Paul comes out swinging against false teachers. We find out in 2 Timothy that they were teaching a Gospel contrary to the early apostles. Specifically, they were teaching that the resurrection of believers had already occurred, meaning, believers could experience all the benefits of a spiritually resurrected life. Today, we might call this doctrine the prosperity gospel, which promises a believer health, wealth, and material blessings.
Their insight came from their so-called secret wisdom. Their teaching didn’t produce fruit, but rather, controversy. Their conclusions produced useless chatter that caused division within the body. Paul was concerned with genuine faith, not fancy interpretations of the Word.
His advice to Timothy: confront them!
“I don’t lie, steal, curse, smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. I’m a pretty good person.” Ever heard that before?
In the book of Romans, Paul argues that the law is good, but its purpose is to reveal the depravity of man. Here in Timothy, Paul expands on that teaching by enhancing its purpose. The standard of the law far exceeds our abilities. Therefore, the law wasn’t given in order to validate the conduct of “good people,” but rather, to convict and expose the conduct of sinners – of which Paul classifies himself as the worst.
It must be remembered, of course, that laws are made, not for good people, but for lawbreakers and criminals, for the godless and sinful, for those who are not religious or spiritual, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the immoral, for sexual perverts, for kidnappers, for those who lie and give false testimony or who do anything else contrary to sound doctrine. 11 That teaching is found in the gospel that was entrusted to me to announce, the Good News from the glorious and blessed God.
1 Timothy 1:9-11 GNB
Paul had a unique ability to gracefully challenge his critics while always bringing the discussion back to what really mattered. The most effective way to communicate the foundational principles of Jesus Christ was through Paul’s personal testimony. He would go back to it time and time again in order to persuade his readers to place their faith in Jesus like he did.
He contrasts the arrogance of the false teachers with the raw reality of his own experiences. Though he was chief among sinners, Christ extended grace to him. His thankfulness shines in the second half of this chapter.
As I read 1 Timothy, I am left wondering if our churches are more focused on new discoveries, new enlightenment and new revelations instead of the basic testimony of God’s grace and mercy. Paul makes it clear he is saved and sustained by Christ alone. He has dedicated his entire existence to this simple truth.
“For all the vigor of his polemic, St. Paul does not content himself with the denunciation of error, but finds the best defense against its insidious approaches in a closer adherence to the love of God and faith in Christ.”
F.F. Bruce