Young People's Group

Recognising True Teachings

by Mitchell Tan
March 10, 2017

LOOKING FORWARD TO LEARNING ABOUT THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHURCH

Family Camp 2017 begins this Sunday. It is going to be an exciting time of learning much with regards to the theme “My People”. We are also going to talk about the doctrine of the Church and how we can be the kind of people that God meant us to be. It is important that we learn this doctrine well. In the world today, many have false and defective ideas of the doctrine of being God’s people. The challenge for us is to ensure that false teachings do not infiltrate our church and we seek to be even more “God’s kind of Church”.

BEWARE OF FALSE TEACHERS WHO TEACH “HETEROS” DOCTRINES

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words”
1 Timothy 6:3

During the days of Paul, there were false teachers who did not hold fast to the truth of God’s word. The word “otherwise” in Greek (Heteros- in this context) denotes a totally different kind of teaching from that which is true. The challenge is to be on the alert for these people who may come into our midst with evil intentions in mind.

RECOGNISING WHAT TRUE TEACHINGS ARE

Paul had always sought to teach the truth of the word of God. The apostle Paul, as he wrote his last chapter of 1 Timothy, described the kind of doctrines that he had been teaching Timothy.

1. TEACHINGS THAT BRING HEALTH TO OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

“Wholesome words …”
1 Timothy 6:3

The word “wholesome” is the Greek word “hugiainó” which means “healthy, pure, uncorrupted”. These wholesome words were meant to help a Christian be spiritually healthy and strong. This same Greek word was also used earlier when Paul wrote about having “sound doctrine”. He explained how there must be “sound doctrine, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God” (1 Timothy 1:10-11). Good, sound and healthy words and doctrines must be based on the glorious gospel.

2. TEACHINGS BASED ON THE WORDS OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

“… Even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ …”
1 Timothy 6:3

The Lord Jesus Christ taught His disciples many deep lessons that were recorded in the gospels. Paul’s epistles were written to expound further on the teachings of Jesus. He did not come up with his own doctrine and seek to propagate it. The Lord revealed these truths to Him (Galatians 1:12). Ultimately, all the words of Jesus Christ would help us see His Lordship in our life and ministry.

3. TEACHINGS THAT LEAD TO GODLINESS

“… And to the doctrine which accords with godliness”
1 Timothy 6:3

The apostle Paul also taught doctrines that were never void of application to life. They were meant to be expressed in godliness. His teachings were according to the pattern that spiritual truths and principles must be translated in having godly character in our life. Paul had taught Timothy to exercise himself towards godliness because it is profitable for all things (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Young people, as we learn from the word of God about being “My People”, let’s seek to practise what we learn by seeking to be godly people.

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