Balanced Behavior For True Believers! # 2 DEFENDING SOUND DOCTRINE (1 Tim.1:1-20 Text V.10 Key V.3:15) Intro:Timothy is about to assume authority as

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1 Balanced Behavior For True Believers! # 2 DEFENDING SOUND DOCTRINE (1 Tim.1:1-20 Text V.10 Key V.3:15) Intro:Timothy is about to assume authority as he becomes the under shepherd in the church at Ephesus. This is going to be a grave responsibility. He will face dangers and difficulties that are both moral and spiritual. At the opening of this epistle, Paul is forewarning him. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Paul would encourage him as he takes up his new task. This chapter could be studied along these lines: 1. His Introduction of Himself. (V.1-2) 2. His Indoctrination of Timothy. (V.3-5) 3. His Indictment of Evil Doers. (V.6-10) 4. His Inspiring Testimony. (V.11-17) 5. His Important Warning. (V.18-20) 1. In this epistle, Paul is emphasizing sound doctrine. He would have the church at Ephesus to be sound in doctrine. Sound doctrine makes strong pulpits, and strong pulpits make spiritual saints. Weak churches are usually weak doctrinally. 2. The Bible is a book of doctrine. It speaks about good doctrine, vain doctrine, doctrine of men, doctrine of devils, doctrine of Pharisees, divers' doctrines, doctrine according to godliness and apostles' doctrine. We have false doctrines advancing because sound doctrine is not emphasized sufficiently. See how "sound doctrine" is set forth in First Timothy. 3. Paul tells Timothy to be: 1.] Particular about Doctrine, 1:3- "That thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine." What teachers teach is what people believe. What is it? To teach and to be sure it is "truth." Teachers have a great Necessity. They need to know the truth, 2 Timothy 2:15. Teachers have an unusual Priority To make known the content of Scripture. 2.] Protest against False Doctrine, 1:3b-"That they teach no other doctrine." Warn people against "things contrary to sound doctrine." We should recognize false doctrine. We should reprove false teachers. We should resign from them. We should receive them not, 2 John 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 3.] Purpose of Sound Doctrine, 4:6- "Nourished up in...good doctrine." Preaching sound doctrine edifies the saints. Preaching sound doctrine gives endorsement to the teachers, 4:6. Preaching sound doctrine enlightens the saints. 4. Prominence of Sound Doctrine, 4:13-"Till I come give attendance to doctrine." This was his public relation to doctrine. Doctrine was not to be neglected. 5.] Pay Attention to Sound Doctrine, 4:16-"Take heed...the doctrine." This is his personal relation to the subject of doctrine. 6.] Persevere in "the Doctrine...Labor in...doctrine." 5:17 The word "labour" here means "to work at it." Spend time studying it. He was to study sound doctrine. He was to stress sound doctrine. Some say it doesn't matter what you believe. That is not true. He was to stand for sound doctrine. He was to support sound doctrine. 7.] See the Purity of Sound Doctrine, 6:3-6Sound doctrine leads to sound living, which is godliness. In the church at Ephesus where Timothy would minister, certain people were spreading teaching of their own that were far from the truth of Scripture. Now let us look at the Apostolic

2 injunctions that will direct this young preacher. It will help us in our study of verses 3 to 20 if we divide this portion into three divisions related to this young man's ministry: I. CONSIDER THE COMMAND FOR THE MINISTRY. (V.3-11) 1. Let us look at the material dealt with in these verses along four suggestive headings: A. Notice the Outbreak of Heresy that must be dealt with. (V.3-4) 1. The Church Designated. Evidently false teachers had crept in among the saints there and were spreading false doctrines. Paul warned them of this when he was having a farewell meeting with the elders, as recorded in (Acts.20:28-31). Paul called the false teachers "wolves." He said they would not spare the flock. 2. The Church's Duty. (V.3b) To expose these false teachers and stand for sound doctrine. Other doctrines were being projected; the true doctrine must be taught. Christian duty must be practiced. Every phase of error must be reproved and rejected in its totality. 