1 Timothy 4:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

NIV: For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

NASB: For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude;

CSB: For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,

NLT: Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks.

KJV: For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

NKJV: For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;

Paul repeats his theme from the previous verse: everything God created has some good purpose. Nothing in this world is supposed to be treated as "evil," in and of itself. Of course, good things can be abused. Alcohol has use, but can be abused in drunkenness. Food is good, but can be abused in gluttony. Sexuality is good, but it can be abused if practiced outside of godly marriage. Both verses 3 and 4 refer to the importance of receiving God's creations with a thankful spirit. Christians are to pray and give thanks for food, not reject it based on a false understanding of God's truth.

Elsewhere Paul wrote about food sacrificed to idols, saying, "Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that 'an idol has no real existence,' and that 'there is no God but one'" (1 Corinthians 8:4), though he showed concern for those for whom this could be a stumbling block (1 Corinthians 8:7–13; Romans 14). Mark 7:19 also reveals that Jesus "declared all foods clean." We are to give thanks for our meals and for our marriages (1 Timothy 4:3), knowing that both are "good" (Genesis 1and have been blessed by God.

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.

First Timothy chapter 4 serves as a bridge from Paul's introduction into the later part of his letter. Prior chapters indicated the qualifications for church leaders, and some instructions on the proper way for church members to conduct themselves. Here, in chapter 4, Paul reminds Timothy not to be swayed by the false teachings of others. This combination of encouragement and warning sets the stage for the rest of Paul's message. The final two chapters will provide a means for Timothy to identify and avoid errors in his spiritual life.

First Timothy is one of Paul's three ''Pastoral Epistles.'' Paul's other letters, such as Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians, are meant for a broader audience. First Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are written to specific people whom Paul is advising on how to best lead their local churches. These three letters present a close look at the form and function of church leadership. First Timothy, like 2 Timothy and Titus, is less formal and systematic, and more personal. This gives great insight into the way pastors, deacons, and elders ought to prioritize their time and energy.