If anyone…does not agree with sound words…he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
— 1 Timothy 6:3–5 —
Eduardo González: Berea Seminary | Spain
A church without qualified leadership is like a house with a crumbling foundation—it is not a safe place to be. Without a balanced diet of sound doctrine, the local church will have a difficult time accomplishing its mission. This is why Paul insisted that Timothy carry out his work in Ephesus, putting in place right teaching. Godly men, armed with the truth, are the instruments God uses to plant, strengthen, and reestablish His church—pray for them! For Paul, those who taught a different doctrine contributed spiritual blindness to the church. Timothy had to protect the flock from such influence. If error surfaced, Timothy had to remain faithful as a man of God. Unlike those who had usurped leadership, Timothy needed to reject two sources of temptation: selfish ambition and empty talk—ambition being the wrong motivation, and empty talk the wrong outcome. For a man of God, it’s the exact opposite: sound words are his motivation and godliness is his profit. As men of God we must limit ourselves to preaching sound doctrine, waiting on Him, living a godly life, and not putting our hope on any recognition from men, but only from God. Can you identify other motives in your life for serving the Lord other than His glory? Do you believe sound doctrine and a godly life are enough to discredit bad influences? Godly men, armed with the truth, are the instruments God uses to plant, strengthen, and reestablish His church—pray for them!
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