Truth is Paramount. 1 Timothy 6.3-5

‘Ah, he just likes to hear himself talk!’ I remember my dad saying about someone he could barely stand because he went on and on talking. (Kinda’ funny, because boy, did my dad like to talk!) But it is true that we generally do like the sound of our own voice; truly, most of us like to talk. Besides that, we like to come across as clever and well spoken.

In the ancient world in which Paul and Timothy resided, a high premium was placed on being a fine speaker or orator. Greek thinking and philosophy permeated the culture, with sophists leading the parade of those regularly looking to argue some obscure point--all to look brilliant—for the purpose of popularity and the almighty dollar. Many times, their positions were neither valuable or necessarily true, yet these same men found their way into Christian churches as well, interfering with the delivery of the life-saving gospel message.

Because he knew Timothy was dealing with these serious distractions in his congregation in Ephesus, Paul writes:

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” 1 Timothy 6.3-5

These false teachers about whom Paul was warning Timothy had the power to lead the Christian community into ruins, causing arguments, bitterness and overall trouble in the church. While Paul was teaching ‘be devoted to one another in brotherly love’,1 those with other agendas caused tension, dissension, competition, and fighting within the body. In fact, when he was writing to the young church at Galatia, Paul listed those who caused dissension right along with idolators, the drunken, and those filled with hate …2

You and I must always be discerning about the teaching we heed. What is the manner and the character of the teacher? Do you see humility or arrogance? Who and what does he or she glorify? And what is his or her message to your Christian community? Does the teaching line up with the Bible, or is it fallacious?3 Paul said of himself: my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit.4 Is there teaching in your church that is adding to Scripture, or does the leadership seem to be heading in a direction that is disturbing to careful listeners in the congregation? Beware. Be certain of truth.

Indeed, be certain about what you believe, and be prudent about the teaching you let influence your thinking. Be committed to knowing and living in truth. Jesus taught about the importance of truth, saying of himself, “I am the way, the truth, the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.”5 “… So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”6 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.7

Seems like a lot of folks today just want to hear things that make them feel good, particularly about themselves and also the condition of the world—often just preferring wishful thinking to reality. But “if you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort, you will not get either comfort or truth, only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair.”8

Truth is paramount.

Christine

 
 
1 – Romans 12.9-13. 2 – Galatians 5.19-21 … yikes! Quite a contrast to verses 22 and 23 that we all like to read! 3 - Acts 17.11 Why did Paul commend these folks, saying they had noble character? 4 – 1 Corinthians 2.4 5 – John 14.6; 6 - John 8.31-32; 7 – John 17.17; 8 – C.S. Lewis