Guarding the Gospel

Father, as we delve into the charge to guard the Gospel, we pray that You would equip us to preserve the truth with steadfast hearts, protect us from the errors that so easily ensnare, and fill us with a pure love that flows from a heart transformed by Your grace.

Keep us from wandering into vain discussions, and anchor us in sound doctrine, that we may faithfully uphold the treasure of the Gospel.

Guard our hearts and minds against every distraction and error, that we might hold fast to the Gospel by faith.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

In Christ's precious name, We pray. Amen.

“Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 Ti 1:2.

Introduction:

Brothers and sisters, we live in a time when the purity of the Gospel is constantly under attack.

The cultural currents of our day are filled with ideologies and philosophies that seek to undermine the authority and sufficiency of Scripture.

In the face of these challenges, we must recognize the urgent need to guard the Gospel with all diligence.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, provides us with a clear and compelling charge to protect the integrity of the Gospel.

Today, we will explore 1 Timothy 1:3-7, where Paul instructs Timothy on how to safeguard the Gospel from false teachings, ensuring it remains the powerful, life-giving truth that it is.

As we unpack this passage, let us be reminded of the words of John Calvin, who emphasized the importance of sound doctrine:

"A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God's truth is attacked and yet would remain silent." -John Calvin

Calvin’s statement underscores the necessity of defending the Gospel against falsehood, a charge that is as relevant today as it was in Timothy's time.

For this reason I have entitled my sermon this morning:

“Guarding the Gospel”

Transition:

With this understanding of our responsibility to guard the Gospel, let us now turn to Paul’s first instruction to Timothy.

The Apostle begins by urging Timothy to remain at Ephesus, underscoring the importance of preserving the truth in the face of growing threats.

This leads us to our first point:

I. Preserve the Truth (v. 3-4)

1 Timothy 1:3–4 ESV

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.

A. The Command to Remain The first point that Paul makes is a clear charge to Timothy: "Remain at Ephesus."

This command is not just a suggestion; it is a directive with a purpose.

Paul knew that the church in Ephesus was under threat from false teachers who sought to introduce doctrines that deviated from the truth. (Inside job/Elders of the Church. Ref. 1 Tim. 3. Qualifications of an Elder)

Timothy's presence in Ephesus was essential to maintaining the purity of the Gospel.

In the cultural context of Ephesus, the church was surrounded by a society steeped in paganism and mysticism.

The Ephesian believers were constantly exposed to teachings that blended elements of Christianity with local religious practices, leading to syncretism.

Not only that, I think more importantly, the command to remain indicates, at least to me, that the possibly of Timothy walking away from the ministry because of the difficulty of the task, is not only plausible, but possibly on the table.

Paul understood the danger of these influences, and the difficulty of the task, so what does he do?

He urges Timothy to stay and combat these errors directly.

It is also essential to note that Paul’s language here is not soft.

The word used for "urge" (parakaleo) carries a strong, personal tone, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

Timothy was not just encouraged to stay; he was authoritatively commanded to stand firm.

This was no ordinary mission—Paul was entrusting Timothy with a critical task to preserve the Gospel's truth.

Just as Timothy was charged with preserving the truth, so are we.

In our lives, our families, and our churches, we must be vigilant in preserving the truth of the Gospel.

This means being aware of teachings that deviate from the core message of Christ and addressing them head-on.

We cannot afford to be passive; we must actively protect the Gospel's integrity.

Transition:

But Paul’s command to Timothy wasn’t just about staying—it was about a specific purpose that required active engagement.

B. The Purpose of the Command Timothy's task was not just to remain but to actively prevent the spread of false teachings.

Paul’s command to Timothy to stay put underscores the importance of his role in preserving doctrinal purity.

Timothy was not just to be a passive observer but an active guardian of the truth.

The phrase "different doctrine" in the Greek, implies teaching that deviates from the standard of apostolic doctrine.

In the Reformed tradition, this standard is upheld by the principle of sola Scriptura—Scripture alone as the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

Paul’s concern was that any deviation from this standard would lead to spiritual disaster.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, often called the "Prince of Preachers," once said,

"Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right." -C.H. Spurgeon

Spurgeon’s words highlight the subtlety of false doctrine, which can appear almost right YET be entirely wrong.

The truth of the Gospel must be actively defended; we are called to confront and correct deviations from biblical teaching.

