Sound Doctrine

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May 18th at 6pm - worship night

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Sunday, May 18th, 2025 at 6pm - Worship Night

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DECLARATION:

Ephesians 2:20–22 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Our church family is built by God, upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, and with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone.

We are joined together by union with Christ, we are growing, we are a dwelling place of God by his Spirit, and we are missionaries.

Prayer for...

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

We believe the Church isn’t defined by a building or a brand—it’s defined by Jesus, His practices, and His mission. In this series, Our Distinctives, we’ll explore the beliefs that make SVC who we are: Spirit Empowerment, Sound Doctrine, Family Relationships, Empowering Leadership, Kingdom Partnership, Shared Mission

These beliefs are more than just statements—they’re guides. They determine what we do and what we don’t do, where we focus our energy and where we don’t, what we say yes to—and just as importantly—what we say no to. They shape our priorities, our culture, and our vision.

If you’ve ever wondered, “How Does SVC Do Ministry?”—this is the series for you. Because clarity brings unity. And unity brings the power of God.

WHAT IS THE REASON WHY THIS MESSAGE IS BEING SHARED / WHAT IS THE PROBLEM THIS MESSAGE IS ANSWERING?…

Many who profess faith seem to think that Christianity is something to add to their already busy lives, not something that controls, constrains, and shapes their vision and all of their goals.

D. A. Carson

BIG IDEA FOR TODAY: Sound Doctrine shapes who we are, what we believe, and how we live—so we must not just hear it, but build our lives on it.

WHAT IS THE PICTURE OR ILLUSTRATION FOR THIS BIG IDEA?

Imagine someone studying blueprints for a house—analyzing every detail, highlighting every line, even memorizing where each wall should go—but never picking up a hammer. Without building, the blueprint means nothing. The Bible is our blueprint, but it only becomes a home—solid, secure, and livable—when we actually build with it.

What does Sound Doctrine look like?

The Word as Our Foundation

Matthew 7:24–27 “24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.””

Three Examples of Building On Jesus Words:

Forgiving (Matthew 6:14–15 “14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” )

Being Generous (Matthew 6:21 “21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”)

Being A Friend (John 13:35 “35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”” )

The Word for Our Formation

2 Timothy 3:16–17 “16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Equipped by The Word

The Call to Teach The Word

Titus 2:1 “1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.”

“sound doctrine” is wholistic

“sound doctrine” is about conduct

“sound doctrine” is not simply personality or opinions

“sound doctrine” is not bullying your thoughts on another

“sound” means healthy (source: Kay & Moxon)

The Danger of Drifting From The Word

2 Timothy 4:3–4 “3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

“teaching” here is same Gk. word as “doctrine” in Titus 2:1

The Message of 2 Timothy b. The Contemporary Scene (Verses 3–5)

they do not first listen and then decide whether what they have heard is true;

The danger is finding podcasts to agree with you

If your BIBLICAL instruction primarily comes through those not in relationship with you (do not know you), then you need to be weary of DRIFT!

The Word in Action

James 1:22–25 “22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

Think of Mother Teresa, who devoted her life to caring for the poorest of the poor. She didn’t just believe in helping others; she rolled up her sleeves and served. Her hands-on approach to faith led to countless lives being transformed and blessed. This reminds us that when we get involved and take action on our beliefs, we live out the truth of James 1:22: 'Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.'

Conclusion/Reflection:

The Choice Is Ours:

Solid vs. Sandy

Equipped vs. Incomplete

Sound vs. Skewed

Seeking vs. Selective

Doer vs. Disengaged

The Option “Left Side” is the Only side that is Blessed.

In your social interactions, especially during heated discussions or debates, strive to express sound doctrine with grace and love. The next time a conversation turns contentious, make a conscious decision to remind yourself of the biblical principle of loving your neighbor as yourself. Practice active listening, and frame your responses in a way that reflects Christ’s love, thereby setting a powerful example for others who may not know Him.

Talk It Over

What biblical passage does the sermon reference to illustrate the importance of hearing and doing God’s word?

What warning does the sermon give about drifting from sound teaching?

What practical steps can we take to ensure that our lives are built on the foundation of sound doctrine?