In what ways can we avoid "opposing ideas of falsely called knowledge"? The Charge from 1 Timothy 6:20 “O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid irreverent chatter and the opposing arguments of so-called ‘knowledge.’” • “The deposit” = the whole body of sound doctrine handed down through the apostles (cf. 2 Timothy 1:13-14). • “So-called knowledge” = ideas that claim intellectual credibility yet contradict Scripture and lead people away from Christ (v. 21). Lay a Solid Foundation of Truth • Jude 3—“contend for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints.” • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture equips us “for every good work,” leaving no need for competing revelations. • Proverbs 1:7—“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” Begin every evaluation with the settled conviction that God’s Word is final and sufficient. Test Every Idea Against Scripture • Acts 17:11—The Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:21—“Test all things; hold fast to what is good.” Practical filter: – What does the whole counsel of God say? – Does it elevate Christ or diminish Him? (Colossians 1:18) – What fruit does it produce? (Matthew 7:16) Guard Your Inputs • Psalm 1:1-2—Blessed is the one who “does not walk in the counsel of the wicked… but whose delight is in the law of the LORD.” Steps: – Limit media, books, podcasts that consistently undermine biblical authority. – Seek out teachers known for faithfulness to Scripture (Hebrews 13:7). – Fill downtime with truth—audio Bibles, Christ-centered music, sound teaching. Anchor Your Mind in Christ, Not Culture • Colossians 2:8—“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception… rather than according to Christ.” Ways to stay centered: – Memorize key passages that answer common cultural challenges. – Rehearse the gospel daily (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). – Remember that intellectual trends shift; Christ is “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Cultivate Humility and Teachability • James 1:21—“Humbly accept the word planted in you.” • Proverbs 13:10—“With humility comes wisdom.” Admit limitations, ask the Spirit for illumination (James 1:5), and remain open to correction from trustworthy believers. Walk with the Wise • Proverbs 13:20—“He who walks with the wise grows wise.” Practices: – Join a Bible-saturated small group. – Invite mature believers to speak into questionable ideas you encounter. – Share what you’re learning; articulation strengthens discernment. Hold Fast and Speak the Truth in Love • Ephesians 4:14-15—Refuse to be “tossed about by every wind of teaching,” but “speak the truth in love.” • 2 Timothy 2:24-26—Correct opponents gently, praying God grants them repentance. Stay firm without arrogance, combining conviction with compassion. Daily Habits That Strengthen Discernment • Consistent, contextual Bible reading (Joshua 1:8). • Meditation that turns truth over in the heart (Psalm 119:97). • Regular gathering with the church for Word and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). By guarding the entrusted deposit, filtering every claim through Scripture, and living in humble dependence on the Lord, we can consistently avoid the “opposing ideas of falsely called knowledge” and remain steadfast in the truth. |
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