storiesofvalue

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — (1 Timothy 2:1)

This is, of course, not the first thing Paul has urged Timothy to do in his letter.  Earlier in chapter 1 he urged Timothy to confront false teachers.  This is a new priority in a new line of reasoning.  While chapter one focused on false teachers, chapter two focuses on holy living.

The words used in today’s verse help us understand the purpose and power of prayer:

Requests: some people use the word “petition” here.  When we pray to God, we seek His provision.  God guides us, comforts us, protects us and grants favors.  We don’t always know when, how, or where He will meet out need, but we trust Him to do what is best for us.

Prayers: the word used here suggests prayers that were held in a place of prayer.  There is great value in participating in a regular time of prayer in a place of prayer, or making prayer a part of worship when we are gathered together.

Intercession: this is a prayer on behalf of another.  Even as Jesus intercedes for us before the Father, so we can intercede for others who may not know what to pray, or may not be in a place in their lives where they are regularly seeking God.  Intercessory prayer can be done with or without the person we are praying for present, and we can pray as one or many.

Thanksgiving: we thank God for His goodness and His grace, and so much more.  An attitude of thanksgiving also puts us in the proper frame of mind to be open to God’s will.

There are a number of prayer tools people have developed to help us stay focused on these and other kinds of prayers.  One popular prayer acronym is ACTS. Look it up on the web under “ACTS Prayer” and you should find everything you need.

I personally am not a systematic person when it comes to prayer.  I tend to be more impulsive, and often pray for the same kinds of things without considering a more balanced approach.  I don’t think God minds, as long as I am talking.  But every now and then I go back to basics, just to make sure I am covering all of the bases…not because I think there is a magic formula for prayer…but because I don’t want to be one-dimensional.

For example, I am pretty good at thanking God and asking Him for things I need.  I also pray for people all the time.  But I don’t always let them know how or for what I am praying…which doesn’t make a lot of sense since I can’t read their minds.

I don’t think we can ever pray too much.

Dear God, help me pray with greater purpose.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme. (1 Timothy 1:19-1)

We know more about Alexander than Hymenaeus.  Some people believe he was the same Alexander who was brought into the theater at Ephesus when an angry crowd couldn’t find the apostle Paul.  A riot had ensued over Paul’s ministry, which had led to people rejecting sorcery and idol worship.  Sorcery and idol worship constituted a big chunk of the economy in Ephesus, and some businessmen were ready to tear Paul to shreds.

If this was the same Alexander, then it appears he was faithful enough to the Lord at this time to be considered a target by Paul’s enemies.  But that was to change.  In our passage this morning, he is said to have “shipwrecked” in his faith, along with Hymenaeus.  And in 2 Timothy, 4:14-15, assuming Paul is talking about the same Alexander, we learn he was a metal worker and that he had become a strong opponent of the Lord’s work.

What happened?

It is possible Alexander was also a part of the idol worship industry in Ephesus before giving his life to Jesus?  Did his persecutors finally wear him down?  And did he finally decide it was better to fight Paul than suffer harm?

It is interesting to speculate on the possibilities, but perhaps the most important issue at stake in this morning’s passage is the status of a believer who has “shipwrecked” and has been “handed over to Satan”.  Is this person lost to Jesus?  And is it possible for someone like the Apostle Paul to hand someone over to Satan…i.e. throw them to the lions?

One important detail in our passage is the fact that the ultimate outcome of handing these men over to Satan is that they would be taught not to blaspheme.  In other words, Paul doesn’t want them to continue down their current path.  Instead, he wants them to find their way again.

There is strong evidence in the New Testament for a strategy of restoration that requires people to absorb the full force of the consequences of their actions, in hopes their pain will lead them to repentance.  In 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 Paul wrote: “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.  Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”

I believe this is Paul’s hope with Hymenaeus and Alexander.  Paul, of all people, knew he was not in charge of people’s eternal destiny, and he has just finished talking about the fact he was the “worst” of sinners, but received grace.  Yet, he is extremely frustrated by the actions of Hymenaeus and Alexander and knows they need to be confronted.

