True or False
INTRO Watch your life and doctrine closely
· I will start as I intend to finish, with the key instruction from Paul to Timothy “Watch your life and doctrine closely”
o By Life –> Timothy’s character (his conduct)
§ Chapter 3 – emphasis on character
o By Doctrine -> Timothy’s faith, what he is believe and teach
§ This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance and for this we labour and strive, that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the saviour of all men, and especially of those who believe” 1 Tim 4:9-10
§ If we put our hope in man, in his abilities, in intellect or charisma, in the spirit of this world and the wisdom of this age then we become enemies of the Gospel and of Christ Jesus
§ Watch your doctrine closely - we have put our hope in the living God
· Why did Paul feel the need to write these instructions?
o To understand why we must read Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian Elders as written in the book of Acts
“I know that after I leave you savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the word the truth in order to draw disciples after them”
(Acts 20:29-31)
o To ensure the safety of the church at Ephesus Paul sent Timothy back with the Elders.
o In 1 Tim 4 Paul focuses in on the problem with local leadership at Ephesus, Identifying bad leadership and instructing Timothy on how to be a good leader.
· THE BAD (False Teachers)
o Hypocritical liars, who
§ Distort the word of God and teach things taught by demons - “Did God really say,” …”Surely you will not die”. (Re-read verse 10) universalism – all will be saved, no need to worry about your neighbour, your family, your lifestyle – After all God is a God of Love!
§ Deny the word of God, by suggesting alternatives to the Gospel and sound doctrine. What God has said is good they teach as evil and irrelevant.
o Jesus said “Watch out for false prophets. They come in Sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you shall recognize them”
(Mat 7:15)
§ Sexual immorality, idolatry, discord, fits of rage, envy, selfish ambition… but to name just a few (Gal 5)
o “By their fruit you shall recognize them”
· THE GOOD ( Faithful leadership)
o “If you point these things out” – correct, rebuke and encourage the church. Follow the teaching you have been given (do not make your own up!) and you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ
o “Train yourself to be godly”
Exercise yourself in the word of God. The word produces reverence, awe, the fear of God which is the beginning of wisdom. Holding promise for this life and the life to come
o “Command and teach” Sound doctrine
o Lead by example “in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in Purity”
o Devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to preaching and teaching – this speaks of the primacy of God’s word in the life of the Church
o Use the gift(s) that God has given you – develop them – don’t burry your God given talents!
o Be diligent (give your complete attention, throw yourself into, Take pain with these things) that every one may see your progress
§ We are not perfect, but we are being perfected
§ The people of God will recognise your fruit.
CLOSING – All that Paul instructed Timothy applies to today, to everyone, even those not currently in leadership (one day who knows?)
o THEREFORE Watch your life and doctrine closely
§ “Live what you teach, teach what you live”
§ Watch the life of those in leadership, imitate the good – avoid the bad – but follow Christ not man. Pray for those in leadership - Good Leadership produces a healthy Church
§ Persevere… (don’t give up – no pragmatists in the house of God)… save both yourself and your hearers
o Was Timothy successful? Read Rev 2:2
