False and harmful teaching is unable to produce Christ-like character and behaviour. It is also dangerous because of the spiritual realities behind it. False teachers are the human agents through whom such heresy is spread. They are “hypocritical liars” (v.2), and do not teach the truth nor practise it. Their consciences have been “seared” (v.2). This is the fourth time Paul mentions the conscience (cf. 1 Timothy 1:5,19, 3:9). The conscience is a moral compass that warns us if we break God’s law, but it can be weakened (1 Corinthians 8:10) by wrong social “programming” and seared by repeated disobedience. It needs to be educated by the Word and the Spirit (Psalm 119:11; John 16:8–11, 17:17; Hebrews 9:13–14, 10:16,22).

A seared conscience has lost its sensitivity (like the way the tongue feels numb after being scalded by boiling soup). It will not “sound the alarm” when its owner dabbles in evil. Paul highlights the spiritual forces of deceiving spirits (demons) at work when someone peddles heresy (v.1). Satan, who specialises in blinding the minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4), deploys his minions to deceive and deaden the consciences of false teachers so that they can do much damage in the church. Paul is aware of this and is deeply concerned about it. The Holy Spirit himself had revealed to Paul that in “later times” (or “last days”, referring to the era from Pentecost to Christ’s second coming; 2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 1:2), such deception would take place, making some “abandon the faith” (v.1) and become apostate (renouncing the faith).

The false teachers taught a misguided asceticism (harsh self-discipline) that denied the creation. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). This included the creation of a man and a woman, the institution of marriage, and sex within marriage. The false teachers were forbidding people from marrying (a Gnostic idea) and eating certain foods (a Judaistic idea). The heresies in the early church had such roots that threatened the purity of the gospel, and the joy and well-being of Christians.

All good gifts created and instituted by God can be received with prayerful thanksgiving, remembering they were consecrated by God’s Word, for He declared what He had created to be good.

 

Taken from Journey Through 1 & 2 Timothy: 50 Biblical Insights by Robert M. Solomon.

Bad teaching is connected with bad behaviour while good teaching (sound doctrine) produces true transformation and godliness. Paul has shown how our worship, community life, leadership and ministry should testify to the truth and power of the gospel. The phrase “how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household” (v.15) reveals what was in Paul’s mind.

The church should be a living demonstration of the gospel. If it fails in this, its mission will be seriously affected. It must realise its noble role to be the “pillar and foundation of the truth” (v.15). It supports and displays the truth. Additionally, the conduct of the church and its members should convince people that it is “the church of the living God” (v.15). We are reminded of Zechariah’s prophecy, “In those days ten men from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you’ ” (Zechariah 8:23).

All these things are possible because of the “mystery of godliness” (v.16), which is all to do with Jesus. The word “mystery” in the Bible refers to truth that has not been known, but is now revealed. This mystery is about Jesus, who appeared 2,000 years ago. His life is traced in what appears to be a hymn or creedal statement. Jesus “appeared in the body” (referring to the incarnation and refuting heresies that denied His humanity). He was “vindicated by the Spirit” (through His resurrection, therefore showing His deity). He was “seen by angels” (demonstrating His victory in heaven and on earth). He was “preached among the nations” and was believed by many. We are all the result of this preaching mission. And He “was taken up in glory”. This may refer to the ascension, but because it appears as the last statement, it could also refer to the second coming of Christ in glory.

Jesus is the mystery and glory of the church. Our tiny stories have meaning because of His story, which must be demonstrated by the church.

 

Think Through:

 

Taken from Journey Through 1 & 2 Timothy: 50 Biblical Insights by Robert M. Solomon.