“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.”
(1 Timothy 1:3-7)

Conversation has become a prominent word in the church’s vocabulary today. And, although it has always been an important social skill that helped towards understanding one another, it is now being used as a destructive weapon in the arsenal of our enemy. Conversation in the church was always meant for godly edification of the saints and for exhorting one another in truth and in the faith, but it has now become the platform for anyone to speak his opinions.

Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to guard the true doctrine and he urged him to do everything he could to make sure that no other doctrine is taught, because it is vitally important for the church to continue in the true doctrine. As far as doctrine was concerned, there was no place for personal opinions, or for private interpretations of the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:20).

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.” (1 Timothy 6:3-5)

The spirit of the postmodern age is heavily influencing the church today and many are not only challenging foundational doctrines, they are also questioning absolute truth. Many “Christians” today feel that something must be true because they believe it to be true, instead of believing it because it is true. Their minds have been corrupted and they are destitute of the truth. They are proud and full of themselves. Everyone seems to have something to say and everyone’s opinion seems to matter... and this is where the conversation gets dangerous. All of a sudden, “Christians” are now questioning, discussing and probing fundamental doctrines and theology. Things that have always been absolutely sure are now on the table, open for discussion.

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-19)

Conversation has now become liberation in the sense of ignorance and it is leading nowhere fast. It is about equally confused people guessing what things might be “true” and speculating what “true” might mean. It is the avant-garde thing to not be sure about anything – the less you understand the better – nothing ever gets settled, but let’s keep on talking about it? It is a fatal error when you start treating the Bible as just another story or just another opinion. God’s Word is to be esteemed above every opinion, it is true, it does not change and it cannot fail. It is the standard and absolute authority and it must be treated for what it is.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

God’s Word is living and powerful, it has truth that confronts and transforms lives and it can be understood by children. You don’t have to be an active opponent of God’s word to be an enemy of it. If we fail to give the Bible its rightful place in our life and in our preaching, we oppose God’s word. Mere curiosity or interest in God’s Word without submission to it is a grave danger.

Paul describes those who misuse God’s Word as proud, knowing nothing. To not allow God’s Word to speak for itself, but to put your own twist on it, is the worst kind of pride. It shows that you have more confidence in your own wisdom and opinions than in the straightforward truth of God. Only pride makes you think that your stories, your narratives, your opinions and your humor could be more important to hear than the plain Word of God.

“But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” (Titus 3:9-11)

Endless conversation about the established facts in God’s Word is foolish, unprofitable and useless. It is the fertile soil where lies and apostasy is cultivated. The emphasis is on the wrong things and it is a distraction that takes the place of godly edification which is in faith. Let us rather put our hands on our mouths (Ecclesiastes 5:2-3) and listen to the Word of the Almighty.

“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
(Proverbs 30:5-6)

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” (Ephesians 5:6)

In Christ,
The Searchlight team