"As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions."
So, internet theologians abound. Many of them desire to teach, which Paul doesn't reprimand. In fact, we hear other places that he who desires the office of overseer desires a good, but heavy, office. Teaching while yourself being ignorant...that's not so good. Thankfully, as a Christian indulges in the meat of the Word of God, he grows and learns and is able to teach.
Many of these people, and regular church theologians, seem to promote speculation over the truth of God's Word. I'm sure every teacher, writer, blogger, etc, being imperfect, has done that before. Subjecting our hearts and wills to the Word of God must be a constant battle we fight. We must daily submit ourselves to God. Teachers especially must do this. The tendency to enjoy fame and/or influence at any level can get to a teacher. They must constantly read and live the Word's call to humility.
So, Paul says we need to avoid pointless discussions, frivilous speculations, and self-serving arguing. That is a convicting thought. Anyone who loves theology and loves to debate knows it's hard to determine where iron sharpening iron becomes worthless arguing. Motives are an important determiner, and yet, who truly always has perfect motives? I wish I did, but I can't say that I do. The need to be right and for other people to admit that often clouds and overpowers the desire to make God's truth known. It's a pride thing. Does this mean we should do as they used to in the Golden Years and just avoid discussing religion. Certainly not! We need instead to check ourselves constantly while searching the Scriptures for the truth of God, humbly accepting our own limitations and showing deference, patience, and love to others.
As Christians learn and teach and grow and preach the aim should be, as Paul says, love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Discussing those in detail would fill a whole different post (and it might), but I just want to hit on the idea here for a second. If we want to avoid selfish, prideful, and divisive behavior, we need these three things. We need a heart filled with love for others, not self-advancing gain. We need to search ourselves for good motives. We need to make sure that Christ and our faith in Him is at the core of all discussion we have theologically, ethically, and philosophically. Swerve from these and you're guaranteed to wind up somewhere you just don't want to be. Good teaching must be focused teaching, and that focus must always be on the cross, the Savior that was nailed to it, and the instructions He gave to guide our lives.
So, internet theologians abound. Many of them desire to teach, which Paul doesn't reprimand. In fact, we hear other places that he who desires the office of overseer desires a good, but heavy, office. Teaching while yourself being ignorant...that's not so good. Thankfully, as a Christian indulges in the meat of the Word of God, he grows and learns and is able to teach.
Many of these people, and regular church theologians, seem to promote speculation over the truth of God's Word. I'm sure every teacher, writer, blogger, etc, being imperfect, has done that before. Subjecting our hearts and wills to the Word of God must be a constant battle we fight. We must daily submit ourselves to God. Teachers especially must do this. The tendency to enjoy fame and/or influence at any level can get to a teacher. They must constantly read and live the Word's call to humility.
So, Paul says we need to avoid pointless discussions, frivilous speculations, and self-serving arguing. That is a convicting thought. Anyone who loves theology and loves to debate knows it's hard to determine where iron sharpening iron becomes worthless arguing. Motives are an important determiner, and yet, who truly always has perfect motives? I wish I did, but I can't say that I do. The need to be right and for other people to admit that often clouds and overpowers the desire to make God's truth known. It's a pride thing. Does this mean we should do as they used to in the Golden Years and just avoid discussing religion. Certainly not! We need instead to check ourselves constantly while searching the Scriptures for the truth of God, humbly accepting our own limitations and showing deference, patience, and love to others.
As Christians learn and teach and grow and preach the aim should be, as Paul says, love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. Discussing those in detail would fill a whole different post (and it might), but I just want to hit on the idea here for a second. If we want to avoid selfish, prideful, and divisive behavior, we need these three things. We need a heart filled with love for others, not self-advancing gain. We need to search ourselves for good motives. We need to make sure that Christ and our faith in Him is at the core of all discussion we have theologically, ethically, and philosophically. Swerve from these and you're guaranteed to wind up somewhere you just don't want to be. Good teaching must be focused teaching, and that focus must always be on the cross, the Savior that was nailed to it, and the instructions He gave to guide our lives.
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