Paul tells Timothy that the Holy Spirit explicitly says that in the latter times (End Times) some people will leave the Faith, following evil spirits and the teachings of devils, telling lies in false pretenses (false claims), having their conscience seared with a hot iron.

          Hungry for a little Daily Bread Crumb? Let’s find out just exactly what the definition of the word conscience is, because you may notice that this word is used quite frequently in the New Testament. Conscience is the sense or consciousness of the moral goodness or blameworthiness of one’s own conduct, intentions, or character together with a feeling of obligation to do right or be good. Now, to have your conscience seared with a hot iron, would have to be one of the worst things a Christian could imagine.  (Hebrews 6:4-6)

          So, then, these people who have traded their Faith, have a conscience that’s destroyed, or in other words, they have no conscience. They have no morals, no sense of right and wrong anymore. One of the things Paul says will be a consequence of this is that they will disagree with marriage. Gee folks, what is the divorce rate now? Exact numbers I can’t give you, but for many years running now, I know it’s been higher than the success rate of marriages, you can be sure of that.

          Let’s see now, what else does Paul say will happen. Don’t forget that he said the Holy Spirit had spoken these things specifically. He said that evil spirits and devils will command to abstain from meats (foods) which God created to be received with thanksgiving of those who believe and know the TRUTH. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it is received with thanksgiving because it is made holy by the Word of God and prayer. Paul also talks about this in Romans 14:14, 20 and I Corinthians 10:25. You’ll also find that if you look back into the book of Acts, chapter 10, Peter had a vision concerning this, which was an analogy of God’s acceptance of the Gentiles as His people too. God was showing Peter that any man that God has cleansed, is not unclean, but holy. This is also another perfect example of how God’s Word, many times, relates to more than one circumstance.

          Paul writes, If you remind the brethren of these things, you’ll be a good minister of Jesus Christ, educated in the words of faith and of good doctrine, that you have carefully followed. But refuse profane and old wives’ tales and exercise (train) yourself instead to be godly. Bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable in all things, having promise of the life that is now, and is also to come.

          Yes, you did read that correctly, but did you get the entire meaning of it? Bodily exercise is of little value, but godliness is valuable in every way, both in this life and life everlasting. How many people exercise for God? How many people exercise for self, for what others think, or for what they want others to think? Yes, you’re correct, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 6:19), and you should take care of it, but what does that mean? It means keep it holy, clean, healthy, pure, protected. It doesn’t mean that it should be made into what is acceptable to mankind. If you exercise because it’s necessary for maintaining good health, so that you can effectively perform godly deeds, that’s one thing. But anything in excess of that is not being done for God. You can apply the same rules to eating, or drinking, or anything else that can be done to excess.

          Paul says, This is the truth and worthy of believing. For that reason (the promise of eternal life), we work and suffer shame, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, namely those who believe. Command these things and teach. Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your youth, but be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation (conduct), in charity, in spirit, in faith and in purity.

          This is an interesting point that Paul makes. If you belong to a church that has a young pastor, or if you know or meet a young person who is apparently gifted in teaching the doctrine of Christ, do you ever look down over the reading glasses that are teetering on the tip of your nose at them and think, That young whipper-snapper can’t know what he’s talking about. Or how about this, does your pride disallow you to learn from someone younger than you? I have a few examples for you to ponder on.

          Now, don’t get me wrong. The elders, the elderly, the mature, the aged, seniors, older people, people in their golden years . . . They all deserve our respect, but they are by no means, the only people that God has appointed to do His bidding.

          The people who God has chosen to spread His Word have a tremendous responsibility, as you can see from all the things that Paul is relating to Timothy. The humiliation from people who don’t believe them because of their youth is definitely a burden they don’t need to bear, they’re carrying a great load already. Isn’t it enough that the destiny of some people’s souls lie in their hands, but to add to their burden by looking down on them because they’re youthful or any other reason for that matter is really like questioning God‘s judgment in choosing them. Examine your conscience and ask yourself, how many times have you judged or ignored or patronized one of God’s servants because of their age, economic status, handicaps, being from your home country (someone you know, or someone from your family, which makes it hard for you accept their credibility) or any other reason?

          You can see now, why Paul found it necessary to forewarn Timothy about such things. He continues, Until I visit, give attention to reading, to preaching, to teaching. Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hand of the presbytery (elders). Meditate (contemplate, think) on these things, dedicate yourself fully to them so that your value is clear to everyone. Take care of yourself and the doctrine, believe in them, because in doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

          Once again, Paul has given us many good lessons to apply to our lives and to pass on to others. Just a reminder before we close, your body returns to dust (Genesis 3:19) when the time comes. God doesn’t care what you look like (I Samuel 16:7). Wouldn’t you rather put your energy into getting your soul in shape? If your goal is to impress God and not mankind, it’s time to get a new program. Your heart and soul are the things that need training.