We are studying 1 Timothy in our men's morning Bible study and although we have only covered a few verses, God is already challenging me in a MAJOR way!
In 1 Timothy 1:3-4 - Paul refers to people who communicate false teaching, myths, and endless genealogies. And of course, as I started reading this (as I have read it many times), I quickly thought - "Nice. But this was 'then' not 'now'." Then I stopped and started thinking about this IS happening now and I need to wake-up and stop denying it!
"False doctrine" is anything contrary to or other than what scripture says. "Myths & endless geneologies" were legendary tales characteristic of the false teachers in Ephesus and Crete. They were built by speculation from the patriarchal narratives in the OT.
In other words, these "false doctrines, myths, and endless geneologies" come when we stray from the simple teaching of scripture and seek to understand some kind of "deeper" meaning that only the "mature" can grab. They come when we listen to Bible teachers and Bible "experts" and read books ("narratives") about the Bible and its teaching.
PLEASE UNDERSTAND...I am not saying that listening to Bible teachers & reading books is wrong - we need to listen and we need to read. I read lots of books and I am always listening to other pastors and Bible teachers - but we tread on very dangerous and deadly ground when we start referring to what this author or that author or this teacher or that teacher said more than we refer to what the Bible says in its simplicity.
Sometimes I think we make the Bible into something God never intended it to be - complicated and complex. Yes, there are parts that are more difficult to understand - it's the Word of GOD not the Word of man which means my mind just isn't going to grasp or understand it all (so I believe those parts I don't understand based on those parts I do understand). But God knows our minds are limited (that's a nice way of saying we are stupid and dense - at least I am!) - and so He gave us the Bible in a form and way that we could read it, understand it, and live it.
Here's another thought...could it be that another source of false doctrines, myths, & endless genealogies is from an "it's about me" mindset?
"False doctrines" ... "I" have discovered a new deeper truth that "I" want to impress everyone with. I don't check and double-check my teaching with the whole of scripture and one reason is I am fearful of seeing that this deeper truth "I" have discovered is actually against and not supported by the truth of God's Word.
"Myths & endless genealogies" ... Again, "I" have realized something that will impress others and "I" communicate that looking forward to how they will stroke "my" ego. Of course, I never actually say that. To do that would be admitting my selfishness and my "its about me" approach to teaching and leading others. (Unfortunately, the product of this is controversy which proves my selfishness.)
It is NOT about me. It is about Christ. It is ALL about Christ. What does He say? What does the Bible say? Does my teaching line up with the "whole" of scripture not just one passage or one experience.
"It's about me" - something I would never admit. To do so would be to confirm I am selfish and I am putting myself as priority over Christ and His priorities. BUT...my attitude and actions and even what I seek when I approach scripture and church and worship....what do "I" need? what do "I" like? what am "I" feeling? what am "I" getting out of this? what will others think of "me" if I do or don't do?
I am convinced "it's about me" and "my" growth and acceptance is a trap and ploy of Satan that draws me away from looking at Christ to looking at "me".
Unfortunately...this leads to controversies. (1 Timothy 1:4)
