INTRODUCTION
Be always ready to answer the question why (with regards to our faith). We live in an era when many false doctrines are being taught. In fact, most of those false teachers are using broadcast media technologies to their advantage.
Aside from that, untrained preachers come in a dozen every day. “Parang dalawa singko na lang (Two per centavo)!” This points to us that preaching God’s Word is not to be taken lightly by those who are called to preach. We are teaching the WORD OF GOD, His words are true (John17:17) and flawless (Psalm 12:6).
Background:
False Teachers in Ephesus (Acts 20)
Some people gone astray (18-20)
Let’s listen to the following reminders,
I. WORD FROM GOD, 1-2
A. Authority from God (I Paul, apostle of Christ Jesus)
B. Born from Above, 2 (true child in the faith)
II. WARNING FOR THE FALSE TEACHERS, 3-11
A. Clear your minds, 3-4
--Strange doctrines, myths, endless genealogies and speculations
B. Purify your hearts, 5-17 (Right hearts protect right doctrines)
--love from a purest heart
--good conscience
--sincere faith
As preachers, we must be careful in dealing with them (…so that you may instruct certain men no to teach strange doctrine, verse 3). Don’t be trapped in public debate with them.
III. WORD FROM APOSTLE PAUL, 12-17
A. Consider your former position, 12-14
--Paul: foremost sinner, blasphemer, persecutor…)
B. Consider your foremost privilege, 15-17
--accepted fully, given mercy and entrusted to teach
--Not all born-again are chosen to become preachers
IV. WARNING FOR THE PASTORS (AND LEADERS, 1 Tim. 3), 18-20
A. Fight a good fight
--Keep the faith and a good conscience
--Study hard, keep on studying and upgrade yourself (Apollos by Aquila and Priscilla)
--Professionalism; maintain the dignity of high calling (50’s, preachers are on top of social strata)
--Do not use the Word of God for personal gain or maligning other people
B. Watch out for blasphemer
--Know all the Biblical Doctrines
CONCLUSION
We are responsible for the spiritual healthiness of the people entrusted to us. Let us strengthened our study of sound doctrines so, we can protect the people of God. Let us teach the reality of doctrinal battles.
