[AlphaSigma]

1 Tim. 1:3-11 (TLB)

"As I said when I left for Macedonia, please stay there in Ephesus and try to stop the men who are teaching such wrong doctrine. Put an end to their myths and fables, and their idea of being saved by finding favor wit han endless chain of angels leading up to God-wild ideas that stir up questions and arguments instead of helping people accept God's plan of faith.

What I am eager for is that all the Christians there will be filled with love that comes from pure hearts, and that their minds will be clean and their faith strong. But these teachers have missed this whole idea and spend their time arguing and talking foolishness. They want to become famous as teachers of the laws of Moses whe nthey haven't the slightest idea what those laws really show us.

Those laws are good when used as God intended. But they were not made for us, whom God has saved; they are for sinners, who hate God, have rebellious hearts, curse and swear, attack their fathers and mothers, and murder. Yes, these laws are made to identify as sinners all who are immoral and impure: homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, and all others who who things that contradict the glorious Good News of our blessed God, whose messenger I am.

The world is filled with people demanding our allegiance. Many would have us turn from Christ to follow them. Often their influence is subtle.

How can you recognize false teaching before it does irreparable damage?

1. It stirs up questions and arguments instead of helping bring people to Jesus. (1:4)

2. It is often promoted by teachers whose motivation is to make a name for themselves. (1:7)

and 3. It is contrary to the true teaching of the scriptures (1:6-7, 4:1-3).

Instead of listening to false teachers, we should learn what the Bible teaches and remain strong in our faith in Christ alone.

Pledge your allegiance to God through scripture, not others.