Correct Teaching

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:
2 Timothy 1	2 Timothy 2	Numbers 25	Numbers 26	Psalms 61

Paul advised Timothy, his son in Christ, regarding his role as pastor. Among other things, Paul counseled him concerning sound teaching. He was to teach the word of truth correctly which called for diligence on his part to stay focused on the word of truth. He needed to be continually immersed on the word of truth so that his mind and actions were guided by it.

By contrast, Timothy needed to avoid "irreverent, empty speech, for this will produce an even greater measure of godlessness." (2 Timothy 2:16) There were those in the congregation who had deviated from the truth and had turned some from the faith. Timothy needed to avoid any such talk for it was like gangrene that spread through the body infecting and killing healthy tissue. This would be the effect of such teaching on the church. Though Timothy might not be able to stop those who promoted this false teaching, he could hold himself apart from it and set the example and he could promote teaching of the truth to counteract the false teaching.