I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach different teachings and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies that promote speculations rather than the divine training [οἰκονομίαν Θεοῦ] that is known by faith. 1 Timothy 1:4
“If, indeed, our discussion had arisen from a love of contention, I should not be willing to have the inquiry raised a second time about the origin of evil; but, since we are prompted rather by friendship and the good of our neighbor to engage in controversy, I readily consent to have the question raised afresh on this subject. You have no doubt long been aware of the character of my mind, and of the object at which I aim in dispute: that I have no wish to vanquish falsehood by plausible reasoning, but rather that truth should be established in connection with thorough investigation. You yourself, too, are of the same mind, I am well assured. Whatever method, therefore, you deem successful for the discovery of truth, do not shrink from using it. For, by following a better course of argument, you will not only confer a benefit on yourself, but most assuredly on me also, instructing me concerning matters of which I am ignorant.”
Maximus of Jerusalem (served as bishop c. A.D. 185-196).
I just had the privilege of preaching my second of three services at Island ECC on Hong Kong Island as part of their “New Year, New You” series. It’s one of, if not the largest evangelical church in Hong Kong.
Here’s the link to the slides, the video, and a one-page summary.
Like Maximus encouraged the thorough investigation of tough topics prompted “by friendship and the good of our neighbor” I urged the church remain in “remain in Ephesus” and teach people to live according to God’s economy.
Like Ephesus in ancient times, Hong Kong is a finance hub for the world.
Here, and everywhere, we must not “shrink” from having conversations that show people how to serve God rather than money. When we do the hard work, we benefit and they do too.
I hope you benefit by watching the sermon or at least reading the one-page summary