We have 4 rules for anyone intending to use the Training Timothys web site, mostly stemming from particular biblical convictions we have. Obviously there is little we can do to practically enforce these rules, and we must rely on an honor system. And it is honoring our conscience on the matters below that we are asking for. These 4 rules are:
- Be Humble
- Respect Pastoral Authority
- Honor the Face Value Meaning of 1 Timothy 2:11-12
- Give Credit Where Credit is Due
Rule #1: Be Humble
This is not only our number one rule, but probably God’s too. The Apostle warned especially those with a gift of learning and teaching: “knowledge puffs up, but love edifies” (1 Cor 8:1). Pride is the natural result of learning more, and unfortunately, sometimes even more theology. Of course, if we’re learning correctly, a Bible based theology will actually make us more humble as we see God and ourselves more correctly. Actually, proud people make lousy theologians and will have gross errors in their understanding of both Scripture and God.
Nonetheless, we are not interested in feeding anyone’s pride in the sense of how much they supposedly know about God or the Bible. We would ask you to pray for humility on a continual basis as you study God’s word to gain more knowledge of it and Him.
Also, theological pride is reflected in how we treat those we disagree with. It is understandable to be forceful concerning doctrinal error that is actually hurting Christians. Jesus, the Prophets, and the Apostles were likewise. Accordingly, you will find some strong language in Knowing Our God (KOG). Nonetheless, most of the people we are arguing with on theological issues are nothing less than children of the King, and need to be treated accordingly.
Therefore, if you respond to a part of KOG through the “Feedback” tab, we ask that it be with respect. We are very eager to improve our understanding of Scripture and God, but not through arrogant or angry people, and such messages will not be deemed worthy of a response.
Finally, we would appreciate any corrections you may have if you feel we’ve been too harsh or derogatory somewhere. Disagreeing on doctrine is not being mean, but communicating that disagreement needs to be done with respect in order to please God. Let us know if you feel we are not doing this.
Rule #2: Respect Pastoral Authority
Anyone who actually has the burden of being responsible for a flock of God knows what a tragic sin it is for another spiritual authority (through a book, website, TV, etc.) to illegitimately influence our flock in some way that violates our own convictions and teaching. The Chief Shepherd values the spiritual authority He has given His local church Shepherds more than many people are willing to recognize. And the King wants everyone under such authority in order to be under His authority (cf. 1 Pet 5:1-6; Heb 13:17).
Accordingly, it is against our conscience to teach anyone who is not currently submitting to the authority of the leadership of a local church that they can respect and trust. If you are one of those people who think no church or Pastor is good enough or smart enough for you, then please respect our conscience before God and do not use the Training Timothys website.
If you are under biblical spiritual authority, then we would ask you to tell them that you desire to use this site, giving them an opportunity to review it. If you are a Pastor, that would be your fellow Elders/Pastors. If you are an unmarried woman that would be your Christian father or Pastor. If you are a married woman, that would be your husband whether or not he is a Christian. If your spiritual authorities give you the freedom to learn from this website, then we do as well.
The last thing we want to do is to cause unnecessary dissension between you and the spiritual authorities God has placed in your life. Involve your spiritual authorities in your studies and discuss your questions and convictions along the way.
Rule #3: Honor the Face Value Meaning of 1 Timothy 2:11-12
The Apostle Paul wrote:
A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man. (1 Tim 2:11-12)
You may not believe the face value meaning of this statement is the intended meaning. You may not believe it applies to your time and culture (even though the Apostle ties these issues to Creation, not culture; cf. vs. 13-14; 1 Cor 11:3-9). You may not even believe an Apostle of Jesus Christ wrote this. But we believe all these things, and we wish to honor God in them.
Sincerely, we mean no unnecessary offense, and believe that women are made equally in the image of God as men (cf. Gen 1:27). But God did not intend for men and women to have the same roles in the family (cf. Eph 5:22-24), or the Church (cf. 1 Cor 14:33-35). If someone is offended, we would suggest their beef is with the Apostle Paul, not us, because we simply wish to honor what he said.
Another clear statement about Christian women teaching is found in Titus. There the Apostle writes:
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. (Tit 2:3-5)
Notice that older, mature women are indeed to be teaching in the local church. But it does not involve teaching men or theological doctrine. On the contrary, they are to be teaching women how to live godly. And the topics the Apostle specifies have to do with Christian practice, not doctrine. Accordingly, we believe the teaching of doctrine is the God-ordained domain of men in the local church.
Therefore, we would not desire women with different beliefs to use Training Timothys such that we help them do something we do not think God wants them to be doing. Otherwise, women are welcome to learn from this site, following the other rules.
Rule #4: Give Credit Where Credit is Due
All materials on Training Timothys are offered for you to use free of charge. However, they are copyrighted by law. Therefore, we would only ask that if you use our material, particularly in other written material, that you reference our site.