Speculations or Stewardship?

“As I urged you.., remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions…

“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.”

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…

“In every place men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness… For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God,.. the Savior…

“Command and teach these things… Set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have… Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this.” 1 Timothy 1:3-7,18-19; 2:1-6,8; 4:7,10-16

Paul’s admonition to Timothy was compelled by insidious practices of the day. Instead of careful exposition of the gospel, the Ephesian church leaders allowed their vanity to swerve them to counterfeit doctrine. Peddling falsehoods, silly myths, unprovable suppositions, and divisive speculations, they stirred up controversy and disagreements, disrupting devotion and its attending disciplines. Paul warned of the dangers while urging him to good stewardship of the truth and his time. Maintaining a pure heart and clear conscience, and praying for those in authority, would set a godly example and please the Lord.

Issues through the centuries may change in topic, but seldom in tenor or turbulence. The enemy may have some new methods and materials, but his motives are still evil: to distract, divide, and destroy. He exists to confuse our understanding and stir dissension and doubt. If he can’t have our souls, he’ll rob the church of unity, joy, faith, and peace. (John 10:10; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Titus 3:9)

Do I spend precious time entrusted to me embroiled in criticism, investigating conspiracies, or probing the Word? Am I more prone to put down governing leaders, or to lift them in earnest prayer? In instances of discord, complaining, or gossip at work, church, or home, am I a troublemaker or a truth-teller? What kind of example do I set as a steward of Christ’s gospel?

Lord, help me rightly handle Your truth and grace, staying steady in conflict and committed to obedience.