By 1 Timothy 1:3-7
As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
Pastors are not to run when the church begins to be in division over doctrinal issues. There was division happening in the church where Timothy was pastoring. People had rose who were teaching contrary doctrine and Paul councils his apprentice to “remain”. Timothy was to remain, but not be passive; he was to “charge” those certain teachers to stop teaching their error.
When a person (including pastors and teachers) makes confident assertions, it does not prove the truthfulness of the assertion. This is a good word for us so that we can be cautious of those who get really worked up about what they believe. We should also remind ourselves that we can just as easily be self-deceived. The truth of God will always produce a heart of love and not a heart of pride.
True Christian doctrine is intended to produce love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith. That should be the goal of preaching and teaching the Word of God. It should also be the goal of listening and receiving the Word of God as well.
The next time you find yourself in a vain discussion over some theological point, remind yourself that truth is not intended to produce a prideful heart, but rather a humble one. Truth is not arrogant.
Leading Family Devotions 