Dear friends in Christ,
As I sit down to write this, I am reminded of the powerful passage I read recently during my morning devotions. It is 1 Timothy 4:1-16. This chapter emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against false teachings and dedicating ourselves to godliness.
“False Teachings,” and “Godliness”
Those churchy sounding words are important for us to grasp a hold of. Much of the pain and loss experience in congregations across our country these days are a direct result of losing our focus in these very things.
False teachings often are good-intentioned efforts to fit into to modern society. No one wants to be judged as “intolerant”, or “backward”. Often, the desire to avoid those very labels by our peers tempts us to “spin” our message ever so slightly, in order to fit in. Don’t get me wrong, we must do everything humanly and ethically (and Biblically) possible to reach and connect with people who are living outside the life of the Church. But drifting into false teaching is a line we cannot cross.
Godliness sounds at first like a description of some Dudly Do-right or some other boring, uptight character we don’t want to be. However, in most cases, Godliness, looks like:
- A long, satisfying marriage.
- A deep network of good, loyal friends
- A life others desire to imitate.
Not boring at all if you ask me. But how do we, as a congregation of older empty-nesters, embrace this call? How do we navigate the spiritual forces that seek to deceive us, and how can we set an example that shines brightly in a secular world without becoming fussy, uptight and grumpy?
First, let’s delve into the words of Paul in 1 Timothy. He writes, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). This is a stark warning about the dangers that lie in wait for us. How often do we find ourselves swayed by ideas and practices that seem appealing but lead us away from Christ? Before we point the finger at our easy list of ‘enemies’, we must first and foremost, take a look in the mirror.
It is crucial to center ourselves in God’s Word, using it as our guide and defense. I liken it to a Orienteering. This is the hobby of using a compass and map to navigate over land. It’s harder than you think. And at first blush, might not sound all that interesting. Until you one day find yourself lost in the woods and your smartphone battery is dead! Knowing to check your compass and correctly use a map can be literally life-saving. So too, having a regular habit of reading scripture gives us our bearings and re-sets our True North. Personally, I need this daily. Those of you who don’t read and pray through Scripture regularly, well, I honestly don’t know how you manage. If you have a secret, please let me in on it.
The Danger of Deception
We live in a world where many spiritual forces vie for our attention, often disguising themselves as truths. Paul warns Timothy (and us) of this danger, urging us to stay vigilant. How often do we find ourselves swayed by ideas and practices that seem appealing but lead us away from Christ? It is crucial to center ourselves in God’s Word, using it as our guide and defense.
Paul emphasizes, “Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly” (1 Timothy 4:7). This means immersing ourselves in the Bible, understanding its teachings, and being prepared to discern truth from falsehood. In practical terms, this could look like setting aside specific times each day to read and reflect on Scripture. For example, you might start your morning with a passage from the Gospels and end your day with a psalm, allowing God’s Word to bookend your daily life and provide spiritual nourishment.
The North American Lutheran Church has a few resources similar to what I use. Check this out: https://thenalc.org/worship-resources/devoted-to-prayer-introduction/
If you fancy something simpler, I’ve got you covered. Call me and set up a time for a coffee and I’ll get you set up. These types of conversations are what I live for.
Centered in God’s Word
But how do we practically achieve this? One practical step is committing to read the New Testament regularly. Imagine starting each day with a passage from the Gospels or the letters of Paul. Reflect on these words, discuss them with a friend or spouse, and let them transform your heart and mind. Press yourself to discover and put into practice what you are learning, by it a change of attitude, a different, bolder way to pray or a literal action to take in daily life. Real spiritual growth happens not just by reading words on a page, but by working to put what they teach into practice.
Paul instructs Timothy, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13). This is a call to immerse ourselves in the Word of God. For us, it might mean setting up a regular Bible reading schedule, joining a Bible study group, or even sharing verses that spoke to us with our family and friends. And asking those we trust to hold us accountable for putting into practice what we are discovering.
Engaging in our church’s discipleship process, Life to Life, is another excellent way to deepen your understanding and application of God’s Word. Through this program, you can connect with others who are also seeking to grow in their faith, offering support and accountability. Imagine the growth that can occur when we study together, pray for each other, and encourage one another in our walk with Christ.
Setting an Example
Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy are not just about avoiding false teachings; they are about living lives that exemplify Christ’s love and truth. He says, “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). This is a call to live authentically, where our actions at home and in public align with our faith.
Let’s think about this practically. What if we approached every interaction with the intention of reflecting Christ’s love? Whether it’s through acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or simply listening with empathy, we can set an example that stands in stark contrast to the often harsh and selfish behaviors seen in the world. How many times have you been at the receiving end of a person who just talked about themselves and never showed any genuine interest in your or others? The difference is startling when we resolve to make sure the other person is truly seen and honored by our genuine interest in them.
Starting Anew
Many of us might feel that significant spiritual growth and life change are for others, perhaps those who are younger or more devout. But this is an example of one of the very false teaching Paul warns about! God calls each of us, regardless of our past, to grow and be transformed. It’s never too late to start anew. The idea that it is too late, is an evil lie. The Gospel of Jesus does not have an age limitation.
Paul encourages Timothy to “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress” (1 Timothy 4:15). This is a reminder that spiritual growth is a journey, and it is visible to others. By starting anew and committing to this journey, we set an example for others to follow.
A Call to Action
So, how do we move forward? I encourage you to devote time each day to reading the New Testament. Let the words of Scripture guide and transform you. Join our Life to Life discipleship process and connect with others on this journey. Share your experiences, support one another, and watch how God works in your life.
Take the risk of sharing with a trusted Christian friend what you are reading in The Word and empower them to hold you accountable for taking steps toward whatever it is you are discovering.
Call your pastor and buy him a cup of coffee and ask for some advise.
Paul’s closing advice to Timothy is powerful: “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). This is not just a call for Timothy but for all of us. By living out our faith authentically and diligently, we can have a profound impact on those around us.
Remember, spiritual growth and significant life change are not just for others. They are for you. They are for all of us. Together, let’s embrace this new journey with Christ, grounded in His Word and shining His light for all to see.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Mark
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