"THE DANGER OF FALSE DOCTRINE"
Notes
Transcript
What are some deadly diseases that have come and gone in our world?
smallpox
bubonic plague
SARS
Yellow fever
Polio
Black Death
Rabies
Epidemic
Influenza
Cholera
Antonine Plague
Proposition - This morning we are going to talk about the most deadly disease in all of the world and that is false teachers. We are going to examine 1) their message, 2) their identity, and 3) their character.
Interrogative question - What are you known for?
Let us remind ourselves of a couple of things - This is going to be the third time that Paul’s addresses the issue of false teachers -
1 Timothy 1:3–11 (NASB95)
3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, 4 nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.
5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, 7 wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.
8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers
10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.
1 Timothy 4:1–5 (NASB95)
1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,
3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
and our text this morning -
1 Timothy 6:3–5 (NASB95)
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
Don’t ever forget 2 Corinthians 11 -
13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.
The Message of False Prophets - vs. 3
The Message of False Prophets - vs. 3
1 Timothy 6:3–5 (NASB95)
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
“advocates a different doctrine” - (heterodidaskateo) - verb, present, active, indicative, third person, singular - finite verb - teach other doctrines.
Sense: to teach diver-gently - to teach doctrines contrary to and accepted standard.
“teach strange doctrines”
3 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines,
“advocates a different doctrine”
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
“does agree with” - (proserchomai) - verb, present, either middle or passive, indicative, third person, singular - finite verb - approach come up; come
Sense: to adhere - to be a devoted follower or supporter.
“sound” - (hygiaino) - verb, present, active, participle, plural, dative, masculine - attributive participle - be sound; healthy; be healthy
Sense: to be correct - be healthy - to be correct or accurate, conceived as being free from infirmity or disease.
1 Timothy 1:10 (NASB95)
10 and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching,
1 Timothy 6:3 (NASB95)
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
2 Timothy 1:13 (NASB95)
13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 4:3 (NASB95)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
Titus 1:9 (NASB95)
9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
Titus 2:1 (NASB95)
1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.
Titus 2:2 (NASB95)
2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
“words” - (logos) - noun, dative, plural, masculine - dative object - word; message
Sense: message (content) - the contents of a communication
this word is used 10 times throughout the pastoral epistles -
1 Timothy 4:5 (NASB95)
5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:6 (NASB95)
6 In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.
1 Timothy 6:3 (NASB95)
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
2 Timothy 1:13 (NASB95)
13 Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 2:9 (NASB95)
9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NASB95)
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NASB95)
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3 but at the proper time manifested, even His word, in the proclamation with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior,
Titus 1:9 (NASB95)
9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.
Titus 2:5 (NASB95)
5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
Think about the phrase “Lord Jesus Christ”
Lord = Master
Jesus = Humanity
Christ = Deity
‘with doctrine” - (didaskalia) - noun dative, singular, feminine - dative object - instruction; teaching
Sense: teaching - the content of what is taught
Out of the 12 times that “doctrine” is used in Scripture 9 of those times is in the pastoral epistles. (4 times in 1 timothy alone)
“godliness” - (eusebeia) - noun, accusative, singular, feminine - prepositional object - piety; godliness
Sense: piety - the devout practice for, and appropriate beliefs about, God.
Godliness is used 14 times in the NT and 8 of those times is in 1 Timothy and 11 of those times are used in the pastoral epistles.
The two phrases “sound words about Christ” and “teaching according to godliness” are synonymous, the first emphasizing the content of the proclamation and the second the effects of the proclamation. Mounce, W. D. (2000). Pastoral Epistles (Vol. 46, p. 337). Word, Incorporated.
True doctrine is often recognizable by the impact it has on everyday living. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2334). Crossway Bibles.
The Identity of False Prophets - vs. 4a
The Identity of False Prophets - vs. 4a
4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
“he is conceited” - (typhoo) - verb, perfect, passive, indicative, third person, singular - finite verb - be puffed up; be conceited
Sense: to be deceived - be in a haze - to be or become deceived about reality concerning oneself, especially one’s own intelligence or superiority; conceived of as being covered in cloud or vapor so as to be unable to see clearly.
1 Timothy 6:4 (NASB95)
4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
2 Timothy 3:4 (NASB95)
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
“understands” - (epistamai) - verb, present, either middle or passive, participle, singular, nominative, masculine - contemporaneous participle - know; understand
Sense: to understand - to know and comprehend the nature or meaning of.
Mark 14:68 (NASB95)
68 But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” And he went out onto the porch.
Acts 22:19 (NASB95)
19 “And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves understand that in one synagogue after another I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You.