Some people have to learn things the hard way.  And when we ignore their sin, or “soft-pedal” our approach, we might actually be doing them more harm than good.

Dear God, teach me the importance of being firm.  In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience.  (1 Timothy 1:18-19)

Paul thought of Timothy as his “son in the faith.”  We are certain he was not his biological son since the scriptures tell us his father was a Greek.

Many believe this reference to Timothy suggests Paul is the one who led him to Christ.  We have no proof of this in the scriptures, yet it is obvious Paul was Timothy’s spiritual mentor, and that alone suggests a “father-son” relationship. 

One of the most interesting phrases in our passage today is the “prophecies once made” about Timothy.  Are these prophecies recorded in the Bible?  And if so, what were they?

It is important to realize a prophecy doesn’t have to be divinely inspired.  We think of them as such because we are used to working with biblical prophesy which God used to foretell future events.  However, a prediction can also be a visionary statement of hope, based on the potential other people see in an individual.

One of the reasons Paul enlisted Timothy in his ministry after meeting him in Lystra is because “the brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him” (Acts 16:2).  What did they say?  Did they talk about his superior character or leadership abilities?  Did they share their hopes and dreams for him as a servant in the church?  I imagine some of these kinds of things were shared.

But there may have been other testimonies not recorded in scripture.  In fact, it is even possible there were divinely inspired prophecies we are not aware of. 

Whatever these prophecies were, it is obvious the dreams other people had for Timothy were a motivating force in his ministry.  When he was tempted to throw in the towel he was encouraged to “fight the good fight” and hold to “faith and a good conscience” because other people were cheering for him. 

I have always believed, to a great extent, the success of young people in the Lord’s ministry is tied to the encouragement they receive from others.  If you are in a church with one or more young ministers on staff, remember that somewhere there are people in the church they grew up in who are cheering for them.  There are Sunday School teachers praying for them and countless others who are proud of the commitment they have made to give their lives to full-time ministry.  When they went away to Bible College their loved ones stood on the proverbial boat dock waving and whistling as they started their journey. 

Don’t be the iceberg that shatters the hopes and dreams of so many.  I know you would expect the same from others in whom you have entrusted your own.

Dear God, show me how to encourage Your young servants.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.  Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

This prayer of praise is Paul’s response to the grace he has received, even though he was the “worst of sinners.”  And what a praise it is!

In the study of God, one of the words we use to describe His nature is “attributes.”  God has many attributes, but Paul captures some of the most basic ones here: He is “eternal”, “immortal” and “invisible.”  He is also “King” and the “only God”.

 The “eternal” nature of God is one of those concepts that eludes us.  Personally, I find it easier to comprehend God’s eternal nature moving forward since He already “is.”  But it is much harder for me to think in reverse and grasp how He always “was.”  The only thing that keeps me from going crazy as I contemplate this point is the fact that there could not possibly have been a time when either nothing or no one existed.  Even those who believe we are here by chance presuppose forces, processes or elements that were before what was to come.  In other words, something had to be eternal moving backward, and the best explanation I find is that it was a creative someone, even God, the King.

God is “immortal” in that he is indestructible.  He does not get old and his body does not decay or suffer illness.  People have long sought immortality through science, mystical powers, and contributions to society.  Athletes who win championships often refer to the immortal nature of victory, since their names will be remembered long after they are gone.  But in truth, every human is mortal.  God, however, is immortal.  And because He doesn’t age, or suffer illness, He has no fear.  Of course, Jesus came in the form of mortal flesh, and died.  Yet, in reality, He did not die, just as we do not die when we pass into eternity and receive a new body.

