Avoiding Superficial Understanding of God's Truth in Teaching
Avoiding Superficial Understanding of God's Truth in Teaching
The pursuit of depth in understanding God's truth is a recurring theme in biblical teachings and Christian tradition. The author of Hebrews exhorts believers to "press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God" [1]. This call to maturity underscores the importance of moving beyond superficial or elementary understandings of Christian doctrine.
In the Pastoral Epistles, the apostle Paul warns against teachings that deviate from the wholesome words of Jesus Christ and the doctrine that is according to godliness [4]. He cautions Timothy against "stories and endless genealogies" that foster arguments rather than promoting the stewardship of God that is with faith [2]. This warning highlights the danger of getting bogged down in speculative or irrelevant teachings that lack spiritual substance.
The importance of avoiding superficiality in teaching is also emphasized in the wisdom literature. Job 32:13 cautions against attributing wisdom solely to human understanding, suggesting that God's perspective can overcome human reasoning [3]. Proverbs, as interpreted by John Gill, advises taking "fast hold of instruction" to deepen one's understanding of God's will and the doctrines of salvation [6].
Calvin's commentary on 1 Timothy 4:4 highlights the need for careful handling of doctrine, warning against introducing new or different teachings that may lead to controversy and undermine the faith [5]. Similarly, John Gill's commentary on 1 Timothy 6:20 emphasizes the importance of preserving the purity and integrity of the Gospel, guarding against its corruption or loss through false teachings [7].
The tradition of careful and faithful teaching is not limited to the biblical text. Reformed and Puritan commentators stress the importance of diligent study and the application of Scripture to deepen one's faith and understanding. Matthew Henry, commenting on Psalm 119:7, notes David's endeavor to perfect himself in his religion, pressing forward to attain a deeper knowledge of God's judgments [8].
Sources
- Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (NASB) — Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,”
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (Rotherham) — Not to be teaching otherwise, nor yet to be giving heed to stories and endless genealogies,—the which, bring, arguings, rather than that stewardship of God which is with faith;—”
- Job “Job 32:13 (BBE) — Take care that you do not say, Wisdom is here; God may overcome him, but not man.”
- King James Version “[KJV] 1 Timothy 6:3 — If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on 1-2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, section 4.4: is a compound, and, therefore, may either be translated, “to teach differently,” or after a new method, or, “to teach a different doctrine.” The translation given by Erasmus, ( sectari ,) “ to follow,” does not satisfy me; because it might be understood to apply to the hearers. Now Paul means those who, for the sake of ambition, brought forward a new doctrine. If we read it, “to teach differently,” the meaning will be more extensive; for by this expression he will forbid Timothy to permit any new forms of teaching to be introduce”
- Proverbs (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Proverbs 4:13: Take fast hold of instruction,.... Not the law, as Jarchi and Gersom interpret it; but the instruction of wisdom, the doctrine of Christ or the Gospel; see Pro 8:1; which is an instruction into the mind and will of God, concerning the salvation of men; into the grace of God, showing that salvation, in all its branches, is of pure grace; into the person and offices of Christ, and into the business of salvation through him; into the doctrines of peace, pardon, righteousness, and eternal life by him. This should be "taken fast hold of"; in order to which, men should ta”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 6:20: Keep that which is committed to thy trust,.... That is, the Gospel, see Ti1 1:11 which is a rich treasure put into earthen vessels, and ought to be kept pure and uncorrupt, and faithfully dispensed, and diligently preserved, that so it may be continued genuine and sincere, and not be either adulterated and depraved, or be taken away by false teachers. And it may also include his gifts for the ministration of it, which were to be kept in use, and stirred up, and not neglected, but cultivated and improved to the advantage of the church, and of the interest of Christ:”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 119:7: Here is, I. David's endeavour to perfect himself in his religion, and to make himself (as we say) master of his business. He hopes to learn God's righteous judgments. He knew much, but he was still pressing forward and desired to know more, as knowing this, that he had not yet attained; but as far as perfection is attainable in this life he reached towards it, and would not take up short of it. As long as we live we must be scholars in Christ's school, and sit at his feet; but we should aim to be head-scholars, and to get into the highest form. God's judgments ar”