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Sound Doctrine Series
Contributed by Mitchell Skelton on Mar 7, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: Sound doctrine is important in our Christian walk. Contrary to popular belief, constant opposition to change or "liberalism" does not make one a "sound" teacher.
Sound Doctrine
1 John 4:1—6
INTRODUCTION
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy became famous for his "redneck test." A sample of this would be:
1. If you got stopped by a state trooper and when he asked if you had an I.D. You replied, "’Bout what?" You might be a redneck.
2. If you’ve ever carried a fishing pole into Sea World. You might be a redneck.
3. If your hunting dog cost more than the truck you drive. You might be a redneck.
I don’t know how important it is to be able to recognize a redneck but when it comes to recognizing false teachers the bible says that is important.
MAIN BODY
I. False Teachers in the World
A. Sadly, false teachers have and do exist.
B. Jesus spoke of them in his Sermon on the Mount. Matt. 7:15—27
C. Paul warned Timothy about them. 2 Tim. 4:1—4
1. Greek: ́́̉̉̉́hugiaino;
2. Definition: to have sound health, to be well in body
3. Literally: to be healthy
D. One need not necessarily teach error to be "unsound."
1. Constant opposition to change or "liberalism" does not make one a "sound" teacher.
2. Sound (healthy) doctrine is balanced teaching that produces healthy Christians.
II. Test to see whether they are from God
A. Definition: "From God" means "has its origin in God" William Barclay
B. A sound teacher acknowledges Christ as come in the flesh.
1. John 1:1, 14
2. Heb. 2:14—18
C. A sound teacher acknowledges the teachings of Christ
1. John 8:31—32
2. 1 Cor. 3:10—11
3. 2 John 1:7—11
Mitchell Skelton, Minister-Midway church of Christ
www.TheLordsWay.com/Midway