Definition: Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Timothy 4:3 together. It's a pretty important message about living a righteous life! Here’s a simplified explanation: Basically, it’s telling us to be careful about what we eat and how we live. Let’s unpack each part: “Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats…” – This means the Bible is saying that don't encourage people to get married. And, crucially, it’s telling us to avoid eating certain foods, specifically meat. “…which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them who believe and know the truth.” – This is where it gets a little more nuanced. “God hath created” means God made these things. “To be received with thanksgiving” means we should thank God for these foods, because they are good and blessed. “They who believe and know the truth” refers to people who have a genuine understanding of what is right and good – those who truly grasp the Bible’s teachings. Putting it all together: The verse is essentially saying that as a pastor or leader, you should encourage people to focus on healthy living by limiting their intake of unhealthy foods like meat. It's about prioritizing God’s creation and showing gratitude for what He provides. Why is this important? This passage was written around the time of Paul's ministry, and it’s often seen as a reminder to be mindful of our choices – both in what we eat and how we live our lives – so that we can reflect God’s goodness and honor Him. Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? (e.g., its historical context?) Give you some examples of foods that are good to eat according to this principle? Discuss how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?