1 Timothy– Chapter Four IX

by Ed Urzi

“forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” (1 Timothy 4:3).

Earlier in 1 Timothy 4:1, Paul the Apostle issued a warning regarding those who will give heed to “…doctrines of demons.” Here in verse three, he will now go on to provide two examples of such doctrines.

The first involved a prohibition on marital relationships. Unfortunately, those who reject such relationships also reject some important Biblical teachings on that subject…

“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.’ …Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man… Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:19, 22, 24).

“He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22).

“And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery. His disciples said to Him, ‘If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.’ But He said to them, ‘All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given'” (Matthew 19:9-11).

So while celibacy may represent a legitimate calling, there is a difference between voluntary celibacy for some and mandatory celibacy for all. (1) Furthermore, some might attempt argues that a prohibition on marriage does not necessarily involve a prohibition on sexual activity. However, that choice also carries its own set of Biblical admonitions.

We can view our second example in a similar manner: “…commanding to abstain from foods.” For instance, there are many who choose to abstain from certain foods for health reasons or a sense of personal conviction. However, it is quite another matter to promote dietary restrictions as a means of seeking favor with God or contributing to one’s salvation.

Since “…everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (NIV), a God-honoring person has the liberty to enjoy a variety of different foods. In the words of one Biblical scholar, “It is just as demonic to repudiate the thankful and holy enjoyment of God’s material gifts as it is to abuse those gifts in ways contrary to His Word.” (2)

(1) See the discussion regarding marriage and celibacy beginning here for additional information

(2) Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 2160). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.