Steven A. Bush - March 9, 2014
Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy
Paul referred to Timothy as his 'true son in the faith.' Timothy may have actually witnessed Paul's stoning outside of his hometown of Lystra when Paul first passed through the area. And when Paul came through on his second missionary journey, He and Silas selected Timothy to accompany them in active ministry. While it's probable that Timothy wrestled from timidity, stomach ailments, and the inherent disadvantages of youth, he proved to be Paul's most trusted companion, loyal to the very end. By the time 1 Timothy was written, this young man had already served with Paul for about 15 years. Despite being in his mid 30s, Paul exhorts: "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." (1 Tim. 4:12 NIV) The task of faithfully preaching the gospel, appointing elders, and addressing heretical teachings was a tall order and it is likely the temptation to forsake his calling altogether was ever before him. In 1 Timothy 4:16 Paul asserts that right doctrine leads to right living when he says: "Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers." (NIV) Any notion that the core doctrines of our faith are somehow secondary matters are false and misleading notions at best. False gospels always lead to actions that disgrace our Lord's reputation and fall short of the glory of God. While many have lost their lives for preaching the truths of God's Word, errant teaching will ultimately have the most horrible of eternal consequences.