2 Timothy: Guard The GospelSample

Most of us are attracted to anything new and exciting. We easily become bored with tradition and fascinated by what is fresh or unusual.

The false teachers in Ephesus were probably seen as progressive and innovative. Their teaching was attractive and maybe some of the believers wondered if these new ideas could be effective in evangelism. But Paul regards their ‘progression’ as moving away from salvation and towards greater ungodliness (2:16; 3:9, 13).

He says Timothy must continue in the gospel of truth. He must not move away from the gospel by looking for new interpretations of Scripture, but must persevere in obeying God’s Word as he has been taught. Why? Because he knows the Scriptures and those who taught him are trustworthy. It is God’s Word that makes us ‘wise for salvation’ (v. 15). The Bible points us to Jesus Christ and teaches it is through faith in him alone that we are saved. Timothy must resist the temptation to move on from the gospel, and so must we.

In recent decades, some church leaders and Bible teachers have challenged and contradicted what the Bible teaches on certain issues to make the Christian faith more appealing to unbelievers. Some have shifted from its teaching on issues of gender and sexuality. Others have rejected its teaching of salvation through faith in Christ alone or eternal punishment for those who reject Christ. We can understand why. It’s difficult to explain to someone who is struggling with gender identity or sexual immorality that they cannot both satisfy their physical desires and enjoy a right relationship with a holy God. It’s painful to acknowledge that our friends or family members who reject God in this life will be punished by him for eternity. It’s seems kinder to reinterpret the Bible’s teaching to make it seem more attractive or more compassionate. But we need to be wary about such progression. Only the truth of Scripture can make us wise for salvation. We must never move away from what the Bible teaches.

Reflection

How might you be tempted to move away from the Bible’s teaching? Are there issues over which you’re tempted to adopt new or more popular thinking? Pray that the Holy Spirit will help you to continue in obedience to Scripture alone.