1 Timothy 1:1-11

False doctrine has a habit of making it’s way into the church and destroying the foundation of scripture; in fact, compromising the inerrancy of scripture has led more churches down the wrong path than blatant sin. At the root of false teaching is the belief that man’s opinions and ideals are superior to God’s and ultimately leads to dependence on self. Eve experienced this in the garden when Satan tempted her saying “Has God indeed said….” (Genesis 3:1) Satan wanted Eve to question the very words of God causing her to choose between her own reasoning and the word of God. Not much has changed over the centuries and one of the greatest tools Satan uses inside (and outside) the church is to make people question the validity and accuracy of God’s word. Such was the case with young Timothy who was pastoring the church at Ephesus. Paul writes “charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.” (1:3-4) At the core of this false teaching was the nature of salvation – did it come through the law or through faith in Jesus Christ? The teachers of the law created their own system of rules by which a person needed to follow in order to be saved (1:7). Paul declares that these teachers understand “neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.” This type of teaching only leads to disagreement and fighting because it is man-made tradition; however, the gospel of Jesus Christ produces “love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.” (1:5) Paul does go on to say that the law does serve an important purpose, but does not have the power to bring salvation. The law teaches God’s holy standard and exposes our sinfulness. The law was not intended for a person who thinks they are righteous, but rather an individual who recognizes their sinfulness before God. These so-called religious teachers believed that obedience to the law made them holy, but God intended for the law to reveal our true sinfulness. When a person’s sin is exposed by understanding the law it should result in conviction of sin, repentance, and asking God for forgiveness not arrogant self-righteousness. From the very beginning of this letter to Timothy, Paul wanted him to unapologetically guard the gospel of Jesus Christ and instruct the church in rejecting any teaching which would compromise the very words of God.

Dear God, may I guard the truth about salvation by rejecting any other teaching that is contrary to Your word. Thank you for the law which exposes my sin, but also for providing forgiveness and mercy through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.