Morning Moments

1 Timothy 6:3-5 (KJV)
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Tolerance is the order of the day for the church in America. Balance is difficult to maintain, so we run from legalism to license, while liberty is the balance. We say of liberty that it comes with a price, but too often in the church we fear to pay the price. When the whole ministry of the church is dependent on funds rather than Father, we sometimes “consent” to the wrong things.

If ANYONE teaches otherwise or attaches himself to words or teaching that is not consistent with the teaching of Jesus and does not promote and produce godliness, we are to withdraw from. Then Paul describes such an one by saying that he is self-centered, blowing smoke, diseased, wrangling over words (semantics), that lead to jealousy, contention, blasphemy, and suspicion, disputing, and here is the clincher –it leads to the belief that prosperity is godly (gain is godliness). From such TURN AWAY.

So, we must accept the truth, apply the truth, and appreciate the truth that transforms us into the likeness of Christ. Anyone who denies it, distorts it, and disobeys it, and encourages others to disobey it is to be “marked”.

If we accomplish nothing more in the study of First Timothy, I pray that we might stop accepting what God rejects, and start approving and applauding what God accepts and approves. We must be virtuous, vigilant, and victorious in the battle, for, as the hymn writer puts it, “Like a mighty army moves the Church of God; Brothers we are treading where the saints have trod.” It is an awesome and admirable life journey.

Blessings!