PROCLAMATION
“As
I besought thee … that thou mightiest charge some that they teach no other
doctrine, neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister
questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith …” 1 Timothy
1:3-4 (KJV)
EXPLANATION
These
words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit
of God, to Timothy, his son in the ministry, to direct and encourage him in his
efforts. (1 Timothy 1:2) When Paul was leaving Ephesus heading to
Macedonia, he urged Timothy to stay in Ephesus and address the teachers of
false doctrine. (1 Timothy 1:3-7) Then he explained the purpose of
the law to him. (1 Timothy 1:8-11) Paul thanked God for His grace
and mercy because he had once been a blasphemer, a persecutor of Christians,
and generally a violent man. (1 Timothy 1:12-17) Afterwards, he
renewed his charge to Timothy to keep the faith and to hold on to that which he
had been taught. (1 Timothy 1:18-19)
APPLICATION
In
times like these, we will hear men proposing all types of false
doctrine. Some of our political leaders are claiming to be
believers, but their policies and programs are going against The Word of
God. Television programs are showing things glorifying demons and
devils. Fornication is being promoted in advertisements and in the
movies. Some people are misrepresenting The Word of God from the
pulpit attempting to redirect and confuse the people of God. We need
to read and study The Bible (2 Timothy 2:15) so that we can recognize false
doctrine when we see and hear it so that we can oppose it. Just
because everyone else is doing it does not make it right. Don’t just
follow the crowd, the road to destruction is well traveled. (Matthew 7:13) Some people may not want to hear the truth;
they only want to hear that which pleases them. (2 Timothy 4:3) Do
not keep silent when you hear that which is wrong, respectfully oppose the
teachers of false doctrine. Our silence in the face of wrong may be
taken by the speaker and by others as agreement with that which is said. Disagree without being disagreeable.
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