3. The Church's Danger. (V.4) The people in the city were given over to the fanatical worship of the goddess Diana. False teaching was rampant, being propagated by "some." Timothy is to crush anything that is contrary to sound doctrine. No doubt these were Judaizers who claimed to know all about the law, yet were ignorant of its real meaning. Paul called their spurious teaching "fables and endless genealogies." The word fables here means A feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended to enforce some truth or precept. Fiction in general; An idle story; vicious or vulgar fictions. Falsehood; a softer term for a lie. Timothy would come face to face with these errors. B. Notice The Outcome of Sound Doctrine. (V.5) 1. Paul has just warned about "certain people who were teaching false doctrine". They were misleading their hearers with speculative teaching. They led people into vain discussions. Satan loves to sidetrack people this way. In this way he makes sure the truth never reaches those who need it. 2. Now Timothy is to correct the false teachers. The word "commandment" here means charge. In verse 3 it says that Timothy is to "charge some." Timothy's charge is made up of "sound doctrine." The outcome of sound doctrine is love a Divine love shed in the heart by the Holy Ghost. That love is fully expressed and evidenced in; a.] Unfeigned Faith. That means that it is not a mere lip faith. it is the genuine confidence of the heart in truth. It has to do with faithfulness to the fact. Nothing is given in disguise of any form; it is the genuine truth. b.] Unblemished Conscience, "Good conscience." This is a conscience with all guilt removed and all is right. A good conscience is one that is well enlightened by the Word of God. That is why sin and error must be dealt with in the child of God the Guilt will drive us crazy! c.] Undefiled Heart, "Pure heart." The motives at the center of the life are all clean. There is nothing false about personal desires and ambitions. A pure heart has been made pure by the purifying power of the Word as faith lays hold upon it for blessing. A pure heart is released from all unworthy motives. In this fifth

3 verse we see three conditional qualities of love: 1. "A pure heart" Love's Openness There is no concealment in this love; no secrecy. There is absolute openness with God. This brings joy and contentment to the heart and rest to the soul. With this openness there is no fear of discovery that would bring grief. 2. "A good conscience" Love's Sensitiveness. Love is extremely sensitive. Love can easily perceive. There is a perception that love demands. Love is not blind. It knows how to satisfy the one loved. 3. Genuine faith; Love's Truthfulness. Love responds to faith readily. Love is always on its toes, ready to obey the call of faith. C. Notice The Outlook of False Teaching. (V.6-10) 1. This portion has to do with wrong teaching and wrong living "Wrong Doctrine and Wrong Doing." 2. The Wrong Doctrine. (V.6-9a) All this false teaching is described as "empty argument or vain clatter." They had been teaching some "other doctrine." This "other doctrine" had to do with the "law." Some had turned away from the fruits of charity in verse 5 and were not sincere in their motives, and had a conscience that was seared by a false faith. They talked about the law but they understood not its content or its purpose. a.] Their lives did not, in their actions, correspond to any kind of sincerity that was related to truth. They claimed to be teachers of the law, with a measure of pride and a lot of conceit, but they knew not the law nor the gospel, verses 6 and 7. Paul sets forth the purpose of the law in verse 8. He says "the law is good" when it is used in its rightful place. The law has a purpose (when used lawfully) designed by God. It convicts of sin in the unconverted. b.] The law is for the lawless. The saved is freed from the curse of the law by the blood of Christ. "Christ is the end of the law to them that believe." (Rom. 10:4) 3. The Wrong Doing. Paul names the class of people for whom the law was given in verse 9b-10. What an unholy list of sins are presented here to man apart from the grace of God. The Apostle deals with, and names the worst examples of human sin that the law declares vile. And then says in (V.10b) "And if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine." God's law judges any sin that is contrary to sound doctrine. All the above practices are the outcome when men submit to false teaching. D. Notice The Outline of Sound Doctrine. (V.11) 1. Paul was deeply concerned about conditions in the church at Ephesus. There was an emergency in that church. Some folks were obscuring the gospel with professedly secret legalistic speculations and philosophies that were in opposition to "love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith." verse They didn't understand the true purpose of the law, yet wanted to be teachers of it. Bluntly, Paul describes the people and the deed the law condemns, stating that the terrible things named in verses 9 and 10 are contrary to sound doctrine in accordance with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, verse Observe the essential relation of sound doctrine to life. False teaching is not just an intellectual matter; it leads to the kind of action that contradicts the

