BUILT TO LAST: THE WALK OF THE WISE

2026-07-26

Pastor Jonathan Falwell

1 Timothy 4-6

Today, we’ll cover the final three chapters of 1 Timothy. Again, a letter from a mentor to a young man in ministry encouraging him to be faithful to the work. As in the first 3 chapters, Paul continues in his warnings and advice for the church—both then and now.

Today’s focus: “Watch out for the distortion of the Word. Instead, focus on remaining faithful, caring for those in need, leading with integrity, finding contentment in Him, and living a life of faith.”

Chapter 4

1. Watch out for the distortion of the Word

1 Timothy 4:1-5 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

• Paul uses the phrase “latter times” (hysteros) as a reference to moments we will experience rather than the phrase “last days”(eschatos) used in 2 Timothy. This is a reminder the church will experience these challenges while still present and doing the work of the ministry.
• These challenges are “deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons”
• Charles Ryrie once said, “The activities of demons in the Bible can be cataloged into three categories: they promote a system of doctrine; they seek to destroy men’s bodies and souls; and they deceive men and nations.”[i]

2. Instead, focus on remaining faithful

1 Tim. 4:6-16 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11These things command and teach. 12Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

• Paul reminds Timothy it is his duty to “instruct” the church in dealing with these things
• Paul does not discourage exercise in verse 8, rather he is reminding them that it is easy to be distracted by the busyness and activities of the day rather than focusing on the work at hand
• In Pilgrim’s Progress, we read “For the lusts, pleasures, and profits of this world; in the enjoyment of which I did then promise myself much delight: but now every one of those things also bite me, and gnaw me like a burning worm.[ii]
• Verse 12 is a clear indicator that the work of the ministry is not reserved for the “experts/elders” alone

Chapter 5

3. Caring for those in need

1 Tim. 5:1-16 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. 3Honor widows who are really widows. 4But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 5Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7And these things command, that they may be blameless. 8But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows.

• Verses 1 and 2 remind us how we are to interact with those around us. “In purity” is a clear reminder of the dangers of allowing sin to creep into our activities.
• The rest of this section deals with how to deal with those in need AND the requirement to take care of our own families (verse 8)

4. Leading with integrity

1 Tim. 5:17-25 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor,  especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 21I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure. 23No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. 24Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.

• Here, Paul gives guidance on dealing with rumors, gossip and conflict. He uses Matthew 18 as the foundation for his encouragement.
• Verse 23 is often confused as encouragement to drink alcohol. Paul is referring to medicinal purposes in this statement.
• Verses 24 & 25 refer to the importance of testimony and long-term faithfulness

Chapter 6

5. Finding contentment in Him

1 Tim. 6:1-10 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. 2And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 3If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. 6Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

• Paul encourages hard work and integrity in work in this passage
• He condemns those who fight against the idea of honest work and truth in verses 3-5
• Verses 6-10 are a reminder to avoid greed. While money and “things” are not evil, when they become the focus of one’s life, they are destructive to be sure.
• Spurgeon writes “Selfishness looks first at home, but godliness seeks first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, yet in the long run selfishness is loss, and godliness is great gain.”[iii]

6. Living a life of faith

1 Tim. 6:11-21 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, 15which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. 17Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—21by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

• Paul ends his letter with a great instruction for the life of the believer
• He lists the values and principles which will lead us to a holy life

[i] Charles C. Ryrie, Biblical Answers to Tough Questions (Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1991), 88.

[ii] John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress: From This World to That Which Is to Come (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995), 53.

[iii] C. H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening: Daily Readings (London: Passmore & Alabaster, 1896).