For the past several months I have been studying the sufficiency of Scripture. This has come about due to a debate gone wrong with a friend who holds the belief that the scriptures are not God's authoritative word to His people, but rather tradition and the church have equal authority. The debate hasn't been pleasant; mainly because I struggle with Foot-in-Mouth Disease. But God has been gracious where I have not. He has also blessed me with a deeper love and understanding of His Word.
The Biblical teaching of my pastor on how to better handle these types of situations in the future, should I ever be in one, has been invaluable. I could have avoided mountains of frustration and kept my witness in tact had I been better equipped.
Qualities of an excellent servant of Jesus - 1 Timothy 4: 4-7
1. An excellent servant warns people of error.
6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.
* Take a firm, but gentle approach, when pointing out doctrinal error. (Strike one for me...)
* Don't focus on the false doctrine; focus on the teaching of God. In other words: Don't focus on error; focus on the truth.
* Don't pour energy into refuting false doctrine, but teach the truth, the whole counsel of God, and the false doctrine will stand out.
* Care for the flock - don't hunt for the wolves.
* Be known for what you stand for - not what you stand against.
2. He must strive to be an expert student of the scriptures
*If you're going to refute error you must be an ardent student of the Word of God.
* Timothy was praised by Paul for his constant, intensive pursuit of good doctrine: "...which you have done..."
* Timothy measured Paul's words with Scripture.
* The best refuters of error or those who are skilled in positively expounding the truth.
3. He must avoid the influences of unholy teaching.
7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;
* Focus on biblical truth not bad theology.
* Do not entertain futile, senseless discussions around theologies that are nothing more than fables, "...fit only for old women."
* Work hard on personal godliness - not refutations.
According to Paul in 1 Timothy 4: 1-3:
1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,
2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,
3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.
As a Biblical Christian, I must become equipped to firmly speak the truth of God's Word with gentleness and accuracy. This is my ongoing prayer as I study the Scriptures.