God is also “invisible.”  But, I believe this is only because He chooses to be.  His hand moves in ways we cannot predict and He works in ways we cannot see.  God is Spirit and is not confined to an earthly body.  Will God still be “invisible” when we get to heaven?  Personally, I don’t think so.  How discouraging would that be to get to heaven, only to discover we can’t see God?  I believe our nature will be such that we will see Him as He is (and the scripture indicates the same).  But in this life, we don’t see Him.  We see God’s handiwork, but not His person.  If we were to see Him, His holiness would turn us to a cinder! 

And God is the King over everything.  He is the only God of the universe. 

Only this kind of God could reach down in human history and save the worst of sinners.  No one else could write the story that included Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles and weave in everything that came before it, and everything that was to come after it.  Creating the tapestry of history is an impossible task, it seems: but not for the “eternal, immortal, invisible” God. 

In Paul’s mind, no one else could be responsible for the change he had experienced in his life.  How could anyone think he was a product of his own self-righteousness?  How could we?  What do you suppose the “eternal, immortal, invisible” God is doing right now?  God only knows.

Dear God, I praise You for who and what You are!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

Many years ago, church revival meetings were held everywhere for the purpose of bringing people to Jesus.  By the time I entered the ministry, around 35 years ago, revivals were more about trying to revive believers with special nights such as “fill-a-pew” and “pot-luck supper” night.  A few people would wait until revival time to confess Jesus and be baptized, but for the most part, people no longer fashioned revival meetings to reach the irreligious and lost.   

But there was a time when it was not this way.  There was a time when the only reason churches had revivals was to bring people to Jesus.  In fact, they were more often called “evangelistic meetings.”  An old preacher once told me when a traveling evangelist came into town for a meeting, he would find out the name of the biggest sinner in town and try to convert him.  The evangelist felt if he was successful in winning the biggest sinner, the others would follow.

It is a little amusing to think of “biggest” and “smaller” sinners, especially since the penalty for one sin is the same as the one for many.  But I think we know what those evangelists were looking for, and what Paul meant when he said he was the “worst of sinners.” 

In every society there are people who seem beyond salvation.  They are the drug dealers, prostitutes, murderers, drunks, corporate raiders and scam artists.  Their habits seem so ingrained it is difficult to believe they can really change.  Even if they do accept Jesus, the authenticity of their decision has to be called into question…so we think.  These are the kinds of people the old evangelists would look for, and reach out to.

While I am not sure finding the biggest sinner in a community and reaching him for Jesus so others will follow is the purest form of evangelism, I have to admit that is kind of what Paul is saying in this morning’s passage.  If God could save Paul, and be patient with him, then others might be drawn to salvation.

In fact, I will go beyond “kind of.”  That is exactly what Paul is saying.  When the worst sinner is saved, it has an impact on others.  This is why celebrities who are known for their sinful lifestyles have such a powerful testimony when they give their lives to Jesus.

But I have a question?  Was Paul the “worst of sinners” or was this how he saw himself?  I don’t remember anyone else, including the Lord, using the label.  What about Judas, Pilate, or the people who stoned Stephen in the middle of the street while he looked into the heavens and asked God to forgive his killers? 

Oh well.  He was bad enough to be sure.  There is no telling how many Christians he had taken from their families and imprisoned or killed.  And he stood by that day they stoned Stephen and did nothing, even as the killers laid their garments at his feet.

Paul probably is the poster child for the statement, “If God can save Him, he can save anyone.”  I get it.

Dear God, thank You for showing me the extent of Your love.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:14)

It is easy to pass over common Bible words, because they all sort of start looking alike: “faith, love, peace, grace…etc.”  It is important to realize, however, that the authors who penned them did, indeed, put thought into why.  And certainly, since the Bible is the inspired Word of God, He wanted them there for a reason.

We have been discussing “grace” as the means of our salvation.  It is a free gift, poured out at Calvary.  The Law was good, but was never intended to wash away our sins.  Yet, “grace” makes us righteous by taking away our sins and clothing us with the righteousness of Christ. 

This “grace” was poured out, not just at Calvary, but into the lives of people like Paul who were desperate to receive it. 

