The Ministry of Doctrine

Introduction

Turn with me in your Bibles to I Timothy 1

Last week, we looked at the importance and centrality of teaching and preaching in the ministry of the local church. This week, we’re going to look at one aspect of biblical preaching—sound doctrine. Sound doctrine is crucial to good preaching and teaching. Good preaching is always doctrinal preaching—it always says something about God, his Word, or his world.

FCF:

But sound doctrine is under attack. We have preachers like Rob Bell preaching that ‘love wins’ and everyone goes to heaven no matter what they believe. We have preachers embracing the fads of the culture—homosexuality, abortion, and more. We have preachers preaching the prosperity gospel—that God just wants you to be happy, healthy, and wealthy, and as long as you follow him, you will be!

Satan loves to render the church ineffective and cripple the gospel by introducing false doctrine within the church. When the gospel is stripped of its power, the church is stripped of its only means of reaching the world for Christ.

Main Idea:

In I Timothy 1—and all throughout the letter—we’ll see that one of the key duties of a pastor, and of a church, is to guard sound doctrine.

Scripture Introduction:

1 Timothy 1 (ESV)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 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, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Prayer for Illumination

Transition: So, what do I mean by doctrine? and What constitutes ‘sound doctrine’?

The Nature of Sound Doctrine

What is sound doctrine? (vv. 5, 12-17)

Truth, sincerity, and love are the foundation of good doctrine.

1 Timothy 1:5 ESV

5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

Some false doctrines twist Scripture in subtle ways that are hard to detect. But if you press them, there are usually glaring inconsistencies with Scripture.

Good doctrine comes from love. (But not all doctrines that proclaim ‘love’ are sound nor are false doctrines truly loving.)

Good doctrine is rooted in truth and sincerity. It cuts to your heart.

Bad doctrine is usually self-serving

Benny Hinn’s prosperity gospel. “Seven people in the Bible that had faith and were blessed with health, wealth, and prosperity. Abraham, Solomon, Job…and the seventh is you! Send in your money now and God will bless you!”

The prosperity gospel serves as a nice cover for greed. It’s self-serving, not loving.

Costi Hinn, Benny Hinn’s nephew, went to Dallas Baptist University, heard sound doctrine preached, and fell in love with a Christian girl there named Christyne. He began to see how the theology he grew up with didn’t quite fit the Bible’s true teaching.

Taking issue with Christyne’s more biblical views and her inability to speak in tongues, Hinn’s parents and extended family voiced their disapproval of the match. One family member even claimed to have received revelation that Hinn wasn’t going to marry Christyne. Despite his commitment to Christyne and his plan to marry her, other family members scrambled to “fix” her by taking her to his uncle’s healing services, pressing the issue of tongues, and implicitly requiring that she never get sick. This latter requirement almost ended in tragedy as Christyne, in an attempt to hide a chronic illness, was found temporarily paralyzed in the basement of Hinn’s parents’ home after an asthma attack.

Costi decided finally to break with his family’s teachings, marry Christyne, and accept a job as a youth pastor at a church in California.

Next thing we knew, we were living two miles from church, and though it was no prosperity-gospel lifestyle, it was our life. I had gone from living in nearly 10,000 square feet to living in 600 square feet. From driving a Hummer, to driving a Chrysler, to driving a Kia Soul, to riding my bike because my wife needed the car to go to work. From shopping Versace to scouring Marshalls. (134)

Significant shifts, to be sure, but an even deeper change was on the horizon. While preparing to preach John 5:1-17, Hinn again came face-to-face with Scripture’s teaching on God’s sovereignty:

Coach Heefner’s words from my Dallas Baptist Baseball days came back to me: God is sovereign. This is what he meant all along. God is in control. He’s not some cosmic genie who exists to give me what I want and do what I command him to do. He is the majestic Creator of heaven and earth whom we exist to worship. . . . The gospel suddenly made sense. My life existed for the glory of God, not my own glory. God’s highest purpose was not to make me happy, healthy, and wealthy; it was to give him glory. (141)

More clearly than ever, Hinn recognized that the “gospel” his uncle and father had been broadcasting for decades is a paltry imitation of the real thing. Christ died and rose to give us the priceless treasure of sins forgiven and relationship with God, not to line our pockets with temporary riches. And faithfulness isn’t expressed by spiritually plundering the vulnerable to fund your luxury SUVs, opulent homes, and extravagant vacations.

“Faithfulness was glorifying God, obeying him, and loving him above all and your neighbor as yourself. Faithfulness for a pastor meant giving your life to serve the church, not having the church serve you” (147).

