Paul’s warning about false teaching is not limited to the letter he wrote to the church of Colosse. In fact, his words to Timothy on this subject are also important to study as we dig deep into this wisdom. Let’s go there today.

Paul’s prodigy, Timothy, is wise beyond his years and well studied in the Scriptures. He is trusted with evangelizing and teaching in the early churches in Corinth and Thessalonica.

Yet, Paul feels the need to warn Timothy with strong words, “I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.“ (1 Tim 5:21-22)

Paul is telling Timothy to be careful and cautious, and when he says, “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily” he is not talking about punching someone in the nose (I actually thought this for years)

No, when Paul refers to “not laying on hands hastily”, he is talking about not appointing someone as a teacher, or preacher, or allow them in leadership position too hastily.

And here’s the takeaway for us – let’s be careful, so very careful.

Let’s be careful because the damage an immature or ungodly person placed in church leadership, or given a platform, can cause can be so very horrendous.

What’s more, in our information, post it, tweet it, blog it, culture we are being spoken to all day long in many, many ways.

It’s easier than ever for others to share their thoughts and influence us.

So let’s be incredibly diligent to test everything we hear and keep testing it by God’s Word that we study daily.

Let’s compare what people are saying to what Scripture says (including anything I write!)

What’s more, just because we have found someone to lead in the past does not mean they cannot get off track. Anyone with flesh on them is capable of getting off track.

Let me be clear – there are some,today, with large platforms, of whom in the past, I have genuinely learned from and grown closer to God because of their teaching. However, I am concerned that these very same teachers are no longer rightly dividing the Word.

There is a check in my spirit when I read what they share now.

When I test what they say with Scripture, I’m further concerned.

I have also seen this happen in the local church. I’ve seen people who have held positions for many years be regarded as infallible and their actions and opinions not tested but regarded too highly just because of our long history with them.

I’ve seen the love for power and influence bring corruption in the mega church and the small church around the corner.

I’ve seen people refuse to question the ungodly actions of others simply because they’ve been friends for 30 years.

I suspect as the days get harder and the enemy knows his time is short, many in positions of influence will fall away from speaking and living truth.

In order to guard our hearts-and minds in Christ Jesus, so we can walk in truth, and know when not to follow others blindly, we better spend time studying the Word for ourselves and our families.

Your quiet time needs to be protected and cherished until the day Jesus calls you home!

I know these days aren’t easy. There are false teachers. Many are falling away from truth. Our country is divided. Our world is chaotic and what we’ve found to be comfortable and familiar can become corrupt…even our small churches in our small towns.

But God chose you and your family to be here for such a time as this. He truly did!

He will equip you with what you need to walk close to Him (1 Thess 5:24). Listen for His voice. Be wise in who you follow. Churches, be careful in who you allow to lead —not just pastors but deacons, and teachers too. Keep testing what is being done and said.

In all your ways acknowledge Him. He will make your path straight (Prov 3:5-6). Do what He says. Test everything. Hold onto the good (1 Thess 5:21) . The joy of the Lord will be your strength (Neh 8:10)

He truly will give us what we need when we need it. He’s not going to leave us or forsake us. Let’s hold tight to Him. (Heb 13:5)

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