1 Timothy 6:4 (NASB95)
4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.
7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.
25 Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification.
20 “Being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these matters.
23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
Matthew 27:18 (NASB95)
18 For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over.
Mark 15:10 (NASB95)
10 For he was aware that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.
Romans 1:29 (NASB95)
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,
Galatians 5:21 (NASB95)
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Philippians 1:15 (NASB95)
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;
1 Timothy 6:4 (NASB95)
4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
Titus 3:3 (NASB95)
3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
1 Peter 2:1 (NASB95)
1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,
Philippians 1:15 (NASB95)
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;
Titus 3:9 (NASB95)
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
Ephesians 4:31 (NASB95)
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Colossians 3:8 (NASB95)
8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
2 Timothy 3:13 (NASB95)
13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
2 Timothy 4:18 (NASB95)
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
The Character of False Prophets - vs. 4b - 5
The Character of False Prophets - vs. 4b - 5
4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
5 and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.
“he has a morbid interest” - (noseo) - verb, present, active,participle, singular, nominative, masculine - contemporaneous participle - be sick; be ailing
Sense: to pine - to be sick - to be languishing from an unfulfilled desire; conceived of as being physically ill for lack of fulfillment.
The preposition “in” is crucial -
“controversial questions” - (zetesis) - noun, accusative, plural, feminine - prepositional object - debate; dispute; controversy
Sense: dispute - a disagreement or argument about something important
The root word can have the following meanings - debate, dispute, and or controversy.
“debate”
2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.
7 After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.
“Discussion”
25 Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purification.
“how to investigate such matters”
20 “Being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these matters.
“speculations”
23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.
“controversies”
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
“disputes about words” - (logomachia) - noun, accusative, plural, feminine - prepositional object - dispute about words
Sense: logomachy - argument about words or the meaning of words
This is the only time that this phrase is used in all of Scripture
Notice the preposition “out of”
“envy” - (phthonos) - noun, nominative, singular, masculine - subject of the dependent clause - envy; jealousy
Sense: envy - spite and resentment toward the success or possessions of another
Matthew 27:18 (NASB95)
18 For he knew that because of envy they had handed Him over.
Mark 15:10 (NASB95)
10 For he was aware that the chief priests had handed Him over because of envy.
Romans 1:29 (NASB95)
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips,
Galatians 5:21 (NASB95)
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Philippians 1:15 (NASB95)
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;
1 Timothy 6:4 (NASB95)
4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,
Titus 3:3 (NASB95)
3 For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.
1 Peter 2:1 (NASB95)
1 Therefore, putting aside all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander,
“strife” - (eris) - noun, nominative, singular, feminine - subject of the dependent clause - strife; contention
Sense: strife (conflict) - bitter conflict; heated often violent dissension
Philippians 1:15 (NASB95)
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will;
Titus 3:9 (NASB95)
9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.
“abusive language” - (blasphemia) - noun, nominative, plural, feminine - subject of the dependent clause - blasphemy; slander
Sense: slander - abusive words falsely spoken that damage a person’s reputation.
This word can have the following meanings blasphemy, slander, abusive language, or railing
Ephesians 4:31 (NASB95)
31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
Colossians 3:8 (NASB95)
8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.
“suspicions” - (hyponoia) - noun, nominative, plural, feminine - subject of the dependent clause - suspicion
Sense: conjecture - reasoning that involves the formation of conclusions from incomplete evidence.
“evil” - (poneros) - adjective, nominative, plural, feminine - substantival adjective - evil; wicked
Sense: evil - morally bad or wrong
2 Timothy 3:13 (NASB95)
13 But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.
2 Timothy 4:18 (NASB95)
18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Where there are speculations and word battles, one naturally finds envy and strife; envy and strife naturally develop into slander and evil suspicions, and where these are present there is constant irritation. The specifics that Paul is enumerating are an accurate depiction of the historical situation (contra Hanson, [1983] 106). Mounce, W. D. (2000). Pastoral Epistles (Vol. 46, p. 339). Word, Incorporated.
“constant friction” - (diaparatribe) - noun, nominative, plural, feminine - subject of the dependent clause - constant friction
Sense: frictional strife - constant, irritating, and often heated arguing
“of depraved” - (diaphtheiro) - verb, perfect, passive, participle, plural, genitive, masculine - attributive participle - destroy; corrupt
Sense: to be corrupt - to be or become lacking in integrity or uprightness
“deprived of” - (apostereo) - verb, perfect, passive, participle, plural, genitive, masculine - attributive participle - defraud; steal
Sense: to be deprived - to be or become without something; not obtain or have.
SO WHAT?
Believer -
What is your message?
Who is your identity?
What does your character display?