The Doctrine Of Christ

Introduction:

By the time Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, they had traveled together for many years. Paul had left Timothy at Ephesus and placed a great deal of responsibility upon his young shoulders. He was to teach the church there how to conduct itself, how to worship, how to treat one another, and how to evangelize. But Timothy was to accomplish this by means of sound doctrine. Paul says to use scripture, the word of God. It was to have the foremost place in his work.

Text: one Timothy 1: 3-7

Body:

1.      There is only one true doctrine of Christ-versus 3-4.

In verse 3, Paul gives Timothy an admonition - urged- a strong word that means to exhort. He was to charge some, meaning to give the command or order. What was this command? Teach no other doctrine. Other comes from the Greek word, heteros, meaning another, of a different kind. There is only one true doctrine of Christ. Obviously, there were some at Ephesus in the church who were guilty of teaching other doctrines, false ones. Recall Paul’s words to elders in Ephesus in Acts 20: 28-31. This false teaching would tear up the flock, the church. Timothy was to order them to stop that teaching. Souls were at stake, Galatians 1: 6-9.

Note: one belief is not as good as another. Not all teaching is good, according to 2 John 9.

Verse 4 says to give heed, hold to, and be acceptable—fables- myths- stories which are false, inventions, fiction. One of the most successful arts of the adversary of souls has been to mingle fable with truth, and when he cannot overthrow the truth by direct opposition, to neutralize it by mingling with it much that is false and frivolous.

Genealogies: Some Jews tended to place great emphasis on their relationship with Abraham. Physical ancestry was no longer relevant. Fables and genealogies often caused disputes or strife. They did not promote edification, which would produce faith. These teachings were not in the faith, not part of the faith.

2.      The purpose of the commandment, verse 5

The purpose is an aim or a goal. The commandment is the noun form of the word translated charge in verse 3. Timothy was to command some to teach no other doctrine but the one doctrine of Christ. If the hearers heeded that teaching, a particular kind of love would be produced. Agape love is a product of the mind that desires what's best for others. Only the truth will save; nothing else will. This kind of love expresses itself in obedience to God.

John 14: 21, he who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves me.

Following the teaching of the doctrine of Christ would produce love from a pure heart, clean, free from any corrupt desire, not selfish or jealous. Having a good conscience, one that is clean and honest and believes what they are doing is right. We are to be trained by the truth, sincere faith, unpretending, and unhypocritical. By obeying the doctrine of Christ, a sincere faith is produced because biblical faith comes from believing the word of God.

3.      It is possible to turn away from the doctrine, verses 6 and 9.

In verse 6, Paul declares that the church at Ephesus had strayed from the doctrine, the truth of God's word. There were members of the Lord's church at Ephesus! They had once been in the right way, but they had not remained there. They had turned aside to idle talk, or that which is devoid of truth and thus serves no useful purpose.

In verse 7, Paul says they were teaching religious error, false teachers! They were abusing and misapplying the law, not in harmony with God's law. They wanted to be teachers but desired honor and position. They apparently thought they understood the law, but in reality, they did not. They were very dangerous! They were destroying themselves and everyone who believed what they taught. 2 Peter 2: 1-3; there are men like this today, teaching a perverted false message. They exclude things that are not popular or difficult to obey. This message has no power to save anyone!

Conclusion:

Jesus taught while he was on earth that not every religious person will be saved, but only those who obey the will of the Father, Matthew 7: 21. Thus, it is possible to be very religious and yet still be lost. One must examine oneself to see if one is in the faith, 2 Corinthians 13:5. There are two things of supreme importance. Have you ever been in the faith? Have you obeyed the lord and been placed in his body? Then, have you remained in the faith by continuing to obey the lord and all you do?

Invitation:

text: one Timothy 1: 8-11

Verse 8: Paul respected the law of Moses. It had a purpose, but it was not used properly. Some were still clinging to it even though it predicted its own end (Jeremiah 31: 31-34). Much could still be learned from it—spiritual principles that were timeless.

Verse 9-10: a righteous man Keeps God's law.  He has nothing to fear. Righteous people are blessed by god's law. The sands listed were violations of the law of Moses and the law of Christ.

Verse 11: the gospel, law of Christ, is glorious because of the truth it teaches, the light it brings to men's lives karma and blessings it bestows, such as eternal life in heaven.

Are you willing to trust God and obey the law of Christ?

Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford

February 16, 2020

Prepared by Bobby Stafford

The church of Christ at Granby, MO

Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

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Doctrine