This requires us to be discerning, recognizing not only outright errors but also those subtle distortions that can lead believers astray.

Transition:

The dangers of neglecting this command are not theoretical—they have real, destructive consequences that we must be aware of.

C. The Result of Neglecting the Command When false teachings are allowed to proliferate (increase rapidly in numbers), they lead to endless speculations rather than the edification of the church.

Paul knew that these myths and genealogies would lead believers astray, wasting their time and distracting them from the true purpose of the Gospel.

The early church was particularly vulnerable to Jewish myths and genealogies, which often involved speculative interpretations of Old Testament genealogies and mystical traditions.

These distractions took the focus away from Christ and the central message of the Gospel.

The Puritan theologian Thomas Watson warned against such distractions, stating,

"Satan loves to fish in troubled waters." - Thomas Watson

Watson understood that when the church is distracted by myths and speculations, Satan finds an opportunity to sow confusion and discord.

Allowing false teachings to go unchallenged can lead to confusion and division within the church.

We must be vigilant in identifying and rejecting anything that distracts from or distorts the true message of the Gospel.

Our focus must remain on Christ and His work of redemption, rather than on speculative or mystical teachings.

Illustration:

Imagine a watchman guarding a valuable treasure.

The watchman’s task is not just to stand idly by but to be vigilant, ensuring that no harm comes to the treasure. Similarly, Timothy was called to be vigilant in guarding the truth of the Gospel.

Transition:

Having established the importance of preserving the truth, Paul continues by warning Timothy about the dangers of errors that distract from this truth.

II. Protect from Error (v. 4)

1 Timothy 1:4 (ESV)

…which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.

A. The Nature of the Error Paul goes on in verse 4 to describe the nature of the error that was creeping into the church.

Myths and endless genealogies were leading to speculation rather than edification.

These false doctrines were distractions that pulled people away from the true stewardship of God's Word. Specifically, the work of the gospel!

Paul is clear that these teachings do not promote godliness or faith. Instead, they lead to meaningless debates and confusion.

In the cultural context of Ephesus, these speculations were likely influenced by both Jewish mystical traditions and Greek philosophical thought.

These extra-biblical teachings created confusion among the believers and detracted from the simplicity and purity of the Gospel.

John Owen, a leading Puritan theologian, wrote extensively on the dangers of speculative theology, stating,

"It is the prerogative of the Scriptures to be the rule of faith and the measure of truth." -John Owen

Owen emphasized that any teaching not grounded in Scripture is inherently speculative and dangerous to the soul.

Application:

We must protect the church and our own hearts from teachings that distract or distort the Gospel's truth.

This requires discernment and a deep commitment to the Word of God.

We must be vigilant in identifying anything that would lead us into speculation rather than into a deeper understanding of God's Word.

Transition:

In contrast to these errors, Paul highlights what true teaching leads to—a faithful stewardship of God’s truth.

B. The Contrast to Error 1 Timothy 1:4 (Don’t Read)

1 Timothy 1:4 (ESV)

nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.

Paul contrasts the speculation promoted by false teachings with the stewardship from God that is by faith.

True teaching leads to stewardship—a faithful management of God’s truth—rooted in faith.

Stewardship implies responsibility and care, ensuring that what has been entrusted to us is preserved and used rightly.

The term "stewardship" here refers to the management of the Gospel message, which has been entrusted to the church.

The faithful stewardship of the Gospel involves both preserving its purity and proclaiming it with clarity.

I love what John Knox, the Scottish Reformer, once declared,

"The Scriptures of God are my only foundation and substance in all matters of weight and importance." -John Knox

Friends we must be unwavering in our commitment to Scripture, for the word is the foundation of our faith.

Our focus should be on nurturing faith and understanding God’s Word rather than engaging in fruitless debates.

We are called to be good stewards of the Gospel, faithfully managing what God has entrusted to us by holding fast to sound doctrine and avoiding distractions.

Illustration:

Think of a gardener tending to a garden.

The gardener must remove weeds to protect the health of the plants.

If left unchecked, weeds can choke out the life of the plants.

Similarly, false doctrines are like weeds that must be removed to protect the health of the church.

Transition:

Now that Paul has addressed the need to protect from error, he turns to the positive outcome of such protection—the promotion of pure love within the church.

III. Promote Pure Love (v. 5)

1 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)

THE AIM OF OUR CHARGE IS LOVE that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

A. The Aim of Instruction

Paul shifts to the positive outcome of preserving and protecting the Gospel: the promotion of pure love.

