Scripture: 1 Tim. 1-4
1 Timothy 1:3-4
On my way to the province of Macedonia, I advised you to stay in Ephesus. Well, I haven’t changed my mind. Stay right there on top of things so that the teaching stays on track. Apparently some people have been introducing fantasy stories and fanciful family trees that digress into silliness instead of pulling the people back into the center, deepening faith and obedience.
Observations: Teaching must be guarded and doctrine must be maintained–but only insofar as it presses towards the center, which is deepening faith and obedience.
Application: I bear the (unfortunate?) responsibility of maintaining the integrity of not only my teaching, but the teaching of those who are under my care and keeping. One of the pitfalls of Christian education is the tendency to rely on traditions and stories instead of solid Bible teaching. Gentle reminders of the yardsticks and rules of thumb must sometimes be replaced with rebukes, but I am thankful that this has not been the case very often.
Prayer: Lord, guide me. Teach me that I might teach others. Amen.
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