1. Perversion of God’s Gifts
2. Gratitude for God’s Gifts
3. Goodness of God’s Gifts
Summary
Paul begins chapter 4 by picking up on the theme of false teaching. He begins in
verse 1 by stating that this false teaching will arise in the “later times”, referring to
the time between Christ’s first and second coming. Paul means to say that every
church in every age needs to be guarding against this false teaching. He goes on to
describe the false teachers as having “seared consciences.” These teachers were
perverting God’s gifts by teaching that 1) God’s gifts were inherently evil, 2)
legalistically restricting their use where God has not, 3) redefining Christian
holiness through merely abstaining from them. Paul rightly condemns this sort of
teaching as demonic. He then positively asserts that the proper response to God’s
gifts is to receive them with gratitude, a gratitude that consists in enjoyment of
God’s gifts and leads to worship of God. This kind of gratitude is only possible for
those who “believe and know the truth”(v. 3). Paul concludes this passage by
showing the inherent goodness of God’s gifts.
Discussion Questions
- What is the connection between the false teachers described in 4:2 and Hymenaeus and Alexander in 1:18-20?
- What were the false teachers teaching? Further, what made what they were teaching so wrong? (cf. Col. 2:20-23; 2 Timothy 3:5)
- Describe how this teaching has manifested itself through the history of the church?
- Explain how Paul says we should view and receive God’s gifts?
- What does true gratitude for God’s gifts look like?
- Will true gratitude for God’s gifts lead to over-indulgence?
- In what ways have I attempted to pervert God’s gifts?
- How do I view God’s gifts and blessings in my life?
Prayer Points
- Spend time praising God for all of the good gifts that he has provided for our enjoyment.
Posted by Caleb Janson, Pastoral Apprentice
