ERROR. 1st Timothy 6:21. There are many differing opinions clamoring for our attention, and unless we are rooted in the faith, we might think there is a reason to listen to them. We should not pause to consider what false teachers have to say. Some people we know did listen to them and have fallen away. They appeared to have faith in God's word and the Lord Jesus Christ but were not strong in faith. Error does not present itself as error but disguises itself as truth in ways that appeal to human intellect, not divine wisdom. Likely, if we listen closely, there are a few things they say that seem worthwhile, but subtlety often hides its true nature. Error can appear quietly, like a glimmer of light slipping through the back door. It seems real but always seeks more influence and power because it is never satisfied until it gains control over those for whom Christ died. Error speaks a lot about self; it has an ego that grows as words increase. Its effect is sneaky and values the will of man, treating the Word of God as a textbook rather than divinely inspired words from God. If error doesn’t get its way, it will cause problems among God’s people and chaos in the minds of unbelievers. Ultimately, it threatens the Gospel and the preaching of the cross.
“The faith” is solid; it has withstood attacks from every side. Those who strongly hold to the faith in Christ remain in Christ and produce lasting fruit. Error, however, is like a jellyfish in a stream. It subtly appears and disappears; it is only like a dream because it is based on changing opinions rather than unchanging truth. Those committed to advancing the faith will not allow error to take its place in any way. The grace God provides enables believers to live fully for the Lord. Error leaves one feeling empty because it is not rooted in God’s Word.
God’s grace to all believers is an incredible reality. Christianity is founded on faith shown to us through grace. The principles guiding an assembly include the pattern for public worship and rules that protect the assembly’s testimony from failure. The qualifications for leaders, the need for teaching and safeguarding doctrine, and the proper functioning of a church are highlighted in the epistle of 1st Timothy.
Everyone who is part of a scripturally gathered assembly of believers has a role to play so that each person lives a meaningful life in harmony with others in that fellowship. This makes the commission to take the Gospel to the world essential for giving purpose to the assembly and every individual within it. However, the most important thing is that we do not lose sight of knowing God, understanding the power of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, and recognizing the need for all of us to be conformed to Him.