A Christ Centered Church Part 2

1 Timothy 4:6 NKJV

If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

Building a Christ-Centered Church: The Foundation of Sound Doctrine

Summary: In a world filled with confusion and varied teachings, a Christ-centered church remains steadfast in its commitment to sound doctrine, which is essential for spiritual growth and maturity.

Application: This sermon will encourage congregants to prioritize sound doctrine, equipping them to discern truth from error, fostering a stronger faith community that reflects Christ's love and teachings in their lives.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that sound doctrine is vital for the health of the church, guiding its members in faith, doctrine, and practice, and helping them to grow in their relationship with Christ.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is the ultimate Word and essence of truth (John 1:14), and sound doctrine leads believers to a deeper understanding of His character and redemptive work throughout Scripture.

Big Idea: A Christ-centered church thrives on sound doctrine, anchoring its members in the truth of Christ and empowering them to live out their faith authentically.

Recommended Study: Consider researching the historical context of key doctrinal issues through Logos, focusing on how sound doctrine has been preserved and challenged throughout church history. Examine related commentaries on New Testament epistles that emphasize doctrine, and explore theological works that define and defend core Christian beliefs.

1. Acknowledging the Living Word

John 1:1–14 NASB95

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light. There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

AS We Said Last week here you can clearly see Jesus as the Living Word, suggesting that Christ is the foundation of all church teaching. A church thriving on sound doctrine begins with recognizing Jesus as the center of all divine wisdom and truth. It is through Him that our understanding of sound doctrine is molded. Sound doctrine connects us to the eternal Word, grounding us in the reality of Christ's love and truth. Encourage believers to root their faith in the Word, deepening their relationship with Christ and with each other.

2. We are a Christ Centered Church When we are Adhering to Apostol's Teachings

Acts 2:42–47 NASB95

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Perhaps explore how the early church's devotion to the apostles' teachings provides a model for a sound doctrinal base.

One Key element to our Faith Is that we need Community. A community of Sound brothers and sisters in the Lord that we can meet with throughout the week break bread over the dinner table talk visit fellowship encourage strengthen teach learn an pray with one another growing as a body.

We can learn from the early Church

Who looked to the teachings of the Apostles as a guide to Follow Christ We too can look to the Apostles and submit ourselves to their words which as we spoke last week are the Words of Christ given to them by Christ therefore any apostle teaching is a teaching of Jesus. To disregard a apostle or his teaching for personal political or family issues is a failure to submit to the authority of Christ and His Words therefore failure to submit to a apostle is a failure to submit to Christ.

This early church community was steadfast in learning, illustrating that a church grounded in sound doctrine will naturally embody unity and fellowship. Let this encourage you today to pursue biblical teachings will manifest in love and generosity, reflecting an authentic Christian community.

Doctrines of Demons

1 Timothy 4:1–5 NASB95

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, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 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. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

What is a doctrine of demons?

"doctrines of demons" refers to false teachings and practices that are presented as truth but actually lead people away from God and his Word. These doctrines are attributed to demons and are characterized by their deceptive nature and ability to undermine true faith. 

False teachings:They are deceptive teachings that contradict the true teachings of the Bible and lead believers astray. 

Spiritual deception:They are often presented as righteous or beneficial, but they ultimately have a negative impact on a person's spiritual life. 

Departure from the faith:They encourage people to abandon their faith or to embrace practices that are not in line with God's will. 

How do they work?

Deception: Demons use manipulation and distortion of truth to deceive people. 

False promises: They offer enticing benefits or solutions that ultimately lead to spiritual damage. 

Subtlety: They can be subtle and insidious, creeping into a person's life and gradually undermining their faith. 

Why are they dangerous?

Lead to spiritual harm: They can lead to a weakening of faith, a seared conscience, and a departure from God. 

Prevent growth: They can hinder spiritual growth and prevent believers from fully experiencing God's grace and blessings. 

Result in eternal ruin: False doctrines can lead individuals to eternal punishment. 

How can we recognize and resist them?

Know the Bible: Staying grounded in God's Word is crucial for discerning truth from lies. 

Seek wisdom: Ask God for discernment and the ability to recognize false teachings. 

