Daily Devotional--2/25/10

1 Timothy 4:1-10

¹The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. ²Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. ³They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

⁶If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. ⁷Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. ⁸For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

⁹This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance ¹⁰(and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

In verses 6-7 Paul sets up a contrast between "good doctrine" and "irreverent myths."

• What is the difference between "good doctrine" and "irreverent myths"? (hint: What does it mean to be "irreverent"?)
• How do you distinguish between these two in the teaching/preaching you are exposed to?
  • What filters do you use?
• Are you more intrigued and captivated by false teaching (the new and novel) or sound doctrine (the old and stable)?
• What does this say about the condition of your heart?