But two other things were poured out abundantly: faith and love. 

Of these two things, it is easier to understand how “love” is poured out into our lives.  Jesus’ death on the cross was the full expression of His love.  And every day, as we walk with Him and count on His grace, we experience His love in new ways.  It is obvious how Paul, who was a murderous threat to the church, felt loved when the same Christ He persecuted rescued him.

However, it is a little more difficult to grasp the “faith” part of this morning’s passage.  And remember, these words are important.  They aren’t just tossed out as spiritual filler when people like Paul write scripture. 

What is the faith that is in Christ Jesus, and how is it poured out on us?  I thought faith was something we “come to”, and not something that is given to us.  I should mention there is a gift of faith mentioned in the Bible that is given to some for a specific challenge.  However, my personal thought is that here Paul was referencing his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus when the Lord appeared to him and challenged him to rethink the direction of his life.  This was also an official appearance of Jesus after His resurrection, which added incredible weight to the experience. 

Jesus did not force faith on Paul, or put it in him without him knowing.  Instead, the faith Paul found that helped him accept what God had done on Calvary was found in that meeting with Christ on the road, and reinforced in his walk with Him afterward.

Grace, faith and love: These are big words, and when you see them in the Bible, always take time to figure out why.

Dear God, thank You for everything You have abundantly poured out on my life.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  (1 Timothy 1:12-13)

Personal testimonies are important.  They help us understand the things people are passionate about. 

The other day I saw some newscasts announcing Chuck Colson’s death.  Most of them identified him as a central figure in the Watergate scandal.  A few mentioned he was involved in prison ministry.  And as the hours passed a few more gave the ministry aspect of his life more attention…but not much.

Two things made me sad.  Let me preface what these two things are by saying I believe Chuck Colson single-handedly brought prison ministry into the mainstream of American thought, and was responsible for the transformation of thousands of lives.  There were other hard working servants who were faithfully doing the ministry before, but Colson’s high-profile changed everything.

The first thing that makes me sad is that our culture is so often stuck in a judgmental mode, long after people’s lives have changed.  It is ironic that a media industry where Christians are portrayed as being judgmental can’t forgive something a man did decades ago and has spent his entire life trying to set right.  It is also ironic that Chuck Colson gave himself to proving the worth and contribution of incarcerated criminals, and he is still remembered most as the convicted Watergate guy.

Please don’t misunderstand me.  I lived through the Watergate years, and the breach of trust between our government and its people was horrible.  But Chuck did his time, and did his best to make things up to us.

The second thing that makes me sad is that the story of Chuck Colson’s prison ministry was somehow lost.  I see this as a lack of awareness of how a man reached down to the worst of the worst and showed them grace and hope.  It also ignores the difference he made in the lives of family members.

I think every life is important, and people’s stories should be told.  So I am really disappointed that Chuck Colson’s story was not given the attention it deserved.  Can you tell I am disappointed?  Maybe it will be in time.

Anyway, while we aren’t defined by our past, what we were and what we have become are both important.  Paul was well acquainted with regret and remorse, and he knew there were some things only the grace of Jesus could cover.  There was no way he could hope to be saved by the Law, even though he committed his crimes defending it. 

“Mercy”… Sometimes it is the only thing we have left to build upon.

Dear God, remind me what I was before I became who I am.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.  (1Timothy 1:12-13)

Personal testimonies are important.  They help us understand the topics people are passionate about.  However, it is still hard for us to fully comprehend what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes.

The other day I saw some newscasts announcing Chuck Colson’s death.  Most of them identified him as a central figure in the Watergate scandal.  A few mentioned he was involved in prison ministry.  And as the hours passed a few more gave the ministry aspect of his life more attention…but not much.

Two things made me sad.  Let me preface what these two things are by saying Chuck Colson single-handedly brought prison ministry into the mainstream of American thought, and was responsible for the transformation of thousands of lives.  There were others who were doing the ministry before, but Colson’s high-profile changed everything.

