As Christians, how can we know what is ‘dodgy theology’, and what is good? Every day, we are bombarded from all sides with teaching about God and the Christian life – from books, podcasts of sermons, websites – and all claim to be right teaching. How can we be sure?
The same question of truth and authority was around for the first Christians. Paul speaks about “no longer (being) infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” ( Ephesians 4:14).
Paul instructs Timothy that, “If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing”. (1 Timothy 6:3-4). If what is said does not agree with what Jesus instructed us in the Gospels, it can be counted as false.
Furthermore, Paul refers to his own writings as a guideline in knowing the truth, saying to Timothy, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. (2 Timothy 1:13-14). Paul tells Timothy that “the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
Paul’s advice to Timothy is to “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2-4) It is the Bible which is our sound foundation, the “holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15)
That’s what I’ve been thinking about. What do you think?
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