Avoid godless, foolish arguments

“Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.” (1 Timothy 6:2-5 NLT)

When I read through scripture it often amazes me how little people have changed. Perhaps it shouldn’t – really all that is different is our technology. Deep down people are still people and, sadly, people are self-centred. How often the scenario that Paul described as he wrote to Timothy plays out over and over again in congregations throughout the world.

What is the problem? Both then and now we find Christians who don’t know God’s word or refuse to accept it. We are to teach only the “wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ” – this is what promotes real life!

Why do people contradict the plain teaching of scripture? As Paul explained to Timothy, those who want to teach something different are “arrogant and lack understanding”. As I look back at various controversies that have erupted among Christians throughout my life, they were largely promoted by people who usually did not spend time studying God’s word and therefore didn’t know it, but wanted to be known as someone who was knowledgeable and a spiritual leader.

The result is exactly what Paul described here: arguments, slander, evil suspicions and, at times, leading to division within the body. It is sad when people argue over scripture, not because of what it says but because it doesn’t agree with what someone wants. Paul’s analysis of this type of person is so true: “these people always cause trouble”. Sadly there are Christians in almost every area who are known because they stir up trouble wherever they go.

What is the solution to all of this? It should be obvious: we need to get back to God’s word. When need to concentrate on the wholesome teachings of Jesus. This isn’t talking about just the words that Jesus spoke in the gospels, the “red letters” if you will. We need to realise that all we have in our New Testament are the “wholesome teachings” of Jesus – the Holy Spirit took Jesus’ teaching, as well as what the apostles didn’t yet know, and revealed it to them. They then wrote it down for us (see John 14:26; 16:12-15).

What we find in scripture is not the opinions of Peter, Paul, James and John, but the very words of Jesus. This is why we need to be disciples – students – of Jesus. We need to study and learn the words he has revealed and then teach them to others. “These teachings promote godly living” – this is how we know how to live as a follower of Jesus.

Bible study, both personal and with other Christians, is not an optional extra! It is vital if we are to become the healthy Christians that Jesus wants. We must set aside time every day to read and study God’s word, as well as participate in times of teaching provided by our local assembly. My experience, even as a teacher, is that the discussions of God’s word with others helps to bring out things that I didn’t see when I studied on my own. May we take to heart Paul’s closing words in this letter to Timothy.

“Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all.” (1 Timothy 6:20-21 NLT)

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Readings for next week: 1 Timothy 4-6; Titus 1-3; Philemon; John 1