Science Falsely So-Called

 1Ti 6:20 — 1Ti 6:21

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

In his closing exhortation to Timothy, the apostle Paul gives some golden advice that is relevant, perhaps even more so, in our age of information overload.

First and foremost is the "keeping". Keeping the sound and good doctrine, of the glorious gospel, of the truth in godliness. (vv. 1:10,11; 3:16; 4:6,13; 5:17; 6:3). This is the one major theme in this epistle that the mentor wanted to drive home and impress upon the young evangelist. And likewise to us. There can be no acceptable action, there can be no better guard against the wiles of the devil, against false teachers and doctrine, apart from the doctrine of Christ.

Then there is the "avoiding". Obviously not in the manner of shutting out utterly and living as hermits, since we are to go out into the world to preach the gospel (cf. 1Co 5:10), but not to be caught up in unfruitful discussions that only generates strife (2Tim 2:23) not to be focussed on "intellectual" study while missing the big picture and bending the Scripture for "scholarship sake" (cf. 2Pe 3:16).

Included in this category is the "science falsely so-called". The ESV version renders it clearer as "what is falsely called “knowledge”". The Greek word, translated as "science" here in the KJV, "Gnosis", refers to present and fragmented knowlege, in contrast to the "epignosis", which is a more intense version where the knowledge seeker is more deeply involved. 

And thus we need to be discerning to "fads", "designer doctrines", things that serve to "scratch ears" (2Ti 4:3-4), as opposed to real truths that is established in the entirety of the gospel.

What's more alarming is the danger and reality of such coming from even within the church, that had Paul warning Timothy on mulitple angles in both epistles.

And today, it is so much the more relevant because of the ease of access to knowlege and sad to say, majority of which is merely "science falsely so-called". Just look at the tsunami of information that comes crashing through in the social media. And far too often, we get caught up and become unwitting participants, when we share without discernment, when we make a comment or even click a "like" without understanding.

The platform of social media offers new opportunities but is definitely not a good or even suitable stage to engage in deep discussion. It is but a tool for us to generate interest for some offline deep discussion and study, which we cannot do without, if soul saving is our goal.

Do not be caught up in "profane and vain babbling" online. It is often counter productive and may cause one to be disheartened, and even loose one's faith, not to mention the potential to stumble others unwittingly.

Let us continue to study and keep the sound doctrine and hang on to the basics, even as we try to engage soul saving opportunities in this digital age.

Chief of Sinners

 1 Timothy 1:15

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

We all realise what Paul had done prior to his conversion (v.13; cf. 1f Acts 22), yet to claim to be "chief" seemed to be pretty audacious! If we take from the angle of being the "greatest", we can certainly imagine many more whom have done more heinously especially when out of malice, whereas, Paul had did it "ignorantly". If we take it from the standpoint of being the "first" (which is actually what the word alludes to), it's even more far fetched, since there are obviously many more before Paul, even just considering the New Testament times.

But as the Greek word here "protos" implies, it is about being "first" but not in rank but priority. Paul is making a statement on behalf of all mankind that God's priority, of sending Jesus to this world, that Jesus died on the cross and was raised the third day, that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to continue the revelation and establishing of His Word, was for OUR salvation.

The God of the bible is the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. He is the God of Moses, David, Solomon. The same God to Peter and the apostles! He is our PERSONAL God! Our Father in heaven is interested in saving each and every one of us (1Ti 2:4). That is His priority. We are His chief concern. Yes, so much so that He sent His only begotten to die for our sins.

Let us be reminded of the great love of God, that we are not some "by product" that the plan of salvation was some "after thought", but that God knows and cares of every single one of us, in our own special package. What a privilege! What an honour! What a great blessing!

Wherefore it remains that we should live our lives worthy of His Calling, that through our lives and active service, will more souls be drawn to Him.

He made us His priority, shouldn't we do the same?

Synagogue Politics

Acts 23:9

And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

Isn't it so ironic? One moment, Paul's accusers were set to stone him and the next, they seemed to be his advocate! 

Such is the unfortunate nature of man. We tend to be ready to crucify those who hold opposing views to ours and quick to exonerate ones that share our beliefs.

Which is well and good, except when it oftentimes get in the way of righteous judging. 

In this case, it was really just because of synagogue politics! 

This "cancel culture" seems to be more and more prevalent in today's internet age. And the ironic thing is that it seems to be even more serious and vehement among the so-called liberal left, who are supposedly more open-minded. It is such mentality that people would often shout "don't judge me!", while ready to condemn less "progressive" views.

It is a minefield out there these days! How should the Christian navigate? The example of the apostle Paul is one we can emulate. Paul is obviously unapologetic and unwavering where it comes to the truth. But contrary to what one might think, it is also because of this that he displays great wisdom and humility in handling people and relationships. He certainly pulled no punches when speaking out against falsehood like we see in the beginning of the chapter, yet he was quick to back down upon hearing the identify of the high priest. Was he being cowardly? No! He was being humble and obedient to God's commandments! And then Paul exercised great wit and wisdom by driving a wedge between his accusers. Was he being divisive? No! He was trying to get some common ground to people to start listening to the gospel.

This is the classic masterclass on being "wise as serpents and harmless as doves"! (Mat 10:16)

It is without a doubt that we need to be "steadfast and unmovable" where God's Word is concerned. When we are attacked for our views, listen out to our accusers. Don't just lash back ala eye for eye, tooth for tooth mentality. Find common ground, seek to understand. If they remain caustic, ignore and move on (cf.Mat 10:14)! But very often, when we seek to understand, people will back off.

Ultimately, the salvation of souls is the top priority. Let us be reminded again by the venerable apostle Paul in 1Co 9:18 — 1Co 9:23

What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Throwing Dust

Act 22:22 — Act 22:23

And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,

The national pride leading to prejudice was indeed strong! So much so that Paul's accusers were ready to stone him. 

