Preservation of Truth 3:14 – 16

The Church’s duty 3:14, 15

· House of God

o The people of God are the dwelling place of God (Eph 2:19 – 22).

· Church of the living God

o Believers contrasted with Diana worshippers – a false goddess that was not alive. (Acts 19:23 – 41 describes Diana worship)

· Pillar of Truth

o Church to uphold the Word of God. Diana’s temple had 127 massive pillars; this was a good illustration to the Ephesian believers.

· Ground of Truth

o A defensive structure. The church protects the Truth – not because it needs assistance but because it is valuable enough to defend.

· How do we preserve the truth of God’s Word?

o Preaching, teaching, living, studying, defending

o Having a clearly defined statement of faith. This may have been an early hymn. Hymns often convey extraordinary truth in an easy-to-remember form.

· God was manifest in the flesh

o Presupposes His pre-existence, virgin birth, deity and humanity. John 1:14

· Justified in the Spirit

o Verified Christ’s incarnation Matthew 3:13 – 17;
John 16:12 – 15

· Seen of angels

· Angels observe Christ’s ministry and the outworking of salvation 1 Pet. 1:12; Matthew 4:11

· Preached unto the Gentiles

o Salvation offered to “uttermost part of earth” Acts 1:8

· Believed on in the world

o Salvation provided by grace through faith, not works
John 3:16, 36; 5:24

· Received up into glory

o With the promise of return Acts 1

These are the “fundamentals” of the faith! These are the beliefs that MUST be protected and defended!

· Apostasy

o Departure from a central position. The theological drift from what has just been discussed.

· Satanic teaching

o Read 2 Corinthians 11:1 – 4; 13 – 15; 1 John 4:1 - 6

· Hypocritical lies

o Further departure from truth.

· Seared consciences

o Insensitivity to the truth. Teaches falsehood without regret, remorse or guilt.

· Forbidding to marry

o Perverse self-denial based on the premise that the physical world is inherently evil.

o The believer can use even physical things in a way that glorifies God.

· Most important activities of a pastor: establish people in God’s word and warn them of error.

· Not only established, but nourished

o Not just inoculated, but well-fed!

Conclusion