Clouding the Picture

Read 1 Timothy 1:1-20

3. When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth.
4. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.
5. The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.
6. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions.
7. They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently. 1 Timothy 1:3-7

When in trouble, often a child’s favorite trick is to divert a parent from the main issue to something else. A typical conversation may go like this:

“Why were you out so late?”

“Worried about me? You worry too much, Mom. Life would be happier without so much worry. We need a family vacation. What about Disneyland?”

Spiritual speculators in the church are much like children who divert their parents’ attention. Paul warns his readers not to get distracted by the false teachers who are more interested in their own reputations than in God’s truth. Their religion is complex and confusing. As you read, determine to let nothing cloud God’s truth and your view of Christ.

Speculating about what the Bible may mean can make for interesting conversation, but it can also cause us to muddle the intent of God’s message. We need to guard against over-spiritualizing parts of the Bible or falling in love with our own ideas about it. The Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ doesn’t need new or additional “improvements” invented by clever thinkers.

The main point of Scripture is that Jesus came to save people from their sins. Let that message hold center stage in your mind and heart. Do not waste your time speculating on minute details of the Bible. You may never know the real meaning behind the detail and, at the same time, only draw attention away from the One who gave his Word to point people to him.