The action of "casting off their clothes" is not what we think of today! But really a description to get ready for labour. It was the same reason why we read of the witnesses laying their clothes at Saul's (the later apostle Paul) feet when they got ready to to stone Stephen in Acts 7:58.

But why throw dust? It was likely because Paul was cross-examines in a Roman court at that time, and they were not at the liberty to throw real stones and thus merely made the action out of indignance and anger. Paul's accusers were incensed because here was their supposed "champion" of their cause of Judaism, not only preached of the pretender Jesus and even claimed to be sent unto the Gentiles (v.21). Truly, as Paul wrote to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 1:23 -

"But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;"

But thanks be to God that Christ died for ALL. As Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28 -

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Let us cast away our clothes and gird up our loins, not to stone another but to prepare our minds (cf. 1Pe 1:13), to be diligent and zealous in learning and applying God's Word. To be rich in wisdom and knowledge, and in good works, that we may lay the good foundation that will see us to eternal glory.

Wannabe Exorcists

Acts 19:13

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

Acts 19:15

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know,  Paul I know; but who are ye?

In this rather hilarious account of a botched up "exorcism", we observe some serious truths that we see played out even today.

1) In the name of the Lord 

So apparently, these con-exorcists operated "in the name of the Lord Jesus", and even brought the apostle Paul's name into the picture! This clearly illustrates the fact that, merely invoking the name of the Lord does not make an act authorized! Over and over, we want to emphasize that "in the name of the Lord" simply means "with the authority of the Lord". This is exactly what Jesus was preaching about in Mat 7:21-23. Authority is not established by mere profession but by following exactly what God had commanded.

2) Even the devils knew Jesus and Paul

We are reminded of James 2:19

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

And among many passages in the gospel accounts, Luke 4:41 summarizes it all -

And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.

Wow...if even devils, the minions of Satan acknowledge and fear God and His Son and His authorised servants, what says of the men who deny and especially those who seemingly profess yet deny with their beliefs? 

The manifestations of devils and evils spirits no longer happen today, with the ceassation of miracles, yet the concepts remain applicable. Today, we can too be similarly overcome by "devils" (cf. V.16), of we do not have proper authority in what we do! And yes, it does not matter how loudly and sincerely we declare it to be "in the name of the Lord" but only that it is according to God's will.

On the other hand, we too can be recognized and be feared by Satan and his minions, just as Paul was when carry proper authority from God by following what He Wills. As James exhorted us in James 4:7 - Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

The Devil is powerless against us! Until we allow him to...

Let us not be as the wannabe exorcists, deceiving people and themselves, and getting their due punishment, but be true priests of the royal priesthood, feared by the devil, and accepted and pleasing unto God, that we might be fruitful in our Christian walk and finally receiving our reward in heaven.

Thou Art Mad?

Acts 12:15

And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

It is interesting to note that while the brethren were conscientious and fervent to even bother to gather to pray (v. 5, 12), that in spite of the fact that they lived in the miraculous age, that it was not any ordinary person but the apostle Peter who was imprisoned, that they were still caught in unbelief and denial.

Makes us think what exactly were they praying for!

What is even more incredulous was that they could even suggest a much less plausible explanation of Peter's "angel" appearing. Where did they even get that idea?

Observe what James wrote:

Jam 1:6 — Jam 1:8

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Paul expressed the same sentiment

1 Timothy 2:8

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

Now quite obviously, we know that not everything we ask will be granted. Other than doubt, there are times we may ask amiss (Jam 4:3). But oftentimes, it is just because God knows better. Paul still had his "thorn in the flesh" (2Co 12:7-9). Even Jesus was not granted that "the cup pass from him" (Mat 26:38,39).

But to be surprised and even doubt that our prayers were answered reveals a state of immaturity. This mentality is similar to that of the apostles/disciples when they heard of Jesus' resurrection (cf. Luke 24:9-11). 

It remains for us to continually grow in our faith and ask in faith, i.e. according to His Will and with firm conviction, knowing that God hears, and God knows, and God cares that we will receive ultimate good from Him (1Pe 3:12).

Enter Not Into The Path of the Wicked

Proverbs 4:14-15

Enter not into the path of the wicked,

and go not in the way of evil men.

Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it,

and pass away.

And here we have the 4 step approach to keeping ourselves from the path of the wicked - aka sin.

1) Avoid it

As Paul puts it in 1Th 5:22 - Abstain. And from all APPEARANCE of evil. Yes, anything that looks like it, avoid. That is the first and most powerful way.

2) ok so what if it unavoidable? Do not get close. Circumvent it. Have u ever noticed we tend to drift toward something we have our attention on? Wherefore the key here is to keep our focus on the straight and narrow. If we can’t avoid, let us at least not go near. 

3) What if we still gravitate towards it? The next step is to turn away! Don’t let ourselves crash right into it. It is also from this stage that faithful brethren come in play by pushing us away, because at this stage, it becomes more apparent to others.

4) stage 4 is more of a follow up to a successful stage 3. Don’t just stop there when our backs are against evil - walk away! Get out! As Paul puts it “flee”! (2Ti 2:22) And reset ourselves to the pre stage one condition.

But know this - at every successive stage, it gets easier to progress but more difficult to pull away! Wherefore, it is so important for us to remain sensitive and vigilant that we keep ourselves in the stage 1 state, should temptation come our way. And the key to that? Constant, consistent, and concentrated study of the Word AND careful and concerted (I.e. taking the whole counsel, sparing no effort) application of IT to our lives. 

Let us all help one another and encourage and exhort one another to stay in the strait and narrow and to greater spiritual heights!