many profane fables to illustrate Paul's thoughts. The Jewish fables of the Pharisees and their Talmud might well come to mind.

The many legends of St. Patrick might also illustrate his thought. One comes to mind. The reason Ireland has no snakes is that he ran them all into the sea!

"Different tales tell of his standing upon a hill, using a wooden staff to drive the serpents into the sea, banishing them
forever from the shores of Ireland. One legend says that one old serpent resisted, but the saint overcame it by cunning. He is said to have made a box and invited the reptile to enter. The snake insisted the box was too small and the discussion became very heated. Finally the snake entered the box to prove he was right, whereupon St. Patrick slammed the lid and cast the box into the sea." (From http://www.st-patricks-day.com/legpat.html 3-12-00)

REFUSE them - don't soft-soap them, don't allow them to be taught, don't allow them to be spread in the church.

Lenski offered some good advice for those that hold to these profane fables.

"People who are fanatical in regard to some silly religious matter desire nothing more than to have you argue with them. To do so is to leave the wrong impression as though the matter is worth discussion and argument. That encourages their folly; they think they really have something. For that very reason they will cling to their infatuation more obstinately than ever when one makes the mistake of treating them seriously."

From (THE INTERPRETATION OF ST. PAUL'S EPISTLES TO THE COLOSSIANS, TO THE THESSALONIANS, TO TIMOTHY, TO TITUS AND TO PHILEMON; R. C. H. Lenski; Augsburg Publishing House; Minneapolis; 1937; p. 628)

"...exercise thyself rather unto godliness." Prepare for it as an athlete prepares for the Olympics.

Part of that exercise is leaving the profane and the wives' fables alone.

Let's think about the profane fables and old wives' fables.

What are some other PROFANE FABLES:

Greek mythology for one. Yes, it is interesting and it is okay to read it, but don't spend a lot of time in it.

The thought of any fable, myth, fiction etc. is called into question by this text. The emphasis is on the exercise unto godliness, not reading the mentioned items for the majority of your time. If you spend hours in the realm of the non-real, you will tend to begin to find that your emotions are swayed by the non-real to the point that you respond to the fiction rather than the reality.

This is true of friends as well - you will hang in their area - if Godly it is okay, but if ungodly you will be hanging away from God.

If you are centered in godly things then you will center your emotions and thought life on the Lord and His things.

What are some OLD WIVES' FABLES:

Swing a ring suspended on a thread over the stomach of a pregnant woman and determine what the sex of the child is. Or doing the same over a grave to determine the sex of the occupant. Reading the tombstone might be quicker!

Pregnant woman spitting in Ajax. If it turns one color it is a boy etc.

Many others that I'm sure we could dig up and list.

Ray Stedman illustrated this portion with the following paragraph.

"Another widespread myth in our day, one that is winning increasing status on every side, is the doctrines of Mormonism. Mormonism is based upon foolish myths about early American history that do not have a semblance, a shred of evidence from archaeology, to support them. Archaeologists have tried to find any evidence whatsoever for the strange story the Book of Mormon tells, about an early American civilization that flourished here before Columbus came. They can find nothing that confirms it in any degree. Instead, everything they find is absolutely contrary to the picture drawn in the Book of Mormon. But how many believe this nonsense, and how widely it is being accepted and even gaining a position of prominence among us! I am not talking about Mormons. Many of them are wonderful, dear people. Merely because people are lost is no sign they are worthless. Mormons are often marvelous people, but their teachings are in error. We ought to understand that and not give ourselves to godless and silly myths." (from http://www.pbc.org/dp/stedman/timothy/3775.html; 3-12-00; a sermon)

When we teach godliness in our churches and exercise ourselves unto godliness, then we will also see profit in godliness.

III. PROFITING FROM GODLINESS

We come now to one of my favorite Scripture verses. This is one of my life verses!

Verse 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.

"bodily exercise profiteth little" - bodily discipline isn't totally rejected, but is completely subjected to spiritual exercise.

Let me put that through your mind one more time. Bodily discipline isn't totally rejected, but is completely subjected to spiritual exercise.

Paul may have been thinking of the discipline of no marriage and no meats of v3 when he mentions profane fables.

When he subjects physical exercise this way he is not saying that it is of no value, nor is he saying that we shouldn't worry about the physical. We need to remember that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that we need to keep our building in good repair.

