“Strange Doctrines”

1 Timothy 1: 3b-4: “Instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.” On the heels of yesterday’s Trinity Sunday, the only major feast that celebrates a doctrine rather than an event, comes this exhortation from St. Paul to keep our doctrine straight. This is not to ram it down people’s throats, but rather so that we can identify unchristian beliefs when they surface, and not be led astray. Fruitless discussion (v. 6) is fruitless, but keeping the sheep’s pasture green rather than toxic will lead to love, as well as a sincere faith (v. 5).