Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Timothy 4
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Timothy 4
Matthew Henry Commentary
1 Timothy 4
"But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer." — 1 Timothy 4:1-5 (ASV)
The Holy Spirit, both in the Old and the New Testament, spoke of a general turning from the faith of Christ, and the pure worship of God. This was to come during the Christian dispensation, for those are called the latter days.
False teachers forbid as evil what God has allowed, and command as a duty what He has left indifferent.
We find the exercise of watchfulness and self-denial in attending to the requirements of God's law, without being tasked with imaginary duties that reject what He has allowed. But nothing justifies an intemperate or improper use of things; and nothing will be good to us unless we seek the Lord's blessing upon it through prayer.
"If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed [until now]: but refuse profane and old wives` fables. And exercise thyself unto godliness: for bodily exercise is profitable for a little; but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life which now is, and of that which is to come. Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation. For to this end we labor and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of them that believe." — 1 Timothy 4:6-10 (ASV)
Outward acts of self-denial benefit little. What will it benefit us to mortify the body, if we do not mortify sin? No diligence in mere outward things could be of much use. The gain of godliness lies greatly in the promise; and the promises to godly people relate partly to this present life, but especially to the life to come: though we lose for Christ, we will not lose by him. If Christ is thus the Saviour of all men, then much more will he be the Rewarder of those who seek and serve him; he will provide well for those whom he has made new creatures.
"These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an ensample to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give heed to reading, to exhortation, to teaching. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Be diligent in these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy progress may be manifest unto all. Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee." — 1 Timothy 4:11-16 (ASV)
Young people will not be despised if they keep from vanities and follies. Those who teach by their doctrine must also teach by their life. Their discourse must be edifying; their conduct must be holy; they must be examples of love to God and all good people, and examples of spiritual-mindedness.
Ministers must focus on these things as their principal work and concern. In this way, their progress will become apparent in all things and to all people; this is how they will grow in knowledge and grace, and also benefit others.
The doctrine of a minister of Christ must be scriptural, clear, evangelical, and practical; well stated, explained, defended, and applied. But these duties leave no leisure for worldly pleasures, frivolous visits, or idle talk, and allow little time for what is mere amusement or only ornamental.
May every believer be enabled to let their progress be seen by all people, as they seek to experience the power of the gospel in their own soul and to bring forth its fruits in their life.
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