"godliness is profitable unto all things" this passage speaks of looking to the future as well as the present. Godliness is good for this life as well as for the future life. The thought of the New Testament is that we should prepare for the next life rather than for this life.

Our efforts, our investments, our work, our everything ought to be centered on the next life with little attempt to work, invest, or earn for this life. Paul approached this subject in Colossians as well. Col. 3.1-4 mentions, "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Christ who is our life...." That is the principle that we are operating on in this life if we are living for God. "I am my life...." is where many American Christians are this day and age. All they do and think is aimed at what they can do in this life."

William Burkitt mentions three areas in which we may profit from Godliness. He basically would submit that what we leave in this life to gain Godliness - we will most likely gain in this life from that pursuit of Godliness.

"1. It is profitable to make a man rich, to help him to get and increase an estate; because it makes a man wise and prudent, diligent and industrious, thrifty and frugal.

"2. It is profitable to make a man renowned as well as rich; it is the only way to attain a good name and reputation: the godly man is a worthy and excellent man, and he is an useful and servicable man, and such do seldom miss of a good reputation in the world; those that want goodness themselves, will yet commend it in others.

"3. It is profitable for pleasure, as well as for riches and honour; for a life of religion doth increase the relish and sweetness of all our sensible enjoyments, so far is it from abridging us of any earthly delights: and besides, it adds to us a world of pleasures of its own; thus godliness is profitable unto men in all things, having the promise of happiness both in this life, and that which is to come, annexed to it." (Burkitt, William M.A.; William Burkitt's Notes on the New Testament; 40th edition, 1807, Public Domain.)

Verse 9 This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

"this is a faithful saying" This text seems to refer back to the preceding

"worthy of all acceptation" In short all of us should accept verses 7 & 8 and then do something about it. Not only should we accept them, so should the entire church.

How do we exercise unto godliness?

This is in contrast to physical exercise. Let's look at physical exercise first.

1. You do more than just natural everyday things. If you walk around the block every evening then when you start exercising you walk around the block several times.

2. You do your exercise until you're tired, then a little bit more.

3. You do it on a regular basis or it is worthless.

4. You discipline yourself to it. You force yourself to do it even when you don't want to.

5. You look for and get results.

Quite often after months of forcing yourself you find that you enjoy it and look forward to it and promise yourself that you won't miss it.

Now, Godly exercise is the same. We have to work at it - on a regular basis and we must discipline ourselves to it. We then see results.

We may even see the day that we enjoy it and look forward to improving our relationship to the Lord.

When is the last time you were physically exhausted from studying the Bible and prayer?

The above 5 should be true of each one of us every day.

Not only should we be profiting from godliness, we have good reason to seek it.

IIII. REASON FOR GODLINESS

Verse 10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

Because of these 2 verses Paul and Timothy labor. Toiling to the point of exhaustion.

That is the result of seeking God in an exhaustive manner. We strive to labor for Him for we realize what He has done for us.

When I was in the Navy, we were getting ready for a very important operation. Electronically the ship was a mess. I was the only experienced technician - 18 new ones that couldn't do anything came aboard. What they did do was wrong or caused more trouble than was present before they attempted to fix it. I worked for several weeks yery hard, long hours and then for 48 hours I worked with only eating breaks and a couple very, very short naps. I was exhausted. I fell asleep before my work was done. It took them literally 15 minutes to wake me up to finish. I could hear them, but couldn't move or make a sound. My mind was functioning somewhat, but it could not or would not cause my body to function. (I had labored.)

"suffer reproach" This is suffering criticism or condemnation for things you are not guilty of. It is false accusation, it is suffering wrongly - not a pleasant experience, but Paul says that he and Timothy did this because they trust in God.

In this verse we have the picture of an athlete putting the last ounce of his energy into the race in order to be victor.

In races, especially long distance ones, as the runners near the finish line you can see them give that last spurt - you can see the anguish on their faces and the sweat on their foreheads.

This is what Paul did. His every fiber worked for his Lord and Savior.

When is the last time you worked that hard for God? Paul lived this way much of his life.

"because we trust in the living God" This is the reason for Paul's labors and is the reason that we should, to put it bluntly, be working our fool heads off for God.

Christians are a lazy lot these days. Few will get involved in more than one service a week. Few will get involved in work days. Few get involved at all these days.

The thought of hard work is foreign to most of our teenagers today. I'm speaking of Christian teens. Some of our students where I taught felt that they had overworked if they got up in time for breakfast.

