Daily Reading: 1 Timothy 6
Scripture Focus: If anyone teaches a different doctrine... (1 Timothy 6.3a)
Devotional Thought: Paul begins his first letter to Timothy concerned about those who "have wandered away", and do not "understand what they are saying" (1.7). Unintentional ignorance? At the end of the letter, however, Paul's concern is about one who "teaches a different doctrine." This seems to indicate that the wrong teaching is definitely deliberate.
From where does deliberate error arise? Against what do I need to be on guard to insure that I do not bend to the way of these teachings? Some warning signs and attitudes to avoid:
· Disagreeing with the words of our Lord Jesus Christ (v. 3). Jesus, the Son of God, has given us the words of life in the Bible. We reject his teaching to our own peril.
· Ignoring the claims of godliness (v. 3). Paul knew of people who thought that grace meant you can sin more and more. That kind of grace, however, leads to recklessness and decadence.
· Being puffed up with conceit (v. 4). Peter thought he knew better than Jesus, when he drew the Lord aside and told him he would never have to die on the cross. If we want to understand the will of the Lord, we need to check our egos at the door!
· Refusing to understand (v. 4). When the truth is at odds against our desires, the temptation is to reject the truth.
· Craving controversy (v. 4). It's hard to get the facts straight, when you are constantly stirring up people's anger and emotion. My, how we see that in today's cultural climate!
· Possessing poor motives for godliness (v. 5). Selfish motives lead to selfish conclusions. We must not bend the truth to our own gain!
Guard against different doctrines!
Prayer: Lord, thank you that your Word is truth. Help me to follow your Word, even when it goes against my thoughts and prejudices. Grant me courage to stand against the tide of political correctness. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: Psalm 119.113-120
113 I hate the double-minded,
but I love your law.
114 You are my hiding place and my shield;
I hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evildoers,
that I may keep the commandments of my God.
116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live,
and let me not be put to shame in my hope!
117 Hold me up, that I may be safe
and have regard for your statutes continually!
118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes,
for their cunning is in vain.
119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross,
therefore I love your testimonies.
120 My flesh trembles for fear of you,
and I am afraid of your judgments.
Comments