4 gospel, and therefore can not be trifled with. Paul knew that for that church (or any other), soundness in the faith was a life or death matter. It is the same for the church today. In this 11th verse there is mentioned "the gospel of the blessed God." Note three things said here: a.] THE GREAT PROVISION "The Glorious Gospel." All of the virtues of the Christian life find their source in, and are according to the gospel. It transforms the life into Christ-likeness. It does a "glorious" work. It always works when it is received. 1. It is Universal in its Proclamation. The chief ruler of the Jews accepted it. John 3:1-7. The chancellor of Ethiopia accepted it. Acts 8: The centurion of the Italian band accepted it. Acts.10:1-11: It is Unique in its Principle. It reaches all classes of men. It reached a adulterous woman in John 8:3-11. It reached a prodigal son. Luke 15: It reached a poor publican. Luke.18: It is Unlimited in its Power. Is there any case too hard for the gospel? The maniac in chains was freed by its power. Mark 5:1-13. See what misery he was in, vs. 4. See what marvel was performed, vs. 8. See what a ministry was given to the man, vs.19. The malefactor on the cross was saved by its power. Luke 23:43. The maltreater of the church was saved. Acts 9:5-6. b.] THE GREAT PERSON "The Blessed God." God is the fountain and source of the gospel. The gospel was "not after man, for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." (Gal.1:11-12). The gospel was born in the heart and mind of God. God is the divine Author and source of the gospel of our salvation. c.] THE GREAT PROVINCE. "Which was committed to my trust." Paul's is a great responsibility. He has been put in trust with the content of the gospel. What an assignment for mortal man. He is responsible for its purity. He is to see that it is kept free from the reasonings and traditions of men. He is responsible for its protection from the "cunning craftiness" of fallen men. He is responsible for its propagation. II. CONSIDER THE COMMITMENT TO THE MINISTRY. (V.12-17) 1. In verses we have Paul's personal testimony. As he comes to the close of his life his heart overflows with gratitude and praise. At the heart of all of this is the fact "that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners." Paul wishes to show the superiority and sufficiency of the gospel of the grace of God, which is "sound doctrine." He is now negating the fictitious teaching of those who would pervert the gospel. 2. Paul's conversion and call to the ministry is a clear cut evidence of the truth and power of the gospel. None could refute his testimony as to the effect of sound doctrine (the gospel) in his own life. Let us look at the truths set before us along six definite lines: A. Notice Paul's Separation to the Ministry. (V. 12) 1. After thinking of what he had been, his heart is filled with gratitude for what God has wrought in him. Paul is telling us of his call to the ministry. This verse is full of the grace of God. Three things happened in this experience of Paul that can only be the operation of God's grace. He is thankful for three things that are related to his entrance into the ministry st The Enabling Grace of God. "Who enabled me. Paul never ceased to

5 thank God for enabling grace. God enabled him (it was only the grace of God that would do it) by giving him the strength that he needed. God built in a "new dynamic" in the life of Paul when he saved him. He did the same for all saints nd The Evidentiary Grace of God. "He counted me faithful." Paul was a faithful servant of the Lord. God is looking for "faithful men." Those are the kind He calls into special service. God saw something in this man that He didn't see in a lot of other men faithfulness rd The Employing Grace of God. "Putting me into the ministry." His call can be traced back to the grace of God. Paul said, "By the grace of God I am what I am." He can also say, "by the grace of God I am where I am in the ministry. It was only the grace of God that could or would save a wretch like he was and then do such a work in him. B. Notice Paul's Service in Sin. (V.13a.) 1. He gives a description of some of his former sins. He opposed Christianity with every ounce of strength that filled his wicked heart. Now that he is saved by the Grace of God how much more should he serve God! Here he presents three areas of activity of his former godless life. a. We see his: Fervent Blasphemy. He was against Christ in every way. The word "blaspheme" means "to subvert the Divine order." He disowned the claims of Christ and marked Him as a