The introduction to this series explored the role of the pastoral apologist. We explored Paul’s charge to Timothy, highlighting the responsibilities and the profound calling of pastors to serve both as nurturers and defenders of faith. As I said in that article, the second and third articles will consider four facets of the pastoral apologist’s role: doctrine, discernment, defence, and discipleship. This article will explore the first two facets.
By closely examining these two aspects, we aim to understand how Timothy—and, by extension, pastoral apologists today—ought to undertake their task. This discussion will help us appreciate how doctrinal accuracy and discernment are essential in nurturing the flock, while also protecting them from false teachings and guiding them in truth.
Prioritising Doctrine
Paul’s instruction to Timothy is crucial. He commands him to “charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:3b). This verse will guide our discussion.
As J. Gresham Machen commented on it, “It never occurred to Paul that a gospel might be true for one man and not for another; the blight of pragmatism had never fallen upon his soul. Paul was convinced of the objective truth of the gospel message, and devotion to that truth was the great passion of his life. Christianity for Paul was not only a life, but also a doctrine, and logically the doctrine came first.”
The gospel isn’t subjective or flexible. For Paul, the gospel was a singular truth.
So Paul instructs Timothy to remain in Ephesus, specifically to prevent others from teaching different doctrines. This calls attention to the importance Paul placed on doctrinal consistency and purity. The gospel isn’t subjective or flexible. For Paul, the gospel was a singular truth, applicable to all. The gospel isn’t some practical guideline that varies from person to person.
Christian doctrine, as Paul understood it, has an absolute nature. It’s more than thoughts or tips. For Paul, Christianity wasn’t merely a lifestyle or a set of practices; it was founded on definitive, core truths. His directive to Timothy wasn’t just about maintaining order; it’s about preserving the integrity of the gospel against distortions. Paul was dedicated to these truths. Pastors must be too. They’re essential for the life and health of the church.
This passage has a profound implication for pastors today. For we inhabit a cultural landscape where the pressure to adapt and modify doctrine for broader appeal can be strong. Paul’s directive, therefore serves as a crucial reminder. God calls pastors not only to lead and care for their congregations, but also to safeguard the doctrinal integrity of the church. Embracing and teaching the core beliefs of the Christian faith with seriousness and fidelity isn’t optional. It’s central to the role of the pastor. Neglecting this will lead to confusion and a dilution of the very truths that are meant to sustain and define Christianity. Pastors must see themselves as guardians of the truth.
Practising and Teaching Discernment
The concept of discernment can vary widely in definition and application. To grasp the expectations Paul had for Timothy as described in 1 Timothy 1:1–7, it’s beneficial to consider three nuanced definitions of discernment, provided by notable theologians. These interpretations will help us understand the comprehensive nature of discernment necessary among pastors.
- John MacArthur defines discernment as the ability to think biblically, implying that Timothy needed to ensure all teachings aligned with the scriptural truths that Paul had taught.
- Charles Spurgeon (according to several secondary sources) described discernment as identifying the subtle differences between what is right and what is almost right. We can understand this as the need for Timothy to recognise not just clear errors, but also nearly accurate teachings that may still mislead.
- Robert M. Bowman highlights discernment as the ability to differentiate between the more and less important. In this sense, we understand that Timothy was to focus on core gospel truths and enduring doctrines rather than transient ideas or minor issues.
These perspectives on discernment emphasise the critical skill of distinguishing truth from error in teachings. In 1 Timothy 1, this ability to discern is specifically directed toward identifying and addressing false teachings creeping into the community. Paul exhorts Timothy to vigilance in stopping certain individuals from spreading teachings that deviate from the gospel Paul had entrusted to him. More than recognising incorrect teachings, this involves understanding the impact they could have on the faith of believers (1 Timothy 1:6-7).
Here, discernment is not just about knowing what is wrong but also promoting what is right. Through these verses, Paul is essentially equipping Timothy to preserve the integrity of the church’s teaching by carefully navigating through the complexities of human interpretations and motivations, ensuring that the core message of the Christian faith remains untarnished and effective in nurturing believers’ faith.
Discernment isn’t just about knowing what is wrong but also promoting what is right.
Today, the ability to discern is just as vital for modern pastors who face a challenging mix of cultural influences and diverse theological ideas. Like Timothy, they are tasked with protecting the gospel’s integrity from many different voices and teachings. Being a pastor goes beyond simple administrative or pastoral tasks; it is fundamentally a theological responsibility that demands a deep understanding and practical application of biblical truths. Ultimately, the role of a pastor today is about leading with wisdom, identifying and emphasising what is most needed for the faith in a world full of fleeting trends.
Two Fundamentals for Shepherding
It’s crucial for the pastor to maintain doctrinal purity while also exercising discernment.
In the above exploration of the pastoral apologist’s role, we’ve consider the vital elements of doctrine and discernment. These are exemplified by Paul’s guidance to Timothy. It’s crucial for the pastor to maintain doctrinal purity while also exercising discernment against misleading teachings. Both are fundamental to nurturing and protecting the flock. The third and final article in this series will explore two more aspects of the pastoral apologist’s calling: defence and discipleship. These will further illuminate how pastoral apologists can effectively safeguard their congregations and foster spiritual growth.