Moment of Meditation: False Doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3)

Original Broadcast: January 2011

Monthly Theme: Pastoral Epistles (1 Timothy 1)

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia,
remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons
not to teach any different doctrine
(1 Timothy 1:3)

False Doctrine

False doctrine is the worst problem Christianity faces today. It's the worst problem Christianity has faced throughout its history. Not all of it is purposeful deception. Sometimes, as in the case of Apollos, it's an honest misunderstanding of the doctrine (Acts 18:24-28). But Paul takes aim at those who purposely spread false doctrine through the Church.

Paul's teachings against false doctrine permeate his writings. Except in Romans, Paul deals with a congregation or individual that has experienced false doctrine in their midst. He also says , "But even if we or an angel from Heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8).

Jesus Himself says, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life" (John 14:6). He rules out everything but Himself as the proper way of understanding and getting into Heaven. Paul teaches the same thing. False doctrine leads us astray. Pure doctrine leads us to Jesus and everlasting life. Amen.