Paul writes to Timothy: "If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
He's said this type of thing a number of times in this letter. In a culture where all sorts of religious ideas were flying around, he wanted to be sure that the people in Timothy's church didn't lose their focus and follow false ideas.
Why Paul Warned Timothy About False Teaching
Paul said in chapter 1 that the false teachers at that time didn't know what they were talking about, and led people into sin and away from Jesus with all sorts of meaningless talk.
Let's be reminded today: be careful who you listen to!
People send all sorts of stuff around on WhatsApp and Facebook and TikTok and YouTube and Instagram.
Some of it is meaningless. Some of it is focused on controversies and quarrels about words. Some of it results in envy, strife, evil and friction.
Paul warns us: beware of such things! Beware of such teachers!
False Teaching in the Age of Social Media
In today's world it's easier than ever to get caught up in false teaching because of how easy it is to access stuff online. In Paul's day, you had to hear somebody teaching in person to come under their influence. Only centuries later did libraries come up that you could go to and do your own research. Then came radio, then TV, then the internet, then AI. You can find any teaching you want to at the click of a button on that device in your pocket.
Guarding the Truth You Have Been Given
Be careful that you are not focusing on the wrong teachings, friends! In fact, Paul said this later in the passage: "Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith." (1 Timothy 6:20-21)
Sound familiar? Godless chatter? False knowledge?
Are we guarding the truth which is entrusted to us in this Bible of ours?
When I preached on the first chapter of this letter I shared this quote from Anglican minister Lee Gattis, and I think it bears repeating: "No amount of institutional unity or superficial love or outward conformity can patch up the bleeding wounds and spiritual hurts caused by false teaching."
Be focused on the truth, before godless and meaningless talk fills your spirit and mind and causes you to depart from the only faith that can save you.
Paul warns Timothy about teachers who love quarrels about words, and the warning matters even more in the age of social media. Before you share, forward or follow anything this week, ask whether it points you to Jesus or simply stirs up strife.