Test teachings: Compare any new teaching with Scripture and seek guidance from other believers. 

Reject false doctrines: Firmly reject any teachings that contradict God's Word and seek to be set free from their deceptive grip. 

So let me be absolutely clear there are tones of denominations over what are called 2ndaring matters of faith,

Calvinism/Arminianism

Secured believer/one who can loose their salvation

Salvation by works/salvation by works + faith/ Salvation by faith through grace alone

When and how to take the lords supper to be given unto marrage/ to be baptized in what mode to be baptized

understanding of the end times

Then there are external factors like Politics /family dynamics /personal love of specific sin

Let me ask you how many truths can there be?

According to Gordon theological Syminart there are now over 45000 differnt denomonations

You know that word Denomonation

Sounds allot like Demonasation

Its almost like the devil can to kill steal and destroy

To scatter the FLock of God

To divide his people

How can there be 45000 vesions of the truth

Ill give you a answer ther cant be

There is only one truth

Lets read what the Apostle Paul said about other Gospels

Galatians 1:8 NASB95

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!

So here Paul is saying if anyone himself Peter John James Timothy Titus Luke or even a angel preaches something other than the pure un adulterated truth let them be accursed

So what do we do 45000 variations of the truth how can we know we are holding to the truth

1. You must let go of your presuppositions of what you were taught by men and be taught by God in his word

Examples

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul, once a Pharisee, had to let go of everything he was taught to embrace the Gospel of Christ. In Philippians 3:7-8, he expresses how all his former accomplishments and teachings pale in comparison to knowing Christ. This radical transformation serves as a powerful reminder that God’s truth often defies human presuppositions—an invitation for us to prioritize divine revelation over inherited beliefs.

When a gardener prunes a tree, it can seem harsh, yet it is necessary for growth. The old branches that once flourished must be removed to make room for new ones. In a similar way, we may feel a sense of loss as we let go of ingrained beliefs taught by those before us, but God desires to cultivate a deeper understanding in us through His Word. Embracing this process may lead us to a more abundant spiritual life.

The story of the Bereans in Acts 17:11 illustrates a profound lesson about prioritizing God’s Word over human teachings. They received Paul’s message eagerly but examined the Scriptures daily to see if what he said was true. This model of diligent study and discernment is a call for us to challenge our preconceptions and ensure they align with God’s teachings—a freeing and transformative pursuit.

If you've been feeling conflicted about how to raise your children in this turbulent world, it might be time to reevaluate what you've learned from others versus what the Bible teaches. Begin a family Bible study where you dive into Scriptures with an open heart, setting aside previous teachings that might not align with God's Word. Discuss the lessons you learn together and how they can be applied to modern parenting. Let God's guidance shape your family values instead of societal norms or the opinions of others.

2. You have to loose your identity as a person and put on the identity of a disciple of Christ

What does that mean ?

Well there are all kinds of things i don't necessarily like in the scriptures because they don't fit well with my flesh my desires my will

but to be submitted to Christ all of that has to die , The old man must completely not partially but completely die that Christ can live in him if your holding on to something that is keeping space between you and Christ maybe its pleasure maybe its unforgiveness maybe its politics maybe its family

Jesus says unless you hate those things we can never be his disciples

We have to come to a place that we hate what God hates and loves what God loves

Therefore we must die to our selves our flesh our presuppositions so that we can come freely to Christ

Example of when i met steven lawson

3. Anchoring in Scripture's Authority

2 Timothy 3:14–17 NASB95

You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

The role of Scripture in shaping sound doctrine, framing it as essential for providing wisdom, knowledge, and training in righteousness.

This passage encourages all of us that are believers to immerse themselves in Scripture to discern truth and cultivate a faith anchored in the teachings of Christ.

Sound doctrine is a safeguard against false teachings while nurturing spiritual growth. Believers informed by Scripture are equipped for every good work.

Scriptures teach us that there will come a day and it might be now who knows but God alone but there surely will come a day where a great falling away happens because people love their sin more than they fear God

How can that happen? Only if the Teachings of Pastors become so weak that they loose the power of the Holy Spirit

2 Timothy 4:1–5 NASB95

I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. 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, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Can you endure sound doctrine

Or do you hate it ?