Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 1 Timothy 4:1-10

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8

I completed my quick study of Jude (given it's only one chapter), and this morning, before I jump into a new study, I pause to dive into 1 Timothy 4:1-10, text that is basis for our church's sermon tomorrow and our subsequent small group time.  Paul warns us about apostasy by those whose superficial faith is easily swayed by false teaching.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv1-5: God reveals to us through scripture (via the Holy Spirit) that during "later times" (see also Jesus' warning about end times from Matthew 24:4-5, 10-11), many will fall away or "depart from the faith" by falling prey to false teaching.  One of the false teachings referenced here in the text is how certain foods were to be avoided (v3) - Paul directly rebuts this in vv4-5.  Regarding food, v4 shares that "everything created by God is good." An example of the false teachers referred to in the text would be Judaizers, who believed that aspects (either in their entirety or in part) of the ceremonial law (circumcision, types of foods to eat, etc.) were required for Christians.  Jesus fulfilled the law and through and with Him we have a New Covenant based on His shed blood - only the moral (vs ceremonial) law remains intact for believers. Judaizers reflect a trends that continues by those who add to, subtract, or twist God's Word for their selfish gain.  Vv7-8 warns us to avoid "silly myths" and to "train yourself for godliness."  V10 shares how God saves all, "especially of those who believe." This parsing of words implies that God, in using the word "all," includes all races, etc. and does not discriminate in who He saves - only that You must confess, repent, and believe (Romans 10:10-11).
• What do we learn from the text about people?: The departing of some from the faith does not imply that you can lose your salvation - if you truly believed and persevered in the faith than you will not fall away.  If you do fall away, it is either that you never truly believed or that you did not persevere. See also this post from John Piper.   
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid falling prey to false teachers and false teaching - also do not add to, subtract from, or twist the Word for your selfish gain.  Claim the promise that God alone saves and that it is faith alone that saves - we do not earn it.  Follow the example of Paul who toil and strived and trained himself for Godliness by seeking Him with all his heart. 

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for coming to fulfill the law and for saving me so that I am not slave to the law but instead slave to Christ.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.