Something Greater

Three Pillars of Love Paul urged Timothy to preach against three harmful pursuits: Different doctrine Myths Endless genealogies He gave two immediate reasons for the warning: They promote speculations They erode faithful stewardship from God Beyond the immediate harmful effects of heretical, manipulative myths and endless genealogies is the ultimate goal of love, expressed in three ways: From a pure heart From a good conscience From a sincere faith What happens when Christians lose sight of love? "Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions." 1 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV) SWERVING: astocheo (to miss the mark, to deviate from truth); from a (not) and stoichos (an aim) There is another Greek word Paul could have used that appears to have the same meaning:

A Spiritual Building of Faith The apostle Paul was part of a team of preachers and elders first assembled in Antioch. They responded to clear direction by God, going to Jerusalem to minister to the poor with food, money and preaching. (Acts 11) Returning from that missionary trip, Paul brought with him a new addition to the team , John Mark. (Acts 12) The church in Antioch then sent the missionaries to preach worldwide, traveling from region to region. Midway through the journey, John Mark suddenly left the team , returning to Jerusalem. (Acts 13) The team met major success, as well as near death in the area of Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. Many Jews and Gentiles became newly converted Christians, fervent and faithful. Others became hostile , threatened by the sudden changes in community and social rule. (Acts 14) The break with John Mark must have been unexpected and disappointing, especially for Paul. The co-leader of their team, Barnabus, urged bringing John Mark back into