July 27
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1 TIMOTHY 1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 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 1:1-6
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1 TIMOTHY 1 WATCH OUT FOR MYTHS AND FALSE TEACHINGS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As we serve our Lord Jesus Christ, we are all called to be watchful
Because we live in a corrupt world, let us all be mindful
The purpose of God’s commandments is to walk in love
It is a love that comes from a pure heart and a sincere faith.
Let us therefore keep ourselves strong by following God’s laws
It protects us from deceptions and tactics of the evil one
When we meditate on his words, we discern what is untrue
Let us all be faithful to renew our minds so we can stay pure.
Spread the gospel so that all the wickedness will be exposed
Do not tolerate or partake of any wicked act, but let it out in the open
When deception is hidden, it generates more and spread
Be courageous to confront and declare all that is right and true.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Paul asks Timothy to stay in Ephesus and stand firm to watch for false teachers and doctrines who inches their way to the church?
• How can we easily detect myths and false teachings?