Guarding the Truth

“As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith.” 1 Timothy 1:3–4

Whose job is it to guard the truth?”An elder recently posed this question at our church. It’s a vital question, and the Bible gives a clear answer in our text this morning. In his letter to Timothy, Paul’s instructions are intensely pastoral, highlighting the importance of leadership in protecting the church. He urges Timothy to “command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer.”

The church at Ephesus had a lot going on. There was Jewish legalism, speculative teachings, and even myths that were being treated like gospel truth. These weren’t harmless debates. They caused confusion, stirred up divisions, and distracted people from the heart of the gospel. Paul asked Timothy to stay in Ephesus and gave him the serious responsibility of guarding the truth. And he had already left the elders with the same responsibility, telling them in Acts 20:28-31 that they were spiritual shepherds who must protect the flock from error, deception, and harm.

False teaching is dangerous because it pulls attention away from Christ, it stirs up unnecessary arguments instead of promoting unity, and in the end, it can destroy faith and stop people from growing in God’s work. Paul’s words are clear: Timothy wasn’t just giving friendly advice. He was to command certain people and make sure sound doctrine replaced error. The health of the church depended on it.

If you are a leader in the church, you have to know the word and understand it well. Paul tells us elsewhere, “Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15. We need to be ready in season and out of season, prepared to defend the faith. As 2 Timothy 4:2 says, we are to preach the word, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with patience and sound doctrine. Shepherding God’s people takes clarity and courage.

In Acts 18:24–26, we see a beautiful example in Apollos. He was gifted, eloquent, and knowledgeable in the Scriptures, but he only knew the baptism of John. Priscilla and Aquila noticed both his potential and his limitation. They didn’t just let him continue teaching partially. Instead, they invited him into their home and explained the way of God more accurately. That took courage and love because Apollos was already respected, but they corrected him for the sake of truth.

What’s remarkable is how they did it. They listened carefully, corrected him privately, and taught him with respect and clarity. They didn’t want to embarrass him or discourage him. Their wisdom left Apollos stronger and more effective in ministry. This shows us that correcting someone in truth doesn’t have to be harsh; it can be done gently, relationally, and with love.

At Oasis, we really value sound biblical teaching. Church leaders carry the primary responsibility for guarding doctrine, but every believer is encouraged to be like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, who examined the scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. If something concerns you, follow Matthew 18:15-17: talk to a pastor or elder respectfully and privately. Don’t gossip or police others. This approach protects unity, promotes humility, and ensures concerns are handled by those entrusted to shepherd the flock.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your word that is truth. Thank you for placing leaders, shepherds, and teachers in your church to guide us along the narrow path of life. We ask for wisdom to discern your voice, courage to stand against error, and humility to receive correction when needed. Help us as leaders to guide with love and gentleness, and as followers to walk faithfully in obedience to you. Keep us safe from deception, and strengthen us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

Kay Alli