1 Timothy is written after Paul and Timothy had worked together for at least 15 years. Timothy is described (1:2) as Paul’s true son in the faith, Paul’s most cherished and key disciple.
So after years of traveling together, strenuous co-laboring to start and build churches, and countless one-on-ones, why is Paul writing Timothy? Many reasons, one of which relates to “doctrine”.
In this rather short letter, Paul feels lead to use the word “doctrine” eight times. Eight. That should get Timothy’s attention – and ours. .
Timothy has been planted by Paul in Ephesus (1:3) to deal with false teachers who had infiltrated it. . .
Doctrine matters!. True doctrine exposes sin, reveals the Savior, shows the way of salvation, transforms behavior into Christlikeness as it is woven into everyday life, leads to fruitful living.. There is no greater goal of Christian leaders than building sound doctrine into disciples. The strongest words of condemnation in the New Testament are aimed at false teachers who twist, distort and deny biblical doctrine.
For Timothy to be commanded to teach sound doctrine means he had to know sound doctrine in the first place. Do we know it?
How are we doing in training those we are discipling in sound doctrine? It is so easy today for believers and churches to drift into shallowness, emotionalism & entertainment. That can happen so subtly, so effortlessly it might not even be noticed.
Timothy!Never stop discipling others squarely on sound doctrine!
Are we listening?