3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. 5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions. 1 Timothy 1:3-7, NASB
In the last few weeks, it seems many discussions in my world have been about what God does and does not say about any given topic. It is sad that so few churches are teaching sound doctrine. In Paul's letter to Timothy, he begins with asking Timothy to remain in Ephesus so that he can instruct the church about God's teachings. It seems that the early church was chasing after strange things. Isn't it amazing that we are still doing the same? I challenge you to open the Word or click on this link to read the rest of 1 Timothy 1. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+timothy+1&version=NASB
When we don't know what God's Word says, we open ourselves to "fruitless discussion" (v.6). It is especially sad when this fruitless discussion is led by those "wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions" (v.7).
Lord, forgive us. Forgive us when we stand to teach and do not know what we are talking about. Forgive us when we engage in discussions and do not point others to your Word. Give us understanding for how you want us to live and help us to hold to the TRUTH of your Word, regardless of the consequences. And help us do this with love and respect.
Lord, give us Your Words and Your love.
