1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Timothy 1:1-2
In Paul fashion he opens up his letter noting himself as an apostle of Christ and Jesus as both Lord and our hope (the true hope of mankind). We then learn who he is writing to - Timothy.
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 1 Timothy 1:3-4
3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 1 Timothy 1:3-4
It appears that Paul is addressing a problem that has been occurring in Ephesus, namely, false teaching. False teaching is something that has constantly crept up in Christianity. Whether it's clearly heretical doctrines or a slow drip of aberrant theology, false teaching must be stood against. Paul's instructions were to:
1) Teach no other doctrine. What doctrine is he talking about? I am not a biblical historian but I can imagine the big ones would be that Jesus is God in the flesh and that he died for the forgiveness of sins. The doctrine of the Trinity. The doctrine of salvation through grace by faith alone - not by works. The authority of the Word of God.
2) Do not give heed to fables and endless genealogies. The sad fact is that this is still occurring today. Whether it's the "bone box of Jesus", the lies inside the "Da Vinci Code" or more subtle lies and twists of scripture - people have been trying to deceive believers with false accusations and histories for years. The purpose of these type of falsehoods is to cause division in the body of Christ rather than edification.
Sola Scriptura is the doctrine that only the Bible is the infallible, inerent and inspired word of God and that the Bible alone is the authority that Christians should base their lives on. No other authorities. Why? Because God wrote it for that purpose. Whether it's the principles of the Hebrew scriptures or the commands in the New Testament - God has given us his word in which to live our lives by. Knowing the Bible helps us to combat the idle words and false doctrines coming out of false religions and even "Christian" churches. Knowing the Bible encourages us because of God's great love for sinners (seen on the cross) and helps us understand our distinct nature given by God (Genesis 1). Knowing the Bible helps us know how to deal with others despite our situation (love others above ourselves).
So, no matter the situation you find yourself in - the Bible is your source for answers.
The words of God are at our finger tips...are we reading them?
And if we are...are we obeying them?
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16
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