Since the beginning of church history, believers have been in a battle for the truth. That’s why, in today’s reading, Paul admonished Timothy to be faithful, not only in preaching God’s Word but also in refuting false doctrines. Both types of instruction are necessary for the health of a local congregation.
So what are false teachings? Many churches make a conciliatory decision to try and conform to the will of society over the will of Almighty God and the demarcation of scripture. Their are many reasons as to why, (to maintain congregation levels, attract new parishioners, income etc..) But in truth, it leads to further ungodliness and a deception that equates to false doctrine.
The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 2:16. A false teacher’s words may sound religious, but something counterfeit can never make a person righteous. Apart from the true Word of God; John 17-17 “no one can grow in holiness.”
2 Timothy 2:17-19 says; “Once deceitful ideas infiltrate a church and are accepted by a few, contagion can ultimately make the entire congregation spiritually sick and prone to ignore the Spirit’s power. The church as a whole loses effectiveness when individual members turn away from Christ to embrace error.”
If we’re firmly grounded in the Word of God, we can more easily recognize and flee from seductive ideas that would lead us away from the truth. Accurate knowledge of God’s Word is our best protection from false teachings. That’s why it is every Christian’s responsibility to read and share the Good News of the Gospel with others to protect and preserve our faith.