The first thing that makes me sad is that our culture is so often stuck in a judgmental mode, long after people’s lives have changed.  It is ironic that a media industry whereChristians are portrayed as being judgmental can’t forgive something a man did decades ago and has spent his entire life trying to set right.  It is also ironic that Chuck Colson gave himself to proving the worth and contribution of incarcerated criminals, and he is still remembered most as the Watergate guy.

Please don’t misunderstand me.  I lived through the Watergate years, and the breach of trust between our government and its people was horrible.  But Chuck did his time, and did his best to make things up to us.

The second thing that makes me sad is that the story of Chuck Colson’s prison ministry was somehow lost.  I see this as a lack of awareness of how a man reached down to the worst of the worst and showed them grace and hope.  It also ignores the difference he made in the lives of family members.

I think every life is important, and people’s stories should be told.  So I am really disappointed that Chuck Colson’s story was not given the attention it deserved.  Can you tell I am disappointed?  Maybe it will be in time.

Anyway, while we aren’t defined by our past, what we were and what we have become are both important.  Paul was well acquainted with regret and remorse, and he knew there were some things only the grace of Jesus could cover.  There was no way he could hope to be saved by the Law, even though he committed his crimes defending it. 

“Mercy”… Sometimes it is the only thing we have left to build upon.

Dear God, remind me what I was before I became who I am.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers–and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. (1 Timothy 1:9-11)

The Old Testament Law was good and beautiful.  It also had a purpose: to convict sinners.  But its purpose was not to save sinners.

It is important to remember the Apostle Paul’s thread of thought regarding the Law.  The Law cannot save us from our sins, and we should not put too much stock in our ability to keep it.  This does not mean the principles we find in the Old Testament Law are contrary to the heart of God.  No, they are from Him, and give us valuable insight into holy living.  Yet, we are not saved by our adherence to the Law, since we cannot keep it perfectly, but rather the blood of Jesus that poured from Calvary.

To reinforce this point, Paul suggests the Law doesn’t convict those who have already been made righteous.  Just as righteous people (but not perfect people) in Old Testament times kept the Law, those in Christ are made righteous by the blood of Jesus and are not condemned by the Law.

The bottom line of this teaching is that those who are in Jesus don’t look to the Law for their salvation.  When they attempt to do so, they deny the real source of their righteousness (Jesus’ blood) and inflate their egos.

Sometimes it helps us understand a passage if we look ahead a bit.  As our study continues we will remember Paul’s past life.  He was a member of the list in this morning’s passage.  Paul murdered Christians for their faith.  Therefore, one way to understand these verses is from Paul’s position.  Had he been writing just about himself he might have said: “I don’t count myself righteous because of the Law.  If I tried to keep it, I would be condemned as a murderer, along with many others who have committed equally horrible sins.  Instead, I put my faith in Jesus, and hold to the gospel, that He died, was buried and rose again to proclaim victory over my sins.”

Of course, these are my words, not Paul’s, but maybe this is one way to help us understand how personal this message was for him.    

Paul’s message also gets personal for any of us when we try to save ourselves.  It is good to be good, but bad to think our goodness is good enough.  The only way to peace is through the blood of Jesus. 

And I’m good with that.

Dear God, help me remember my righteousness is not my own.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. (1Timothy 1:8)

I personally believe this is one of the most important verses in the Bible when it comes to a proper perspective on the Old Testament Law.  Here’s why:

We have talked quite a bit about the legalists in Ephesus who were focusing on rules and depending more on works than grace.  They were distorting the gospel of Jesus, and their reliance on His blood that was shed on the cross of Calvary. 

However, I think we make a big mistake when we belittle the Old Testament Law.  There is also nothing wrong with rules.  In fact, there are rules in the New Testament.  Jesus gave us rules.  He told us how to handle conflict with others, said we should pray for those who persecute us, and commanded us to take the supper we call “communion” until He comes again.  We do these things because we love Jesus, but my understanding of the scriptures is that they are not optional. 

