1 Timothy 1:3, 4 God's Work

1 Timothy 1: 3, 4 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work – which is by faith.

The very first thing in this letter, after the introduction, is a reminder to Paul's son Timothy of the duty of commanding certain people not to teach false doctrines (hetero-teachings) any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies (see also 4:7; Titus 1:14, 3:9 and 2 Timothy 4:4 on the latter problem). Timothy perhaps was keen to move on to some new sphere of work but if that was the case, it was not to be. Paul wants him to stay where he is. The work envisaged is a negative work but sometimes when the churches are under threat it is this negative work that needs to be given priority. False teachers do arise from time to time and, if not dealt with, they can gain quite a foothold. At such times opposing them becomes a priority for those who lead God's people as the sort of thing such people teach promotes controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work – which is by faith. It is a negative work then but one that serves to positively promote the work of God as it turns people from controversial speculations to what will really advance God’s work – which is faith in Jesus Christ. Each minister has to assess his own situation, guided by the advice of others who are wise. In some cases there will be little negative teaching, in other cases a fair bit will be necessary. In most cases something will need to be done to prevent false doctrine and so to promote faith.