"A God-Given Role"

  James speaks that the possibility exists that one can stray from the truth (Jam. 5:19-20). When one strays from the truth their soul is in jeopardy and they find themselves separated from God (soul in death). When we speak of the truth, what does it mean? Does it mean a set of rules and regulations that govern? A barrage of lessons on why everyone else is wrong? Or is it much more than that? My blog today is for each that read to hold their preachers and leaders to what the Lord expects in their work. Help them fulfill that!

  Paul left a young Timothy at Ephesus to "instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrine" or to "pay attention to myths and endless genealogies." (I Tim. 1:3-4). Things that deviate from what the apostles taught and things that cause speculations are helping people down the road to stray from the truth. Apparently there were some doing it at Ephesus!

  God wants His household policies (administration) furthered! How are we to manage God's house? BY FAITH! Faith only comes from hearing the word of God. To further God's goals and for us to grow it must come from His doctrine, not what stirs us. Questionings, speculations, strange doctrines and ideas will not create faith in God's household. It is the very thing that causes people to stray from the truth. To teach against other religions, putting them down is not building faith. It can make us arrogant (which God opposes the proud) and it is unfruitful. To bring people to the knowledge of the truth of God is the only thing that will soften their heart, creating a saving faith within. The goal of all our preaching and teaching should be this: "But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." (I Tim. 1:5) That's the noble goal every preacher, every elder and every member should strive for in teaching! Anything less opens the door to straying from the truth.

  There is another aspect of this also. When we stray from God's goal, it will end up with a lot of discussion but it will be fruitless (I Tim. 1:6)! FRUITLESS! There will be nothing produced within the people from God. Too many times there are a lot of discussions but little that deals with the truth of overcoming sin, walking in the Light and we wonder why people in the Lord's body are taken down so easily or have little interest. We need to further God's administration by faith and a preacher/teacher/elders/members need to understand their God given roles!! "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." (I Tim. 4:16)

  One more thing and I will hush. Paul told Timothy to be constantly nourished on the words of faith and sound doctrine (I Tim. 4:6). Nourishment! That means something taken in for growth. If we aren't bringing in nourishment, we are dying. Eventually it will catch up with you because of malnourishment and the door opens to all sorts of strange idea and doctrines as well as you lose sight of God's goal! I guess today, I needed to hear this!!!