What does 1 Timothy 4:5 mean?
Here, Paul repeats the main theme of the last two verses. Nothing God created is evil, in and of itself. Various false teachers, particularly those adhering to Gnosticism, were teaching that physical matter was sinful. As a result, these people discouraged both marriage and the eating of certain foods. Paul's response appeals to God's role as the Creator (1 Timothy 4:3–4). In fact, everything God created has some good purpose. Nothing given to us by God is meant to be rejected out-of-hand. Rather, we should be thankful for the opportunity to use His creation in a positive way.Here, Paul extends this teaching even further. The physical creations of this world all have some positive use, but even more so, those things used in a thankful, prayerful, biblical way become "holy"! The food we eat, the materials we build with, the blessing of sexuality within a marriage—everything God gave us in this world can be more than just "good." It can be holy and used for His glory, when used as He intended.
First Timothy 4:1–5 transitions Paul's letter towards a discussion of false teachings. In this passage, Paul is especially concerned with teachers who encourage a practice known as asceticism. This is the rejection of worldly comforts in an effort to become more spiritual. In Paul's day, groups such as the Gnostics taught that sexuality and food were physical, and therefore corrupted. On the contrary, as Paul explains, everything God created can be more than just ''good.'' It can actually be ''holy,'' when used as God intended.
First Timothy 4 provides an important perspective in advance of Paul's upcoming instructions. After giving Timothy details on how to choose church leaders, and the proper conduct of church members, this chapter is mostly focused on Timothy's own personal spiritual choices. In particular, Paul instructs him to be diligent, faithful, and prepared. The stakes are high—both for Timothy and those he is called to lead. This chapter emphasizes the importance of good spiritual practice, which is key when considering Paul's advice in the passages both before and after these words.