Costi has now authored a book called God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, which you can find on Amazon. And in case you are wondering about royalties on a book about the prosperity gospel, Hinn is directing all proceeds to fund theological education that will equip Christian leaders to better reach those ensnared by the health-and-wealth gospel. For Benny Hinn’s nephew, it’s truly more blessed to give than to receive.

Sound Doctrine makes little of us and much of God.

1 Timothy 1:12–17 (ESV)

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Prosperity Gospel: “God just wants you to be happy, healthy, and wealthy.” Sound doctrine says, “We are all sinners, destined for hell, in need of a Savior”

Prosperity Gospel: “You deserve your best life now!” Sound doctrine says, “If I got what I deserved, I’d be in Hell tonight.”

Prosperity Gospel: “Look at me and how great my life is!” Sound doctrine says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”

Prosperity Gospel: “God exists to make me happy.” Sound doctrine says, “I exist to glorify and honor God.”

How to recognize false doctrine (vv. 4, 6-11)

Speculations and Vain discussions

1 Timothy 1:4 ESV

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

1 Timothy 1:6 ESV

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

Paul doesn’t elaborate on what he means by ‘myths and endless genealogies,’ but clearly these people were ‘majoring on the minors, and minoring on the majors’

Example of some local pastors whose teaching is virtually unintelligible—vain discussions about some obscure detail in Scripture. What Bible are they teaching?!?!

‘The Bible Code’

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

Misunderstandings about the Law (legalism, moralism, etc.)

1 Timothy 1:8–11 (ESV)

8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

The purpose of the Law is to bring conviction about sin—not to tell us how to live a moral life. If we understand the Law correctly, it affirms the gospel.

The point of the OT isn’t just to tell us that we ought to ‘have more faith, be more righteous, be more like Abraham, etc.’, it’s to show us that we are completely unable to live an acceptable life before God on our own. When we read of Abraham almost killing his son Isaac, it’s not in Scripture just to make us think “I wish I had that much faith” but rather to show us a picture of what God was going to do for us in Christ on the cross.

If you read the ten commandments and think that they’re in the Bible to show you how to live a moral life, you’re mistaken. They’re in there primarily to show you how impossible that is and how much you need God’s mercy and grace.

Many sermons end up reducing Scripture to a list of do’s and don’ts, giving the false impression that we can earn God’s favor through righteous living. The problem with our society is not that they took prayer out of schools, or that the girls are dressing immodestly, or that they aren’t voting like Christians—the problem is that they don’t know Christ!

Sound doctrine is grace-filled, not moralistic; gospel-based, not Law-based.

The Importance of Sound Doctrine

Paul starts and ends this letter with this discussion on doctrine

His first exhortation to Timothy is concerning doctrine.

1 Timothy 1:3 ESV

3 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,

His last exhortation to Timothy is concerning doctrine.

1 Timothy 6:20–21 ESV

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.

All throughout the letter he exhorts Timothy concerning doctrine.

1 Timothy 4:16 (ESV)

16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

1 Timothy 6:2–5 (ESV)

2b Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

1 Timothy 6:20–21 (ESV)

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you.

Sound doctrine is a matter of eternal life and death.

1 Timothy 4:6–11 (ESV)

6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things.

1 Timothy 4:13–16 (ESV)

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Many Christians today belittle the importance of sound doctrine, but that was not Paul’s attitude about it.

Orthodoxy —> orthopraxy. Heterodoxy —> heteropraxy. Right doctrine —> Right living; Wrong doctrine —> Wrong living.

The danger of false doctrine

1 Timothy 4:1–2 ESV

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,

1 Timothy 6:2–10 (ESV)

2b Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

The Fight for Sound Doctrine

The foundation of Spiritual Warfare is sound doctrine.

Paul understands doctrine as spiritual warfare.

1 Timothy 1:18 (ESV)

18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,

1 Timothy 4:1 (ESV)

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,

Satan’s most often used attack is false doctrine.

The weapons we fight with:

Ephesians 6:10–18 (ESV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

The first weapon we use in spiritual warfare is truth.

Disciplining false teachers (v. 20)

1 Timothy 1:20 (ESV)

20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Church Discipline: Handing false teachers over to Satan.

The means: The spiritual protection of the church removed.

Job 1:8–12 ESV

8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? 10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

As a member of Christ’s church, you have a spiritual hedge of protection around you. But when you are put out of the church, you are fair game for Satan and his attacks.

The goal of church discipline is always restoration of the sinner.

Conclusion:

How does your church ensure sound doctrine?

Do you have a statement of faith? I recommend the BFAM 2000.

Do you have a procedure for church discipline?

Do you know who is on your church role?

How will you evaluate pastoral candidates?

How will you guard yourself and your family against false doctrine?

What lies have you believed about God? Do you need to confess and repent?