1&2 Timothy: Priorities & Principles In LeadershipSample

Be Approved by God

Asians have become extremely brand conscious. For the rich and famous nothing less than a Versace, Jimmy Choo, Luis Vuitton and the like will do, though for some of us Malaysians, the local superbrands seal will do just as well! But what does it mean to have God's seal of approval?

Paul wanted God's seal of approval upon Timothy. He had to stand out as the approved workman amidst the false, by the truth he taught (vs 8-13) and the way he lived (vs 3-6, 20-24). Truth and Character - they have to go together because good people who teach bad doctrine endanger the church, and without character, even great exponents of the truth lack credibility.

In Ephesus, false teachers, probably inspired by the Gnostics (who considered the body as evil), claimed there was no future bodily resurrection of the dead. Their ungodly argumentative spirit further divided the church. Paul's plea to Timothy is twofold: handle God's truth with care and correct your opponents in love.

God's approved workman has a heart that is open and eager to find out what the Scriptures actually say (Acts 17:11). We should never twist God's word to support our views or our lifestyle. Nor should we squabble with those in error but gently instruct them for the goal is to bring them to repentance and truth (v 25). Clearly, God's approval rests on the godly workman who handles God's word correctly and imparts the truth with grace.

How successful have we been in speaking the truth in love to someone holding onto a false teaching?