Engage 6 (1 Timothy)

Engage

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law,
understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm

1 Timothy 4:1-5

What are we paying attention to as a church or Christ-followers. This portion of scripture warns us to be careful that we are not led to focus on deceitful spirits and ungodly teachings. In the first chapter we were told that when we turn away from our father's plan and purposes; we create rules and standards that are not Biblical,
We are warned about traditions or norms that say eat that dont eat that.
Let us be very careful and not find ourselves believing or teaching that certain actions and abstinences earn us the right to be children of the Father. Salvation is by grace alone and Salvation is a gift not a single one of us can boast that by doing this or that we earned it.
We are to do all and receive all in thanksgiving and reverence to our Father.

1 Timothy 4:6-10

When we realise or aware of an error in the preaching and teaching of the Word we are to warn others. We are called to be vigilant not only for our selves but for the greater good of all those who also have committed themselves to following Christ. Paul goes on to say this act is an act of the servants of Christ. Our Father calls us and illuminates us then we are to take what we have learnt and teach others.
Is that not the great commission?  When I read this I realise that the commission is not for only those who have no knowledge of Christ but even those in Christ for when we realise we have strayed we are to correct and point to the One we owe all to again.
How do we know or realise we are in error or false?
The only way we can do that is by training and exercising ourselves in godliness. How do we do that'; by exercising and devoting ourselves in devotion to our Father. Jenny the lady whose workshop i attended and sparked this study explained as being devoted to the Father and His word.
To love the Father is to love His Word.

1Timothy 4:11

All Christ-Followers are ministers or carriers of the gospel.
We are encouraged to live lives that are exemplary; be kind in speech; conduct ourselves in love, faith and purity unto our Father.
Paul reminds  Timothy of who he is is in the Father; he says he must remember the prophecies that were spoken over him and he must not neglect the gifts that the Father gifted him with. Dear brother or sister do you know what the Father has gifted you with? If not please find out; it is better and easier to start with what you are naturally gifted with.
Let us be conscious of what we say and do.
Let us guard our selves and protect the precious message we have been given. This will ensure that we do not fall into falsehood and lead others into the same trap.