Hope for Healing, Faith for Living Podcast

Today I want to look at an opportunity Timothy had to say no to Paul’s advice, which was really spoken as a command, and miss living a healthier life.

Let’s look at 1 Timothy 5:23

Here Paul writes to Timothy, “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”

Now let me say at the very beginning, there is an argument of whether or not Paul meant fermented or unfermented wine. This is not the topic I want to cover today.

What I do want to cover is how Timothy could have responded.

He could have responded by not listening to Paul and instead just to determine to live by faith and not depend on a little wine to help him stay healthy. 

Let me be clear. It’s not a lack of faith to listen to the wise counsel of others. It’s not a lack of faith to seek wisdom in a matter. In fact, the Scriptures tell us to do these very things so we are actually inline with God’s will when we do them.

We can’t just always say, “I’m just going to believe God.” It can be a matter of pride when people say something like this. And it could be the focus is no longer on God but on themselves and what they can do through faith.

If you are dealing with a sickness or ailment, I encourage you to get wise counsel. I encourage you to seek understanding and wisdom about the matter. 

A doctor of course can help you. Studying the matter on your own can also give you insight. Speaking with others who have been through it can also help.

I’m not saying to not look to God. I’m saying to look to him and follow his guidance and that includes seeking wise counsel, gaining understanding and seeking wisdom.

Let me share with you a Scripture that sums it up.

Proverbs 19:20 ESV

Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

I’ve had times where I’ve had a health issue and I prayed but I also went to a doctor to hear what he had to say. Sometimes the doctor gave me some simple advice that ended up being a tremendous help. Other times the doctor said what he believed the problem was and the course of action that needed to be taken but in my spirit I had a check. I didn’t believe the doctor was right and as it turned out, God gave me the wisdom for the answer and it was different than what the doctor said.

It’s inline with Scripture to seek counsel and instruction. That’s not a lack of faith.

Don’t let you’re trying to prove your faith to others, as a result of pride, keep you from getting help.

And don’t forget, God himself promised to provide wisdom. 

James 1:5 ESV

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”

God is a good God. He is a healing God. Let’s keep growing and keep trusting Him.

Blessings,
Tim Dumas
www.hopeforhealingfaithforliving.com