First thing to notice is the formula: “The Spirit speaks openly” (see also Rev 2:7). How does she speak? Through prophets, charismatics, Scriptures (Acts 21:11; 1 Cor 12:3–13; Acts 4:25).
“Hysterois kairos” - unspecified moment of opportunity. It means that some will always look for an opportunity to stray away from true doctrine. It remains a mystery why certain people would do so, but behind we are told about the influence of seducing spirits and doctrines of devils (2 Cor 4:4; 11:4).
The false teachers or the preachers of the false doctrines are characterized by lies and hypocrisy (Matt 23:28; Luke 12:1; Gal 2:13). Like any teachers, they want to have followers.
Their conscience is “seared - branded” (kekausteriasmenon)- the meaning of the word points to a seal that was placed on the slaves with a hot iron - it could not be removed.
It also indicated that the branding took place in the past and its consequence last till the present.
4:3 - an example of the false teaching - two examples - marriage and food. Where did they get such ideas?
4:4 - the answer is perfect - referring to the creation - all created by God is good, including all food (Mk 7:19; Acts 10:9–16).
Here, we also have the genesis of praying before eating - thanking God for the food.
We also notice that before meals Christians read a passage from the Word of God and then prayed.
4:6 - Such teaching should be presented to the community by Paul to refute the false teaching.
4:7 is similar to 1:4–5 and 1:20. Instead of getting into quarrels, Paul advice that Timothy would exercise his godliness. Personal example (godliness) is required from a leader of Christina community.
Paul contrasts physical exercises with exercise in godliness. In his view, the first does not have much value, the second can benefit this life and the life to come - the hope of this life and the life to come (1 Tim 3:15–16).
The hope of this life (2 Cor 1:3–6; 6:4–10; 12:9) - Our faith is the beginning of a new life in Christ
The hope of life to come (Matt 19:29; Mk 10:30; Luke 18:30).
4:9 - 1:15 - the same statement
4:10 - the hope of a missionary, the one who preaches the Gospel is placed in the living God.
Then, again we have here the statement about the universalism of salvation - God is the Savior of all people (1 Tim 2:4; 4:10) - especially those, who believe.
“God is the Savior of all in the sense that He has provided a salvation that is available to all. He is the Savior of believers in a special sense since they are those who have accepted His provision of salvation. Salvation is sufficient for all but efficient only for those who believe.”
4:11 - another encouragement to preach and defend the true teaching.
4:12–16 - how to be a good shepherd
Timothy seemed to be young, so in order to gain the acceptance and the esteem of others, he need to work on his character and learning.
Timothy has to be a type - model - for others. Christ was the “typos” for the apostles, the apostles were “typos” for their disciples - for example Paul was ‘typos’ for Timothy.
How should Timothy be “typos” for the faithful?
Speech, behavior - a style of life (1 Tim 3:15), love, faith, and finally - purity - moral quality. Purity includes sexual purity and integrity of heart.
4:13 Timothy had other responsibilities as an apostolic representative in the Ephesian church. He should give attention to his public ministry as well as to his private life. Three duties were crucial.
First, he should continue to make sure the church leaders read the Scriptures in the meetings of the church. This practice, carried over from temple and synagogue worship, was central in the corporate worship of God’s people (cf. Exod. 24:7; Deut. 31:11; 2 Kings 23:2; Neh. 8:7–8; Luke 4:16; Acts 15:21; 2 Cor. 3:14; 1 Thess. 5:27).[197]
Second, exhortation should continue to accompany the reading of the Word. “Exhortation” describes the explanation and application of the text the preacher reads (i.e., the expository sermon; cf. Acts 18:15).[198],” Bibliotheca Sacra 159:633 (January-March 2002):79–95.
Third, teaching was necessary. This appears to have been systematic instruction in the doctrines of the faith. It may have been a thematic approach to instruction as contrasted with section by section exposition of a passage.
4:14 (1 Tim 1:18).
Timothy needed further encouragement to keep using the abilities God had given him to serve the Lord. Timothy had received ordination for service to God by the laying on of Paul’s (cf. 2 Tim. 1:6) and some elders’ hands. When that happened a prophet who was present received a revelation from God that Timothy would serve Christ in a particular way. Another possibility is that these were two separate episodes in Timothy’s life.[200] Paul called on Timothy here to remember that event, or those events, and the responsibility that was his in view of that special revelation (cf. 1:18–19). The “presbytery” means a group of elders. The procedure described in this verse has, along with other similar instances of this practice described in Scripture, served as a pattern for the formal ordination (setting apart) of people for ministry.
4:15
As Timothy concentrated on (i.e., attended to, cared for, practiced) these responsibilities (vv. 6–16), his personal progress in godliness would become evident to his fellow saints in Ephesus. There is a play on words at the beginning of verses 14 and 15. “Do not neglect” (Gr. amelei) contrasts with “Take pains” (meleta).
“No one who really wants to count for God can afford to play at Christianity. He must make it the one great business of his life.”[203]
“While I do not want to sound critical, I must confess that I am disturbed by the fact that too many pastors and Christian workers divide their time and interest between the church and some sideline. It may be real estate, trips to the Holy Land, politics, civic duties, even denominational service. Their own spiritual lives suffer, and their churches suffer, because these men are not devoting themselves wholly to their ministry.”[204]; James 1:8.
4:16 - In summary, Timothy was to watch both his personal life and his public ministry carefully.[206]
“No matter how straight a person may be in his doctrine or how effective he may be in his teaching, if there is a flaw in his inner or outer life, it will ruin him. This is where many ministers have failed tragically. While he is watching over others, the pastor must keep an eye on himself.”[207]
Timothy should not grow slack but should keep up the good work he had begun.
The rewards would be deliverance for him from failure and a wasted life (cf. 2:15; James 1:21) and the deliverance of those to whom he ministered from error and retrogression. (See 2 Tim 4:6–8).