What's the point if it isn't profitable? There are some discussions not worth having. Like arguing over which Greek word for love is used in a Bible text, and then parting ways in an unloving manner. Or debating over pre, mid, or post-tribulation rapture until we are red in the face instead of choosing to "comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18).
The apostle Paul's first admonition to Timothy was to "instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith " (1 Timothy 1:3-4). Instruction that prompts speculation, rather than true education, does not provide edification. Such 'instruction', according to Paul, is "fruitless" (1 Timothy 1:6), and is to be avoided.
The "measuring stick" for Bible teaching and discussion is summarized well in Paul's words: "the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Teachers, these questions are worthy of printing and placing on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror: Will this instruction contribute to genuine love? Will it help build a good conscience? Will it add to sincere faith? If the answer to any of these questions is "no", then it probably shouldn't be taught. And the same goes for informal instructional conversation among believers; if it fails the test of these questions, then it probably is a profitless discussion.
Time is precious, and the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ are great. How many times have we engaged in deep discussion, all the while one of us in the discussion struggled with serious doubt, or major sin? The focus was on a minor issue, while a major issue that might prohibit us from entering the kingdom of God was never discussed or addressed. What an unprofitable discussion!
The older I get the more I long for "real" instruction and conversation. As is often the pattern of Paul in his New Testament letters, the focus is on truth and what truth means to us. That's what I want as well; to clearly understand truth, and then to know how that truth translates in to how I live. That helps build me in to a more loving person, with a good conscience, and with a stronger faith.
May we always be lifelong learners, and lifelong learners of that which is most profitable.
Steve
The apostle Paul's first admonition to Timothy was to "instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith " (1 Timothy 1:3-4). Instruction that prompts speculation, rather than true education, does not provide edification. Such 'instruction', according to Paul, is "fruitless" (1 Timothy 1:6), and is to be avoided.
The "measuring stick" for Bible teaching and discussion is summarized well in Paul's words: "the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Teachers, these questions are worthy of printing and placing on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror: Will this instruction contribute to genuine love? Will it help build a good conscience? Will it add to sincere faith? If the answer to any of these questions is "no", then it probably shouldn't be taught. And the same goes for informal instructional conversation among believers; if it fails the test of these questions, then it probably is a profitless discussion.
Time is precious, and the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ are great. How many times have we engaged in deep discussion, all the while one of us in the discussion struggled with serious doubt, or major sin? The focus was on a minor issue, while a major issue that might prohibit us from entering the kingdom of God was never discussed or addressed. What an unprofitable discussion!
The older I get the more I long for "real" instruction and conversation. As is often the pattern of Paul in his New Testament letters, the focus is on truth and what truth means to us. That's what I want as well; to clearly understand truth, and then to know how that truth translates in to how I live. That helps build me in to a more loving person, with a good conscience, and with a stronger faith.
May we always be lifelong learners, and lifelong learners of that which is most profitable.
Steve
posted by steve @ 8:28 AM
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