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Unhealthy Speculation

“Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work – which is by faith.” 1 Timothy 1:4

Have you ever found yourself in this situation being extremely confused about a very important question about God and getting many different opinions from people when you ask about it? It can be disheartening and even cause you to doubt God.

But here’s the thing, we live in a world that is unique from most of human history before it. Information about almost everything is easily accessible to all and confidence in our own individual sense of knowledge is so strong, people will speculate even though they have limited reason to do so.

For instance, you might ask someone what grace means and they will take a podcast they heard one time, combine it with a conversation they had with a friend years ago, combine that with a statement they always heard their mom say growing up, and give you an answer. They may even talk confidently about it, but their answer may have nothing to do with a biblical understanding of grace.

In 1 Timothy, one of the greatest things that the Apostle Paul encourages the young pastor Timothy in is watching out for false doctrine or false beliefs. You see, despite the mess we sometimes make it out to be there is still only one Faith or set of beliefs that define being a Christian. Now, I am not talking about every little issue, but the most important things like Jesus’ death and resurrection and God’s nature which are clearly laid out in the Bible. We must be willing to give everything for these most important beliefs and defend against wrong beliefs.

In 1 Timothy 1:4, Paul explains to Timothy that some people are constantly speculating and they are doing it for issues that don’t really matter. Instead, let us focus on the most important beliefs about God, understand them, and then be willing to stand for them no matter what.

 Prayer Focus: Lord, I want to know the things that are most important about You and be willing to stand for them no matter what. As I study Your Word, help me to understand and give me the strength to stand.

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