Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | 1 Timothy 4:7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Timothy 4:7 But have nothing to do with irreverent folklore and silly myths. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. |
Bible Question: Shalom,brothers and sisters. In these verses; 1 Tim.1:4, 4:7, 6:20, 2 Tim. 2:16, Titus 3:9, 1:14, we are told to avoid"endless genealogies", "profane and old wives tales", "profane and vain babblings", and "foolish questions and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law." Can anybody give me a clearer understanding of this? It also would seem that some questions on this forum might fit in there somewhere. I do understand the old wives tales. they are usually nothing more than superstition. Also, can a Christian be superstitious? Wouldn't that be untrusting in the Lord? God bless,michael |
Bible Answer: Dear Michael, Aleichem shalom. Perhaps it would be helpful to think about the actual meaning of the word "profane." It comes from the Latin meaning "before (i.e., in front of) the temple." It was a word that used to actually mean the market place, since that was what was placed in front of most the temples in ancient cities. I think the sense here, though, had to do with things literally outside the temple. Another way of saying it would be by using the word "worldly" or "of the world." That is, something which is taught outside of the faith. Indeed, the Greek word that Paul uses here actually means "heathenish." So the idea is to avoid all the speculations and presuppositions of the unbelieving world. In their rejection of the obvious conclusions about God that can be derived from general revelation (Romans 1:20-23), their thinking becomes all topsy-turvy (Romans 1:24). They are unable to receive the truth, nor the Spirit which illumines truth (John 14:17; 1 Corinthians 2:14). Consequently, they aren't going to be of much use to us in our study of special revelation! You also asked, "Can a Christian be superstitious?" I heard someone say the other day, "I'm not superstitious... I'm just a little stitious!" :-) Seriously, though, that's a good question. I think your doubts about such thinking as reflecting lack of trust in the Lord hit the nail squarely on the head. The primary problem with any form of superstition is the lack of belief in the Sovereignty of God. You have seen and, perhaps, participated in our discussions of that topic here on the forum. We are to fear God (Psalm 46 and 47). Fear of other things is a tacit rejection of the truth that our God reigns. Also, the notion that a natural act can result in supernatural consequences is fundamentally problematic. That's what is known as magic. Superstition is a close relative. The Scripture is clear about how we are to deal with those things! The fallen human heart is the well-spring from which superstitions and rebellion arise (Galatians 5:19-21; Mark 7:21-23). Therefore, we must be constantly on our guard concerning that sort of thinking. Of course the truth sets us free. Yet most Christians continue to operate under the mistaken notion that by deeds they either decrease or increase God's love (Galatians 3:2-3). Good questions, Michael. I hope that these few thoughts help to bring additional light to your thinking on these topics. In Him, Doc |
Up | Down View Branch | ID# 194578 | ||
Questions and/or Subjects for 1 Tim 4:7 | Author | ||
|
DocTrinsograce | ||
|
malspa | ||
|
michael03 | ||
|
DocTrinsograce | ||
|
michael03 |