Today’s Thoughts – 11 October 2020
By T. S. Candee on October 11, 2020 in First Timothy Thoughts
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister pquestions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
Neither give heed…
In our society today, there are great amounts of false doctrine. The same was true during the time of Paul and Timothy. Many were trying to teach doctrine opposed to Paul’s doctrine which was God’s Words.
Others also were distracting other Christians with stories and Gnostic genealogies. They would ask theological questions and not give answers. This does not help further the Gospel of Christ.
Instead, it diverts people’s attention to discussions and groups that don’t matter to the truth of God’s Word. They distract people from the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. They are trying to solve deep theological questions such as, “Could God create a rock so heavy that He couldn’t move it?”
This does nothing to save the lost, edify the believer, or encourage the discouraged. Let us focus on the Word of God, not on stories or questions that hold no merit. Let us also weigh all doctrines against the Word of God. The King James Bible should be our final authority!
Charity out of a pure heart…
At the end of 1 Timothy 1:4, Paul tells Timothy rather to “godly edify which is in faith.” And then continues how “the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart.”
This is a wonderful statement to show us that when we need to deal with false doctrine or meaningless conversation, we must do it in love. And not our human sense of love, but rather God’s love from a pure heart – a heart purified by faith.
Desiring to be teachers…
Finally today, 1 Timothy 1:7 is a condemnation against false teachers and a warning to those desiring to teach. Paul condemns those who wish to be a teacher of the law, in the sense of being egotistical and wanting to be seen by others as a teacher in their church.
This should not be the reason we desire to teach in our church. If God is calling you to teach, that is the reason you teach. If you desire to help others grow, that is the reason you teach. Not for others to see you as a teacher or in “high standing” in your church.
Because these people wanted the standing of being teachers, they didn’t apply themselves. They didn’t understand what they were teaching and thus taught incorrectly, leading others astray as well.
Let this be a warning to those desiring to teach in their church or to share truth with others. It is a wonderful thing to be able to have a Sunday school class, children’s ministry, and a place online to share Scripture. But, if you don’t put the time in to study the Word of God in context, you may end up leading some astray.