The goal of Paul’s instruction is not just to win theological arguments or to defend the truth for its own sake.

The aim is love—love that flows from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.

Pure Heart:

A pure heart is the inner core of a person, the seat of our thoughts, emotions, and will.

In the New Testament, the heart represents the whole person—who we truly are before God.

For love to be genuine, it must spring from a justified heart that is continually cleansed from sin.

This purity is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of transformation through the confession of sin and the application of Christ's forgiveness.

Just as Jesus washed the disciples' feet to symbolize the need for ongoing cleansing, our hearts must be continually purified by God’s grace to produce love that is true and untainted by selfish motives.

Good Conscience:

The conscience is our inner moral compass, given by God to discern right from wrong.

It is the faculty that evaluates the morality of our actions and attitudes in light of God's standards.

A good conscience is one that is clear and untroubled, knowing that it is aligned with God's will.

It is not merely about avoiding guilt but about living in obedience to God, resulting in a sense of peace and assurance before Him.

This good conscience is essential for love because it ensures that our actions are not just outwardly righteous but are motivated by a genuine desire to please God.

Lastly, Sincere Faith:

Sincere faith refers to an authentic and unfeigned trust in God.

It is faith that is not hypocritical or merely outward, but deeply rooted in a genuine reliance on God’s promises and power.

This kind of faith is necessary for love because it directs our dependence on God to enable us to love others as He has loved us.

True love, as described by Paul, can only come from a heart that genuinely trusts in God, without pretense or self-deception.

Beloved, LOVE is the fruit of true faith.

This love is not sentimental but is rooted in the work of Christ and the transformation He brings to the heart at the second birth.

It is love from God that seeks the good of others and the glory of God.

John Calvin comments on this verse, and he says,

"A pure conscience and sincere faith are the true springs of love. For the heart that is hypocritical, that does not approach God with uprightness, is unable to love." -John Calvin

Calvin’s insight reminds us that true love cannot exist apart from a heart transformed by the Gospel.

Our defense of the Gospel should always be motivated by love—a love that seeks the well-being of others and the glory of God.

We must remember that the ultimate goal of our teaching and correction is to foster a Church characterized by genuine love.

Transition:

But where does this pure love originate?

Paul points us to its true source.

B. The Source of Pure Love True love, according to Paul, is not superficial or hypocritical.

It is rooted in a heart that has been purified by the Gospel, a conscience that is clear before God, and a faith that is genuine.

This is the kind of love that should characterize our lives as believers and our interactions within the church.

The purity of heart, good conscience, and sincere faith mentioned here are all results of the Gospel’s work in the believer’s life.

These qualities are not self-generated but are produced by the Holy Spirit as He applies the Gospel to our hearts.

Jonathan Edwards, in his treatise "Charity and Its Fruits," wrote,

"Love is the sum of all virtue, and love disposes us to do good." -Jonathan Edwards

What Edwards is saying here is that the essence of Christian virtue aligns with Paul’s teaching that love is the ultimate goal of all doctrinal instruction.

Application:

We should strive as Christians, As a Church, to promote a love that is rooted in the purity of the Gospel, free from hypocrisy and self-interest.

This kind of love is not something we can manufacture on our own; it is the result of the transforming power of the Gospel in our lives.

As we guard the Gospel, let us also be intentional about cultivating pure love in our relationships, both within the church and in the world.

Illustration:

Picture a clean spring that produces fresh water.

The water is pure because the source is pure.

In the same way, love that flows from a heart purified by the Gospel is pure and life-giving.

Transition:

Finally, Paul warns Timothy about the danger of wandering away from the truth, which is the natural outcome if we do not guard the Gospel.

IV. Prevent Wandering (v. 6-7)

1 Timothy 1:6–7 (ESV)

Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion,

desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

A. The Danger of Wandering

Finally, Paul warns Timothy about the danger of wandering from the truth.

Some individuals in the church had swerved away from the Gospel and wandered into vain discussions.

They wanted to be teachers of the law, but they lacked true understanding.

Their teachings were filled with confident assertions, but these assertions were empty because they were not grounded in the truth of the Gospel.

In the cultural context of Ephesus, there were those who sought to be teachers of the Mosaic Law, imposing legalistic requirements on Gentile believers.

Paul recognized that these individuals were not only misguided but were also leading others into error by their false teaching.

