Ideas matter
R. C. Sproul tells the story of a philosophy professor who occupied a university teaching position when the Nazis came to power. Because his ideas conflicted with Nazi ideology, this professor lost his career and eventually his family was executed. Ideas have consequences.
During Jesus’ ministry, Jesus announced the kingdom was near. He described principles for kingdom living and criticized the religious establishment. Jesus claimed he possessed authority to forgive sins. The religious leaders considered Jesus’ claims blasphemous. Jesus was crucified.
Do ideas matter? Yes they do. Although it was God’s plan for the Messiah to suffer and die to provide redemption, nevertheless Ideas have consequences.
Because ideas matter, Paul instructed Timothy to silence those promulgating religious teachings contrary to the glorious gospel. Why? Because those "useless speculations" did not promote God’s work which is by faith (1 Timothy 1:4,5). Left unchecked, erroneous doctrines would guide people into unhealthy ways of living.
On the other hand, spiritually healthy teachings lead to spiritually healthy understandings and behaviors. Ideas have consequences.
A practical question comes to mind. To whom and to what are we listening? What ideas will we allow to fill our minds and hearts? After all, whatever is in the heart eventually reveals itself through one’s behaviors, values and attitudes.
Paul encouraged Timothy that if he would nourish himself on the words of the faith and with the good teachings that he had received, he would serve Jesus well (1 Timothy 4:6). Furthermore he was to be "conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you" (1 Timothy 4:16). Ideas have consequences.
So what ideas are we absorbing?
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