Scripture to Read: 1 Timothy 1:3
As we learned yesterday, Timothy became the pastor of the church at Ephesus after being mentored by Paul. Of course, God continued to use Paul to mentor and encourage Timothy as Timothy pastored the believers in Ephesus. Just as Timothy had Paul to mentor and encourage him, we also need people in our lives to mentor and encourage us. God used Paul to tell Timothy that he left Timothy in Ephesus so that Timothy would teach the believers in Ephesus not to teach strange doctrines. Doctrine is a set of beliefs. God had used Paul to share with the people in Ephesus the doctrine of Christ, that Christ is the One True King, Master, Creator, Lord, and God of all. Timothy was to continue to disciple the believers in Ephesus so they would stay true to the doctrine of Christ. Timothy was young (1 Timothy 4:12), but God had called him to be the pastor of the new church in Ephesus no matter what he might face. We are commanded to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) and though we face tests and trials in the midst of serving our Lord, we must fulfill what God has called us to fulfill. There are many strange doctrines taught today such as transgenderism, racism, LGBTQ, Buddhism, Hinduism, etc…and ALL are false doctrines, false beliefs, and false teachings that cause the human race to stumble. We must teach the doctrine of Christ, for He is the only hope and the only salvation for this lost world. God has called us, so let’s not stray just because the work is hard.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about His call on your life to make disciples and teach the doctrine of Christ?
2. How are you growing and learning the doctrine of Christ each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!