1 Timothy 4:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

NIV: That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

NASB: For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.

CSB: For this reason we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

NLT: This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.

KJV: For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

NKJV: For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

Paul continues the instruction he began in verse 6. The end goal being fought for is godliness, or godly living, as described in verses 7 through 9. Paul and Timothy both focused their lives on spiritual growth that led to godly living. Rather than accepting false teachings (1 Timothy 4:1), or silly myths (1 Timothy 4:7), a church leader is meant to focus on knowing and defending the truth (1 Timothy 4:8–9).

"Living God" was a name often associated with God the Father in the Old Testament. For example, Psalm 42:2 says, "My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?" Yet this verse also calls this "living God" the "Savior of all people." Paul acknowledged Jesus and the Father as one (John 10:30).

The phrase "Savior of all people" is unique in the Bible to this verse. It clearly does not mean every person is saved in the sense that every person goes to heaven. Scripture often presents the need for people to be "saved" in order to have eternal life, rather than eternal destruction (John 3:16–18; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). The more reasonable interpretation is that Paul means to highlight the unity between Jew and Gentile (1 Timothy 2:1). Paul was encouraged by the fact that Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords (Philippians 2:9–11), the same ruler over all people and for all time.

"Especially of those who believe" simply places an emphasis on Jesus as Savior to believers, though He is also the one, true God.

First Timothy 4:6–10 provides perspective on the right way to lead, as a church elder. Timothy has already been warned about false teachers. In response, he needs to be diligent in learning, living, teaching, and defending the truth. Paul makes a comparison here with physical training. Fitness is good, since it has benefits. But physical fitness is only temporary. Spiritual fitness, then, is much more beneficial, since its effects last forever.

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.