Truth Or Consequences

Truth Or Consequences

I Timothy 1:1-11

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work-- which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers-- and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. (NIV)

HOW TO TEACH/IDENTIFY SOUND DOCTRINE

I. Cautions to the careless (3-7).

A. Don’t be careless (3).

1. Some were teaching “others doctrine.”

2. If it doesn’t line up with all of God’s Word it is not God’s Word.

B. Don’t be factious (4).

1. Factions were developing as individuals debated the merits of fables and genealogies.

2. God’s Word is a tool to be used and not a weapon for war.

C. Don’t be fruitless (5).

1. The purpose of teaching sound doctrine to call forth a response of faith and love.

2. Fruit is a good indicator of a man’s walk with God.

D. Don’t be frivolous (6).

1. Some had swerved away from the goal.

2. God’s plans rarely change.

E. Don’t be foolish (7).

1. Idle talk goes with empty minds.

2.

II. Considerations to the careful (8-11).

A. Use proper discernment (8).

1. The Law is good and useful.

2. If it is used appropriately.

B. Use proper direction (9-10).

1. Understand to whom the Law is directed.

2. It is for the sinner!

C. Use proper devotion (11).

A. The focus is upon God and His glory.

B. It has been entrusted to me (and you).

CONCLUSION

-In order to teach sound doctrine you must first know sound doctrine.

-This requires time and devotion to God’s Word.