Read 1 Timothy 1:3–11
Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 1 Timothy 1:6

It is tragic when professed Christians get off course because they refuse “sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:10). Paul also called it “the doctrine …according to godliness” (1 Tim. 6:3 KJV), “sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13 KJV),“sound doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1), “faith” (Titus 1:13; 2:2), and “sound speech” (Titus 2:8 KJV). But many prefer the “vain jangling” (1 Tim.1:6 KJV) of those who teach novelties rather than the pure Word of God that produces holiness in lives. It is unfortunate today that we not only have “vain jangling” (KJV; “meaningless talk” in NIV) in teaching and preaching, but also in music. Far too many songs not only teach no doctrine, but many even teach false doctrines.

A singer has no more right to sing a lie than a teacher has to teach a lie. The reason for this false doctrine was a misuse of the Old Testament law. These false teachers did not understand the content or the purpose of God’s law. They were leading believers out of the liberty of grace (Gal. 5:1ff.) into the bondage of legalism. The flesh (our old nature) loves religious legalism because rules and regulations enable a person to appear holy without really having to change his heart.

Something to Ponder
What is some of the “vain jangling” you’ve observed in church? What is a proper biblical response when you encounter false doctrine?