"who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe" Savior of all men seems to speak of the desire on Christ's part for and preparation to save man.

I John 2:2 says he died for all.

"specially of those that believe"

The "specially" groups are those which accept his work on Calvary.

There are a number of explanations for this verse.

Kent lists four and I would add a fifth.

Kent suggests:

1. Universalist Interpretation: All mankind will ultimately be saved.

2. Providential Interpretation: This thought takes a lesser view of the term Saviour and suggests that all mankind is saved via the rain and sun that God provides and that the believer receives even more blessing from this grace from God.

3. Potential-actual Interpretation: This is one of the more popular thoughts that says that the potential for salvation was provided by Christ, but that only those that believe receive the benefit thereof.

4. Temporal-eternal Interpretation: God gives preservation and deliverance in this life, but for those that believe this preservation carries forward into eternity.

He quotes Purdy on this position. "God is the Saviour of all men in that on a temporal basis he gives them life and strength, awakens within them high ideals, provides for their pleasure and sustenance, and graciously allows them to live for a time in the light of His countenance.

"God is specially the Savior of believers in that he has a special call for them, answers their prayers, and provides for their well-being, not only in this life, but also in the life which is to come." (Purdy, Warren E.; THE MEANING OF THE PHRASE 'SAVIOR OF ALL MEN' IN FIRST TIMOTHY 4:10; Unpublished critical monograph, Grace Theological Seminary; 1954, p. 48.)

A fifth option might run along the line that Christ paid for all sin as in ALL sin. Every man, woman and child, was purchased and placed in a position equal to that of Adam before he sinned.

Those that believe and accept that work then become believers and share in the full benefits of salvation.

Kent and MacArthur suggest that the adverb "specially" demands that the believer must enjoy the highest degree of what all enjoy. MacArthur adds a phrase of interest "All men will enjoy to some extent the same kind of salvation as believers enjoy.... The difference is one of degree, not kind." (THE MACARTHUR NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY I TIMOTHY; John MacArthur; Moody Press; Chicago; 1995; p 168)

Kent's number four is his choice, but this does not really fit within the qualification of "The difference is one of degree, not kind." You can't say that physical benefitting is the same as spiritual benefitting.

I personally view degree and kind both as necessary.

The lost must enjoy a lesser "degree" of the same kind of salvation. To say that the lost enjoy something physically, and the believer something physically but added spiritual does not seem to fit their own criteria.

I might point out that my fifth choice fits their stipulation for the adverb as well as fitting both degree and kind.

Now that we have that cleared up, let's take a quick look at some application.

Phillips Brooks once said "The great purpose of life -- the shaping of character by truth."

Is this not what Paul is attempting to do in Timothy's life? In the believers at Ephesus? In the believers at your church?

The truth of the Word ought to be shaping our character - our Christian life - if not then we are not allowing it to, or we are not close enough to it.

A Very Special Lord's Prayer From Ray Heistand

If God Should Speak . . . A different look at The Lord's Prayer

"Our Father which art in heaven....."

---Yes?

Don't interrupt me. I'm praying.

---But you called me.

Called you? I didn't call you. I'm praying. "Our Father which art in heaven....."

---There you did it again.

Did What?

---Called me. You said, "Our Father which art in heaven." Here I am.....What's on your mind?

But I didn't mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say the Lord's Prayer. It makes me feel good, kind of like getting a duty done.

---All right. Go on.

"Hallowed be thy name....."

---Hold it. What do you mean by that?

By what?

---By "hallowed be thy name"?

It means.....it means.....Good grief, I don't know what it means. How should I know? It's just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?

---It means honored, holy, wonderful.

Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what "hallowed" meant before. "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

--Do you really mean that?

Sure, why not?

---What are you doing about it?

Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.

---Have I got control of you?

Well, I go to church.

---That isn't what I asked you. What about your bad temper? You've really got a problem there, you know. And then there's the way you spend your money---all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read?

Stop picking on me! I'm just as good as some of the rest of those people at the church.

---Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it will have to start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.

Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.

---So could I.

I haven't thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things. I would like to, you know, be really free.

---Good. Now we're getting somewhere. We'll work together, you and I. Some victories can truly be won. I'm proud of you.

Look, Lord, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does. "Give us this day, our daily bread."

---You need to cut out the bread. You're overweight as it is.

