Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. (1 Timothy 4:7-10)
Matt Chandler, in a message titled A Shepherd and His Unregenerate Sheep at the 2009 Desiring God Pastors Conference, provides an example of the difference between training in godliness and silly irreverent myths.
Matt Chandler (from notes taken during the message):
Paul is saying, “Avoid silly myths, but train your people in godliness.” This is complex because you can take one idea and teach it in a way that is irreverent or teach it in a way that leads to godliness.
Take the recession. In Dallas, you have creative teams who get together to teach their people about debt. You title a series, “Debt is dumb.” “Worship leader, write a song on ‘Debt is dumb.’ I’ve written a sermon series on ‘Debt is dumb.’”
The preacher gets up and says, “Listen, here is the problem with debt. You’re not happy. You’re marriage is difficult. Listen, do you want to be homeless? Do you want your mom to drive you around? Debt is dumb. On your way out, we have a bumper sticker that says, ‘Debt is dumb.’”
That’s Christless, expounding on nothing. Okay, now I’m not against topical preaching as long as it’s done exegetically.
How about we stand in our pulpits and say, “In Christ and his cross I’ve been set free from finding my identity in things and have been saved to use the creation to further God’s kingdom.”
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