Confronting False Teachers

KEY VERSE: “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine, continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” —I Timothy 4:16

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: I Timothy, chapter 4

THE Apostle Paul was admonishing Timothy in the responsibilities of being a good teacher, On account of his youth he may have been hesitant about accepting a leadership role in the church. But the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy in this letter not to let his young age deter him in the use of his talents in service to the brethren, and to let his conduct be such that others would respect his example as a true believer regardless of age. He urges Timothy to “flee from youthful lusts” and to “stir up the gift of God” which was in him.—II Tim. 2:22; 1:6

In verse twelve of this chapter, Paul had said, “Be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in purity.” How much more effective Timothy’s words would be if they were a reflection of his deportment in life. The word conversation has the significance of conduct, or manner of life. The truth sets high standards of righteousness for all who are called. In early years these principles sometimes seem to come under great opposition from the course of this world and the desires of the flesh. It is a time in life more difficult to stand out as different, to be shunned or ridiculed, and often requires great courage to stand up for one’s convictions.

Paul admired these qualities in Timothy and saw in them a sound basis for Christian leadership. Above all else, however, his words were intended to impress upon Timothy the need to adhere to sound doctrine; yea, to contend for it earnestly. This advice was given by Paul with the sure knowledge that after he was gone some who were teachers would depart from the truth and, motivated by self-interest, promulgate error. His knowledge of this was gained by special revelation of the Holy Spirit which he said “speaketh expressly,” that in the latter (later) times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in “hypocrisy.”—I Tim. 4:1,2

These upsetting circumstances must have been difficult for Timothy to look forward to. Paul, the great pillar of strength to the church, would be gone; he then would be the leader upon whose shoulders would fall the burden of guiding the faithful through the fearful years ahead. Continuing in the doctrine would surely bring persecution, his enemies would try to destroy his work, to diminish his effectiveness as a teacher, perhaps ridiculing his youth, taking advantage of his inexperience. Paul said, “Let no man despise thy youth.” His words, in verse ten, imply that laboring for the cause of the truth is bound to bring reproach from those who oppose it. “Therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God.”—I Tim. 4:10

While these admonitions were written specifically to Timothy, they were recorded and preserved as part of the Bible for our profit as well. Looking back, we see what happened as a result of the gradual entrance of error and unsound doctrine into the teachings of the Early Church, how it eventually distorted a correct understanding of the very character and nature of God. When the truth of God’s purposes was lost sight of, so were the Christian principles which must be recognized in order to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

Paul expressed it even more strongly. In the straightforward statement of the theme text, he says that taking heed unto the doctrines and continuing in them is necessary for salvation: “To save thyself, and them that hear thee.”

The past should have taught us this lesson well. However, we sometimes hear it said that what we believe is not too important, as long as we have a loving and kind spirit. Paul, in his teachings, did not minimize the high value and necessity of a loving disposition, but he emphasized that only on the basis of truth can it be properly exercised toward God, the brethren, and the world. To the church at Ephesus, the apostle advised that we grow when we speak the truth in love. (Eph. 1:15) And his admonition to Timothy and to us reads: “Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hest heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.”—II Tim. 1:13

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