Mythology or Theology 1 Tim. 1:1-4

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless gene-alogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 1 Tim. 1:1-4

Looking at the Text Paul’s special relationship with Ephesians His charge to elders in Acts 20 His charge to Timothy years later—1 Tim. 1:1-4

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 1 Tim. 1:1-4

Looking at the Text Paul’s special relationship with Ephesians His charge to elders in Acts 20 His charge to Timothy years later—1 Tim. 1:1-4 Godly truths vs fables and genealogies Jewish fable (myths) turn from truth—Tit. 1:14

13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. Titus 1:13-14

Looking at the Text Paul’s special relationship with Ephesians His charge to elders in Acts 20 His charge to Timothy years later—1 Tim. 1:1-4 Godly truths vs fables and genealogies Jewish fable (myths) turn from truth—Tit. 1:14 Old wives fables to be rejected—1 Tim. 4:7

6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 1 Tim. 4:6-7

Looking at the Text Paul’s special relationship with Ephesians His charge to elders in Acts 20 His charge to Timothy years later—1 Tim. 1:1-4 Godly truths vs fables and genealogies Jewish fable (myths) turn from truth—Tit. 1:14 Old wives fables to be rejected—1 Tim. 4:7 Paganism like all religions filled with fables Godly truth vs Gentile fables View of any “God” brings weird actions Notice contrast of pagan myths and truth Men often turn to fables (myths)--2 Tim. 4

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 2 Tim. 4:3-4

Modern Myths About Our God God is unreasonable Wants us to be happy, then creates pain and evil Neither He nor His book can be understood Demands unity, then causes division God is not reliable He is moody, He has “bad hair” days Hence, He is not trustworthy God is “unpleasable” Like some parents Demands perfection or you are lost

Eternal Truths About Our God Christianity—not a cunningly devised fable

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain. 19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 2 Pet. 2:16-19

Eternal Truths About Our God Christianity—not a cunningly devised fable Christianity—based on eye witness facts God wants you in heaven, look at the cross “Tie vote” and you have the deciding ballot There is no way to simply not vote

Salvation’s Plan from Our God Believe John 3:16 Repent Acts 17:30 Confess Faith Rom. 10:10 Be Baptized Into Him Gal. 3:27 Added to His church, His body, His kingdom Be Faithful until death Rev. 2:10