deceiver, a supplanter and an imposter. He encouraged others to follow in His mad stampede. (Acts. 26:11) And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. b. We see his: Fiery Persecution. He applied the full force of his energies to reach and persecute all the followers of Christ that he possibly could. c. We see his: Ferocious Harmfulness. He would allow nothing to stop him or stand in the way of his mad rush to harm the innocent. Paul here sets forth the poison that filled his heart as he went to get rid of the saints. Could the gospel transform this life? This forms the background for what he wants to say next. but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. C. Notice Paul's Salvation by Grace. (V.13b-14) 1. Over against his life of sin and shame, he refers to the wonders that God did for him by His grace. Grace is "God taking upon Himself the responsibility for the punishment of our guilt and sin for all of time and eternity." A simple definition is "Grace is God's unmerited favour toward us." Paul mentions three things here about God's goodness toward him. a. Notice Paul's Experience of Mercy. "I obtained mercy" Mercy is God not giving us what we deserve. We, as sinners, all deserved hell, but God had mercy on our souls. Paul knew he didn't get what he deserved. b. Notice Paul's Enrichment of Grace. "The grace of the Lord was exceedingly abundant." The undeserved favor of God was poured out toward him. c. Notice Paul's Exercise. "With faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." These two virtues were being enjoyed by the Apostle. He lived in them. He was exercised by them. He says that his love became more and more and that his faith became stronger and stronger. He used these graces to prove what the grace of God had done for him. D. Notice Paul's Summary of the Gospel. (V.15)

6 1. This verse contains the very soul of the gospel Sound Doctrine. In this verse God is speaking to the hour in which we live. We had better hear and heed what God says. God is speaking, and what God says is Authentic. It is reliable and trust worthy. There are no doubts about it. What God says is Acceptable. "It is worthy of all acceptation." It is God's word to mankind. It is the best news a man ever heard. What God says is Adaptable. It meets the needs of the people nothing else does. 2. What he says is "sound doctrine." The word "saying" here means doctrine or declaration. The doctrine that Christ came into the world to save sinners can be depended on. You can cast your whole weight on it. In the pastoral Epistles there are five of these "faithful sayings." 1. Concerning our Salvation. (1Tim. 1:15). 2. Concerning our Service. (1Tim.3:1). 3. Concerning our Suffering. (1Tim.4:9-10). 4. Concerning our Sanctification. (Tit.3:8). 5. Concerning our Secret. (2 Tim.2:11). E. Notice Paul Speaks of his Conversion. (V ) 1. Paul Speaks of the Source of his Pardon. (V.15) Paul wanted the reader to understand that it was Christ Jesus that saved him, And that He is the source of salvation! We see 5 particular truths here; a.] We see the Worth of Grace here. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation... b.] We see the Where of Grace here....came into the world... c.] We see the Why of Grace here....to save... d.] We see the Who of Grace here....sinners... e.] We see the Work of Grace here. (V.15-16) 2. Paul Speaks of the Sound Purpose of God. (V.15)...SAVE SINNERS... The bible says in (Lu.19:10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. 3. Paul Speaks of the Sure Pattern. (V.16) Paul says that the reason God chose to extend His mercy and grace toward him, was to use Paul as a pattern. God wanted Paul as proof positive of His longsuffering. That word means to be long tempered. God wanted everyone who saw Paul to understand that if He would save this man, He will save anyone who will come to Him! The word pattern means a sketch, an outline, a summary exposition, a mold, a design, a blueprint. III. CONSIDER THE CHARGE IN THE MINISTRY. (V.17-20) 1. Paul has just given us his testimony in verses 11 to 17 of this chapter, and now we look at the testimony that Paul charges Timothy to maintain during his ministry. This is an important lesson to all of God's people. It is, of course, directed to the ministry. 2. Notice the word commit here in (V.18) it means: To give in trust; to put into the hands or power of another; to entrust; with. Paul is say to Timothy you are being entrusted with sound doctrine it is being put into your hands. It is your responsibility to hold true in this war! A. Notice The Preachers Duty. (V.18-19a) 1. The Preparation for the Warning. (V.18a) Paul calls him "son Timothy." a. It is a Fatherly Warning. "My son." It is as a father speaks to his son.