John Gill, in his commentary on this passage, observes,

"These men aimed at being teachers, but their aims were not according to knowledge, nor was their conduct consistent with the spirit and design of the Gospel." -John Gill

Gill’s commentary highlights the importance of grounding teaching in a true understanding of the Gospel, rather than in speculative or legalistic traditions.

Application:

We must prevent wandering from the Gospel by staying anchored in sound doctrine.

This means being diligent in our study of the Word, seeking to understand it rightly, and applying it faithfully.

This is exactly how Paul instructs Timothy in his second letter to him.

2 Timothy 2:14–16 ESV

Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,

For us, this means being humble, recognizing that our understanding is always in need of growth and correction.

By doing so, we safeguard ourselves and others from wandering into error.

Transition:

But what are the consequences if we fail to stay anchored in the truth?

Paul provides a sobering warning.

B. The Consequence of Wandering

Paul points out here in verse 7 that those who wander from the truth often become self-appointed teachers, leading others astray with their misunderstandings and false confidence.

These individuals are eager to teach but lack the necessary foundation of true understanding, which leads to empty and vain discussions.

What does Paul mean by vain discussions?

He explains in v6 that some individuals in the church have “swerved” “fallen short" and "turned aside to “senseless babble."

Instead of pursuing love that springs from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith, they have strayed into meaningless and empty discussions.

I want you to see here that the key issue is not merely an intellectual error but a moral failure.

Timothy’s opponents did not choose to follow the heresy because it was intellectually more acceptable; they chose to abandon love.

The root of the heresy was not an intellectual but a moral problem.

These individuals were not content to simply miss the mark in their understanding; they actively chose to deviate from the truth, leading them into what Paul describes as “vain discussion” or “senseless babble."

The term Paul uses, "vain (fruitless) discussion” (ματαιολογία), suggests that their discussions, while perhaps appearing sophisticated or profound, were ultimately empty and without substance.

The Ephesian elders had wandered off into debates that were completely and totally worthless—futile arguments about insignificant words.

This kind of teaching is dangerous because it distracts believers from the core truths of the Gospel and leads them into fruitless speculation!

This wandering away from the truth is not a sudden departure but a "progressive deviation."

The leaders who once walked in the right path gradually veered off course, allowing themselves to be captivated by empty, vain teachings.

The result is a church that is no longer grounded in the solid foundation of the Gospel but is instead led astray by teachers who have lost their way.

Paul’s message is clear:

The consequence of wandering from the truth is real and can lead to devastating consequences for both individuals and the church as a whole.

The responsibility of the church, therefore, is to cling to sound doctrine, to avoid the distractions of meaningless controversies, and to hold fast to the truth that leads to love, rooted in a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.

This also serves as a warning to all who aspire to teach within the church.

The responsibility of teaching is not to be taken lightly, as it requires both a deep understanding of the Gospel, a commitment to rightly dividing the Word of truth, and a devotion to christian living-LOVE!

And this is exactly why James warns those who desire to teach:

James 3:1 ESV

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

Application:

We must be cautious of those who speak with authority yet lack true understanding, and we must ensure our own teaching is rooted in sound doctrine.

Being anchored in the truth will prevent us from being led astray by those who are confident but misguided.

Illustration:

Imagine a traveler who strays from the path.

At first, the deviation may seem small, but over time, the traveler becomes lost.

In the same way, a slight deviation from the truth can lead to spiritual drift and eventually to being completely lost.

Conclusion:

As we close, let us recap the key points of Paul’s charge to Timothy.

We are called to:

Preserve the Truth: Stand firm and actively guard the Gospel.

Protect from Error: Remove anything that distracts from or distorts the truth.

Promote Pure Love: Cultivate love that flows from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith.

Prevent Wandering: Stay anchored in sound doctrine to avoid spiritual drift.

Brothers and sisters, guarding the Gospel is not just the responsibility of pastors and church leaders—it is the duty of every believer. (Repeat!)

Let us take this charge seriously, recognizing that the purity and power of the Gospel must be preserved for the sake of our own souls, our churches, and the world.

PRAY

Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father,

We thank You for the Gospel—the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

We ask for Your strength, wisdom, and discernment to guard this precious truth faithfully.

Help us to preserve the truth, protect from error, promote pure love, and prevent wandering.

May we be vigilant watchmen, tending to the treasure of Your Word with care and diligence.