Griggs groups: protection
One of the core reasons we gather in small groups is for our protection—specifically, protection from false teachings, whether they come from outside sources or from within our own hearts. When we hear teachings that don’t quite sound right, our group can help us discern the truth. Similarly, if we have theological ideas but aren't sure if they're accurate, sharing them in a group setting allows others to provide guidance and ensure we stay on the right track.
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” - Proverbs 11:14
This verse captures the essence of why we meet in groups: safety in numbers, wisdom in community.
We actually see this in the books we’re studying through in groups this semester. As we study the pastoral epistles, we see Paul writing to his protégé, Timothy, guiding him on how to lead and protect a group of believers. Paul instructs Timothy to act as a shepherd, helping them navigate the dangers of false teachings and misguided ideas, whether these come from others or their own hearts.
Right from the start of 1 Timothy, Paul addresses the issue of false teachings. He emphasizes the need for correction, highlighting how essential it is to provide that correction:
“As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach false doctrine or to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies.” These false teachings promote empty speculations rather than God's plan, which operates through faith. - 1 Timothy 1:3-4
We need to guard against our tendency to pay attention to “myths and endless genealogies.” Think of this as a warning against getting caught up in those misleading theological TikToks about the Nephilim, or demons, or the timing of the Lord’s return. They’re interesting, but we must not give them too much of our study time as, ultimately, they do not instruct or compel us to be more like Jesus. Sometimes we don’t even know we’re getting sucked into an unhelpful rabbit trail or too focused on a 2nd or 3rd tier issue. This is why we must engage with our community often. It helps us stay the course.
I know, sometimes our weekly meetings might seem uneventful. You might wonder, “What are we doing this for again?” The answer is simple: protection. Protection from what? Protection from bad theology. When we’re alone, it’s much easier to develop incorrect beliefs because there’s no one to check our blind spots or help us think through things we might overlook. This is a big deal.
You might think theology isn’t something that impacts your daily life as much as time management, money management, or work. But in reality, bad theology can lead to a misguided sense of identity. And a misguided sense of identity can cause you to stray from what God has called you to do, leading you to lose sight of the “why” behind your time, your money, your work, and everything else in your life.
This is why, in the rest of 1 Timothy (especially chapter 1), Paul repeatedly talks about his own identity in Christ (Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief“). He wants to remind Timothy of his (Timothy’s) identity and, in turn, remind us of our own. Paul concludes this chapter by urging Timothy to remember his identity and use it as the fuel needed to complete his task.
“This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare…” - 1 Timothy 1:18
Our groups are here to protect us from forgetting our task.
So, as we gather every Wednesday night, let's remember that our meetings are not arbitrary. There is a purpose behind why the Scriptures ask us to come together like this. In community, we find safety, wisdom, and protection. Let’s hold on to that truth and continue to grow together.
