If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 NIV
Sovereignty, election, predestination, free will, rapture, inerrancy, dispensations, millennium, etc. It is quite likely that you have heard these words used in discussions between believers. And unfortunately, those discussions often become heated. While this passage warns us about false teachers who delight in controversy, I believe it is relevant to all theological discussions.
While God’s word is inspired and truthful in all it teaches, it is not always as clear as we might like. And we, as fallible humans, often impose our presuppositions on the Bible as we read and study it. Inevitably, we will sometimes disagree on what it says. There can be disagreement even among the most godly and learned people. Disagreement is inevitable. But that disagreement does not need to be divisive.
Paul tells us to avoid getting caught up in controversies and quarrels about words and doctrines. Quarrels that result in conflict between brothers and sisters in Christ. There are some people, including believers, who seem to delight in controversy. Paul warns us against being like that.
Our doctrine is important. And there is nothing wrong with discussions over topics we disagree on. That discussion can be very positive. But we need to do so in a loving manner. Let those discussions draw us deeper into God and His word rather than divide us.