Hey, wait a minute! What is this, "Criticize me day"? Here I was doing my religious duty, and all of a sudden you break in and remind me of all my hang-ups.

---Praying is a dangerous thing. You could wind up changed, you know.

That's what I'm trying to get across to you. You called me, and here I am. It's too late to stop now. Keep praying, I'm interested in the next part of your prayer.....(pause). Well, go on.

I'm scared to.

---Scared? Of what?

I know what you'll say.

---Try me and see.

"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."

---What about Ann?

See? I knew it! I knew you would bring her up! Why Lord, she's told lies about me, spread stories about my family. She never paid back the debt she owes me. I've sworn to get even with her!

---But your prayer? What about your prayer?

I didn't mean it.

---Well, at least you're honest. But it's not much fun carrying that load of bitterness around inside, is it?

No. But I'll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I got some plans for that neighbor. She'll wish she had never moved into this neighborhood.

---You won't feel any better. You'll feel worse. Revenge isn't sweet. Think of how unhappy you already are. But I can change all that.

You can? How?

---Forgive Ann. Then I'll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be Ann's problem and not yours. You will have settled your heart.

Oh, you're right. You always are. And more than I want to revenge Ann, I want to be right with you. Ann, I want to be right with you ..... (pause) ..... (sigh). All right. All right. I forgive her. Help her to find the right road in life, Lord. She's bound to be awfully miserable now that I think about it. Anybody who goes around doing the things she does to others has to be out of it. Someway, somehow, show her the right way.

---There now! Wonderful! How do you feel?

Hmmmmmm. Well, not bad. Not bad at all. In fact, I feel pretty great! You know, I don't think I'll have to go to bed uptight tonight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won't be so tired from now on because I'm not getting enough rest.

---You're not through with your prayer. Go on.

Oh, all right. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

---Good! Good! I'll do that. Just don't put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.

What do you mean by that?

---Don't turn on the TV when you know the laundry needs to be done and the house needs to be picked up. Also, about the time you spend coffeeing with your friends, if you can't influence the conversation to positive things, perhaps you should re-think the value of those friendships. Another thing, your neighbors and friends shouldn't be your standard for "keeping up". And please don't use me for an escape hatch.

I don't understand the last part.

---Sure you do. You've done it a lot of times. You get caught in a bad situation. You get into trouble and then you come running to me, "Lord, help me out of this mess, and I promise you I'll never do it again." You remember some of those bargains you tried to make with me?

Yes and I'm ashamed, Lord. I really am.

---Which bargain are you remembering?

Well, there was the night that Bill was gone and the children and I were home alone. The wind was blowing so hard I thought the roof would go any minute and tornado warnings were out. I remember praying, "Oh God, if you spare us, I'll never skip my devotions again."

---I protected you, but you didn't keep your promise, did you?

I'm sorry, Lord, I really am. Up until now I thought that if I just prayed the Lord's Prayer every day, then I could do what I liked. I didn't expect anything to happen like it did.

---Go ahead and finish your prayer.

"For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever."
Amen

---Do you know what would bring me glory? What would really make me happy?

No, but I'd like to know. I want now to please you. I can see what a mess I've made of my life. And I can see how great it would be to really be one of your followers.

---You just answered the question.

I did?

---Yes. The thing that would bring me glory is to have people like you truly love me. And I see that happening between us. Now that some of these old sins are exposed and out of the way, well, there is no telling what we can do together.

Lord, let's see what we can make of me, O.K.?

---Yes, let's see....

I would like to close with a couple paragraphs from MacArthur.

"Pastors [I would include all believers personally] are often evaluated on the basis of the wrong criteria. Their effectiveness is frequently gauged by the size of their church, their building program, their popularity, their educational background, the number of books they have written, or their radio or TV exposure.

"While such things may have some significance, none of them are biblically valid criteria for assessing a man of god. The Puritan genius John Owen wrote, "A minister may fill his pews, his communion roll, the mouths of the public, but what that minister is on his knees in secret before God Almighty, that he is and no more' (cited in I.D.E. Thomas, A PURITAN GOLDEN TREASURY [Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1977],192). (THE MACARTHUR NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY I TIMOTHY; John MacArthur; Moody Press; Chicago; 1995; pp. 157-158)

Godliness. The only way to find it is one step at a time as the somewhat lengthy illustration indicates. You free up a little of yourself, and He will fill it with a little of Himself! Sounds like a great deal to me.