The problem with rules and the Old Testament Law comes when we depend on them to save us.  As soon as we start thinking our adherence to rules and regulations saves us, then we move toward a form of self-righteousness (proclaiming ourselves good), and soon begin to judge those who don’t measure up to our standards.  Instead, we should receive the grace of Jesus who makes us righteous with His blood and show love and compassion toward those who are in need of salvation.  

The “law is good.” And why shouldn’t it be.  God gave it.  It was our schoolmaster, preparing the world for the appearance of Jesus.  And it still reveals the heart of God and helps us understand some of the rationales behind the things we are commanded to do. 

When I was a child and lived with my parents we had rules.  I was expected to be home by a certain hour (unless I was playing tennis or at the beach with church friends singing songs in the lifeguard tower…but that’s another story), keep my room reasonably clean, not answer the door when no one was home, limit phone calls to ten minutes (when we had one land-line), and do my homework before watching TV (But no “Dark Shadows”).   

When I went to college and returned home, I didn’t really have many rules, although I still limited my phone calls and was careful not to answer the door if I didn’t know who was there.  Then, when I married, there were no rules.  My wife and I could come and go as we pleased, though we still didn’t answer the door for strangers. 

My point is, just because we enter into new relationships with others, or begin a new season in our lives, and some of the old rules are no longer applicable, doesn’t mean they were bad to begin with.  It doesn’t even mean they still don’t have value.  It just means they don’t apply to us in the same way they used to.

We will be studying the Old Testament Law in some upcoming devotions.  But for now, don’t be afraid to love the Law.  Even if we don’t need it for salvation, and even if much of it was designed for a sacrificial system that preceded Jesus, it is still beautiful. 

Dear God, I love Your Law.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. (1 Timothy 1:6-7)

Picking up on our previous devotion, the “these” some have wandered away from are, a pure heart, a clear conscience and a sincere faith.  These are the things that help one live out the love of Christ.

Instead of focusing on these things, some have set themselves up as “teachers of the law” in order to burden people with old rules and regulations that were made irrelevant by the cross. 

Either the teachers Paul is referencing don’t know what they are talking about because they don’t understand the relationship of the Law to the grace of Jesus, or they just aren’t very bright.  Perhaps they are both: religious lawyers who were never very bright who have found a vehicle for their egos in the church.

Like sheep that aren’t paying attention to their shepherd, the false teachers have wandered away from the love of Jesus and fallen into a pit of legalism.  And unfortunately, they are misleading others with meaningless talk.

This morning’s passage suggests an interesting premise, and one that often escapes our culture. Did you know love is as much intellect as emotion?  Christ’s love was a command, and our faith in Him is rooted in the Biblical record of His ministry, and obedience to His teachings.

I have been a follower of the Lord Jesus for many years, but most recently I have become more aware of how important it is to know what I believe about what I believe.  I know this sounds strange.  Let me put it another way. 

The basic belief that brings me to salvation is that Jesus, who was the Son of God, died for my sins on the cross, and rose on the third day to proclaim victory over sin and death.  Through faith in Him, His blood can be applied to my sins and I can be washed clean.

But what does this mean for me practically?  One of the best answers to this question can be found in Romans 6 where Paul asked why anyone would want to go on sinning to see how far God’s grace extends.  Then he reminds us our old self was crucified with Jesus.  Paul’s point is, we don’t want to involve ourselves in the sins that put our Savior on the cross. 

When I grasp this one truth, then all of a sudden loving Jesus means I can’t say I love Him, and continue to willingly sin.  And my choice not to sin is a matter of my intellect.  There are other truths as well. 

It is easy to say we love Jesus.  But if our love doesn’t change our behavior, then, like the false teachers, there is a good chance we don’t know what we are talking about.

Dear God, help me think about what I believe.  In Jesu’ name, Amen.