7 Timothy must listen to fatherly advice and accept it. He must obey his father in the faith. b. It is a Faithful Warning. Paul is being faithful as a father in the faith and as an Apostle. Let us all be as faithful to our spiritual children. c. It was a Fitting Warning. Timothy needed it. False teachers were entering in and not sparing the flock. He needed to protect his personal life and guard the flock from all that was not "sound doctrine." Timothy was young in the ministry and he needed all the help he could get! 2. The Promptings for the Warning. (V.18b) "According to the prophecies which went before on thee." The word of God had prophecies concerning the responsibility of the man of God in the house of God! 3. The Purpose of the Warning. (V.18c) "That thou mightest by them war a good warfare." He is to be a true soldier and to stand in the day of battle. He is to be standing firm on the battle front when the shelling starts. He is not to retreat when the shelling starts. He is to war a good warfare. a. See all the"good" things spoken of in this book: Good Warfare, 1:18, Good Behaviour, 3:2,Good Report, 3:7,Good Degree, 3:13 Good Minister, 4:6, Good Doctrine, 4:6, Good Fight 6:12, Good Profession, 6:12, Good Confession, 6:13, Good Work, 6:18, Good Foundation,6:19. b. The purpose of this charge is to stir Timothy up to be true to his trust; He should contend for "sound doctrine" with earnestness. 4. The Powerful Weapons for Duty. "Holding faith and a good conscience." Here Paul directs Timothy to two weapons to use in the "good warfare," namely: a. An Infallible Faith. "Holding fast." b. An Instructed Conscience. "A good conscience." c. Neither of these will do alone. Not faith without a good conscience, nor a good conscience without faith. Hold both faith in your teaching and a good conscience in your practice. Don't let either one slip. Faith stands with a good conscience and falls with a bad one. d. Stand true to the Word of God in preaching and teaching, and always have a clear conscience in all the practices of life. Never depart from a strong faith in the Word, and always have a good conscience void of offense toward God and man. e. Paul is telling Timothy how much depends on the truth if the church is to be successful and victorious. He is to be faithful to the cause in which he has been enlisted. He is to believe the truth and never to betray his trust. He is to keep a well instructed conscience. Don't develop a liberal conscience. B. Notice The Possible Danger. (V.19b) 1. Paul tells Timothy to stand by the truth and keep a clear conscience. It is the road to victory. He tells him that some have forsaken the truth and have cared little about the voice of conscience in warning, and as a result have failed. 2. No saint, and especially a preacher, should ever deviate from these two things. If he does, he is in trouble, and also those people to whom he ministers. He will soon be giving his people sermonettes and endorsing worldly amusements in the church. C. Notice The Pathetic Disaster. (V.20) 1. Disobedience to the plain injunctions of the Word always leads to failure.

8 Paul would warn young Timothy of the awful dangers of disobedience. Words of warning are good, but examples of shipwreck are much better. Paul would have Timothy learn something from the example of others. a. Behold the Men. "Hymenaeus and Alexander" These are dangerous men. They didn't hold to the truth. They didn't keep up a good conscience. All men who do such are dangerous. They turned liberal. They had no conscience about the fact that the Word was truth, and to depart from it would lead to disaster (2 Tim. 2:15-18). b. Behold the Misery. "I have delivered unto Satan." The purpose of this deliverance unto Satan was to teach them a lesson, that they might be restored. Their sin was serious; it had to do with "blasphemy." Their false teaching was a reproach on the Divine character and upon revealed truth. 2. They subverted the Divine order. False teaching is poison spread among the saints. It eats away healthy tissues in the spiritual lives of God's people. Shun it as you would a snake.