Recently, a public post on Facebook used Paul’s statements in 1 Timothy 6:4-51 to teach a “difficult truth” about the effect of God’s word. In the passage1, Paul makes a simple deductive argument (if A, then B) where “A” is false teaching and “B” is its result (“envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement”).
The post goes on to make a general observation: “This world is filled with envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, and constant disputes. This is a hallmark of modern culture, and, as is so often the case, God’s people are impacted by culture more than we might want to admit.” True enough! The world is filled with the same characteristics that Paul in 1 Timothy attributes to the effects of false teaching. The post then draws a conclusion: “When we see this [the envy, quarreling, slander, etc.] then we know that somewhere along the line our teaching has not been sound or we have simply ignored what Scripture teaches about how we are to treat one another (or both).”
Well, maybe, but there is an inherent logical fallacy in this conclusion. If A produces B, we can’t assume that anywhere we witness B, it must have been produced by A. That’s the argument being made. In other words, if any teaching has been done (true or false) and envy, quarreling, etc. results, then the teaching must have been “a different doctrine.” While it doesn’t hold with human logic, let’s test that conclusion about the effect of God’s word further with Scripture.
How Scripture answers "What is the effect of God’s word?"
The effect of God’s word is to sanctify believers5, bringing them into a peace with God17 and ulimately saving them4,10,11,14. It is never failing3,4. However, the effect of God’s word can also be destructive2,9, causing division7,8,11, animosity12,13,16, physical death for those that speak it14,15, and ultimately spiritual death6,8,9,11 to those that refuse it.
1
Paul’s instructions to Timothy, a young preacher. He has just concluded identifying several different roles/groups within the church before turning here to warn against false teachers and being content in all things.
This passage doesn’t actually apply here at all since Paul is speaking specifically about “a different doctrine” and teaching that “does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This passage has nothing to do with the effect of God’s word, but rather the effects of its perversion.
2
God, through Jeremiah, is speaking out against the religious leadership in Judah. In the midst of this condemnation of the “shepherds who destroy and scatter my sheep” (vs 1), there is a preview to the “latter days” when Jesus will rule as king faithfully (vss 5-8). But in the meantime, God condemns the many false prophets and even the priests (vs 33).
God’s word is a destructive force.
3
God is speaking through Isaiah the prophet around 700BC. This chapter, along with the entire latter half of Isaiah starting around chapter 40, contains many confirmed Messianic prophecies along with images and foreshadowing of Christ and His coming Kingdom. In this context, he mentions an “everlasting covenant” (vs 3) and includes the Gentiles (“a nation that you do not know” vs 5).
God’s word gives life and never fails.
4
A portion of this passage is quoted from
God’s word is “forever” that “purifies souls” when its obeyed.
5
Paul’s letter to a young preacher, Timothy. Throughout the letter, Paul’s instructions have to do with Timothy’s activities and relationship with the brethren there with Timothy (the church).
God’s word makes ordinary things holy (by its declaration).
6
Therefore, I [God] have cut and shaped them by the prophets, killing them by the words of my mouth – judgment that reaches everyone.
God’s word “slew” those in judgment.
7
The writer is arguing the better things in Christ and encouraging the Hebrews to “strive to enter that rest” (vs 11), unlike those of their heritage that died in the wilderness due to their disobedience.
God’s word is ever relevant and able to divide/discern anyone’s motives and intents.
8
God’s word is truth that separates people, or calls them out as distinct.
9
As in his first letter, Peter is still warning of false teachers in his second letter. In this context not only does he remind them their presence is evidence that they are in the “last days”, but he encourages them of what comes next — the “day of the Lord” (vs 10).
God’s word (with water) destoyed the world once due to wickedness, and will again (with fire) on the day of judgment.
10
God’s word reveals His righteousness (e.g. will) and is the driving force for salvation for believers.
11
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth dealing with several serious issues throughout the letter, but here dealing with divisions among them and reminding them of the uniting nature of the Gospel.
God’s word is a divisive force that is the power of God for those being saved (or, “for salvation”10).
12
God’s word led to imprisonment (e.g. persecution).
13
Jesus gave them [apostles] God’s word and the world has hated them as a result, just as they hated Jesus.
God’s word caused those that preached it to be hated.
14
God’s word is actively4,7 at work in the believer. He also goes on to remind in verse 15 about those “who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets”15.
15
You, the very ones that received the law from angels but did not keep it, persecuted and killed all of the prophets that announced the coming of Jesus Christ who you now have betrayed and murdered.
Stephen has been brought before the Jewish High Priest and council on charges of blasphemy against God and Moses (6:11). The entire chapter seven is his public defense before he is ultimately stoned to death.
All of the prophets that spoke God’s word were killed because of it.
16
Paul’s letter to the Christians throughout Galatia, converted during his first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). He is confronting a persistent effort by Jewish Christians to continue in and bind on Gentile Christians customs and practices from the Old Law.
Paul, after teaching truth, is nevertheless contemplating the possibility reality of now being at odds with those he taught.
17
Paul is writing to the “saints that are in Ephesus” (1:1), but Gentile Christians in particular (2:11). He is reminding them of this grace that they have from God and the fact that they are now “fellow citizens…of the household of God” (2:19). Ultimately, his plea to them is to walk in a manner worthy of the calling” (4:1).
Jesus’ message was one of peace. A peace that results between those (anyone) that accept it, and ultimately with God.
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