Tuesday, May 25th, 2010 | Author: Chris
I just noticed that I skipped 1 Timothy 6. So, today, let’s cover it. Focusing on the false teachings Timothy was dealing with, what are some common false teachings among churches today?
Category: Daily Scripture Reading
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Tuesday, 25. May 2010
Well, the Word of Faith Churches (pastored by guys like Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Frederick Price) are always emphasizing material gain. 1 Timothy 6 lets us know that communing with God is certainly not all about the Benjamins. Worldly riches do seem to offer us comfort, but God reminds us that they’re uncertain (look at our financial troubles here in the U.S.).
Another thing that contradicts an instinct I have is verses 1-2. It’s my impulse to treat unbelievers better than believers sometimes, because I’m trying to get them into the Kingdom to know Jesus. Plus, I figure unbelievers are usually more fragile and can’t take a little rawness. But, we’re a family, and its not right to treat the children of God worse than the children of this evil age. Granted, this passage is talking about slaves serving their masters, but I think its a general principal as is evidenced by Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
I also like that verses 11-21 say that only God is immortal and that He gives life to everything. Reminds me of John 5:
21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.
26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself.
Wednesday, 26. May 2010
Paul is telling Timothy to avoid the profane and idle bablings and contradictions that he calls false knowledge. We as Christians sometimes get caught up in these things and like to argue just about anything, but especially Bible doctrines.
I have learned over the years that no one wins a debate. I have watched some of those atheist vs christian debates and all I can say is: “What a waste of energy. Have you ever been able to argue someone into the kingdom of God?” I have never herd anyone say they came to Christ as a result of a debate. It is the love of Jesus that brings people in. Paul says to avoid these contradictions because they will lead us away from faith.
When we talk to someone and the conversation turns into a debate then it is time to end it.
Wednesday, 26. May 2010
You’re right that people generally don’t come to Christ that way John. However, I wouldn’t say never. I had a kid in my philosophy class tell me he found William Lane Craig’s arguments to be too persuasive, and he said he believed in Jesus.
We’re all wired different and we respond to different things. God knows how to reach everybody.