Garry continued his series on spiritual maintenance tonight, looking at 2 Tim 1:13, which urges us to keep as the pattern of sound teaching that which we have heard.
A pattern or example (see 1 Tim 1:16) comes from two Greek words meaning ‘under the seal’, an impression made which remains after something has pressed down, like a signet ring used to seal a document in ancient times. To be ‘sound’ is to be well, in good health. If we are to keep to sound teaching, we obviously have to be able to differentiate between this and teaching which is not sound. Unsound teaching often takes a verse out of context (eg Heb 8:11 or 1 Jn 2:27 being used to state categorically that we have no further need of teaching, because God Himself will teach us, ignoring other passages like 2 Tim 2:2 or Acts 13:1 which tell us there is still a place for teaching in the church.) Sound teaching will fit with the whole of the Bible and will not focus on one verse only.
To maintain our spiritual lives, we do have to be able to hear directly from God ourselves (see Heb 5:11-14, 2 Tim 3:6-7), but we also have to do more than simply cram Bible verses into our minds; we have to apply what we learn and live it out. We have to be like the Berean Jews who examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true (Acts 17:10-12) and spend time reading and studying the Word for ourselves.
1 Tim 4:1-7 gives us insight into what makes a good teacher. A good teacher:
- listen to the right sources (for there are deceiving spirits who would lead us all astray from truth)
- needs sensitivity (our consciences must not be seared or desensitised)
- must be nourished on truth and good teaching themselves
- must be pursuing God themselves (1 Cor 4:14-17)
- will leave what they teach (Heb 13:7 urges us to consider the outcome of the way of life of our leaders and imitate their faith)
- will oppose what is wrong (1 Tim 1:3-4)
- will promote love (1 Tim 1:5)
- will seek to pass on the baton to others (2 Tim 2:2)
If we want to maintain our spiritual lives, we must respond to sound teaching. Jesus often said, ‘Whoever has ears, let them hear.’ (Matt 11:15) The process of application can be a slow one; we have to learn, understand and apply the principles we learn. We maintain our spiritual life by holding onto and treasuring the words God gives us which lead to eternal life (see Jn 6:66-68).