THE TRUTH ABOUT TRUTH
I TIMOTHY 4:1-16
Introduction: Chapter one – the message (proclaim it). Chapter two – worship (participate in it). Chapter three – leadership (provide it). Chapter four – doctrine (protect and promote it).
There are some in our congregations who have departed from the faith. The problem is they haven’t departed from the church. What do you say to such people? Either give up your false doctrine or get out!
We live in a day where truth is irrelevant. Some say it’s not knowable or doesn’t exist. Look at John 18:37; 14:6. Truth begins and continues with God. It has no end. The truth focuses on Jesus, is found in the scriptures, is fully revealed by the spirit, is to be followed by believers, and is the foundation on which the church rests. It is our duty to safeguard, maintain and preserve sound doctrine.
I. The Departure from the Truth (1-5)
Departure is:
A. Inspired by Demonic Spirits (1) Deceiving spirits were already present and at work and would grow unless they put a stop to it. Can Satan do this? Look at Luke 22:3. Paul minced no words here.
B. Initiated by Deceived Subjects (2) Satan uses human instruments to do his bidding. Some of us play right into his hands.
C. Illustrated by a Deranged System (3) “Marriage and food.” Bottom line: We are not saved by rules and regulations but by a Redeemer. They were teaching they could save themselves by certain acts.
II. The Defense of the Truth (6-8)
There is a story told of a group of men standing around a caged lion. They spent their whole days defending the caged lion. Someone suggested to them, “Why not just let the lion out, he will defend himself.” We are called on to defend the faith. What does this mean?
A. Explain the Message (6) The best antidote for error is a clear, positive presentation of the truth. Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my sheep.”
B. Refrain from Myths (7) Don’t feed on trash (see 1:4). Don’t be bothered by them. Beg off of that which is profane drivel and silly superstitions. Don’t waste your time answering such profane chatter.
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C. Train for the Master (7-8) Concentrate your energies on godliness. “Train” = to gymnasticize. Submit to the spirit. The best way to refute error is to display how the truth transforms.
III. The Demonstration of the Truth (9-16)
A. We need to Trust God (9-10)
B. We Need to Teach the Gospel (11-13) Timid Timothy was charged to teach the truth. Teach by example and exhortation.
C. We Need to Tend to the Gift (14) ¼ of all preachers don’t know what their spiritual gift is. If we will immerse ourselves in Christ we will see progress and experience perseverance.
Conclusion: What do we believe around here? We believe in the full humanity and full deity of Jesus. We believe in the lostness of mankind, that Jesus died on the cross, was raised from the dead, ascended to glory and is coming again. We believe in salvation by grace alone through faith alone. We believe in the transformation of life, the inspiration of scripture and the continuation of missions. If you can’t believe, adhere to, live by and agree with these fundamental truths - there’s the door, don’t let it hit your backside on the way out.
