1 Timothy 1:7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
Have you noticed the number of people who want to teach us everything about so many subjects? Climate, eating, makeup, home decorating, house remodeling, social justice, “Green” living, off the grid living, geo-political solutions, health. On just about every subject you can find people who claim to be experts on the subject, and, usually for a fee, they are willing help enlighten you on the subject.
This isn’t anything really new. Over the past fifty years there have been countless self-help books and seminars making their way through society. Since we have become so individualist in our living, we don’t have the traditional resources of extended family, friends and social networks like church to walk with us through our difficult times. We are isolated.
We are created to be problem solvers and helpers. Our brains thrive on puzzles. They love learning. Just watch any toddler with new objects. They want to figure things out. And then come the questions. “Why does….?” “Where do….come from?” Do you remember these?
Paul, in addressing his younger protege in the faith, wants to ensure Timothy stays on the path he has learned from Paul, but by Paul’s teaching and from his living. But there are some teachers who have entered Timothy’s life that aren’t sticking with the central tenants of the Christian faith. They are adding to, and by doing so, they are watering it down, losing its power to transform lives.
It is easy to get sidetracked in life. Everyone loses focus now and again. We all need to be reminded of the important things to pull us back to the center.
The virus has caused too many people to lose focus on what is important. Fear has overtaken and crippled so many to the mission of reaching out to those who need Christ. So many have stopped fellowshipping with others around the Word and worship.
I’m sorry, but if church is sitting in front of a screen in your home, you are not going to church. Church is more than preaching and listening to other people worship. It is the face to face, hug around the neck, “let me pray for you” kind of connections. Church involves wiping of tears and shouts of joy. Church is an active thing, not easily done from a Lazyboy.
Our text points out something subtle that so many miss. In pointing out what these false teachers are doing, Paul says that they “confidently affirm” what they are saying. I am always a little skeptical when people are too confident in their positions. I think there is more depth and breadth to issues than can be stated in 25 words or less. Soundbites can’t deal with big issues.
An example might be helpful. When people talk about the climate in terms of absolutes, they are not seeing the whole picture. (And here I am speaking in absolutes!) It isn’t possible to see the whole picture. It is more complicated than any of the computer models, all of which have been wrong! And when someone shows data that contradicts their confidently affirmed position, they just ignore it and push on with their belief.
Christian teachers need to have humility when we discuss Scripture and God’s view of life. We all have learning to do. All of us have blindspots. How could we not! We are humans attempting to understand the infinite God and His ways.
So next time we are tempted to “confidently affirm”, perhaps we need to take a deep breath and add a few humble words and attitudes to the mix.
The Arnold Journey 