Follow Sound Doctrine
1 Timothy 1:3-17
A pastor friend of mine from another denomination talked with me one day about our doctrinal differences. I asked if he ever preached on the doctrines of his church. He answered: “I can’t do much of that with my congregation; they won’t stay with me. In fact, if I just mention the word ‘doctrine,’ they go right off to sleep!”
Indeed, many churches are “asleep” on matters of doctrine. As a result, some church members can be easily swayed by false teachers and unscriptural teaching. It was a reality in the apostle Paul’s day as he wrote to Timothy, his prot?g? and spiritual son in the ministry. Unfortunately, it is still a grave danger in our day as well.
The goal of spiritual instruction (vv. 3-7). Timothy was pastoring the church of Ephesus, a place Paul had visited on both his second and third missionary journeys (see Acts 16-20). The apostle begins his first letter by exhorting this young pastor to deal with false teachers and their deceptive teaching within that congregation. He emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine, as it leads to a Christlike character when lived out in one’s daily life (5). Paul knows that thoughts are the seeds of actions, thus correct behavior is based on belief.
The value of sound doctrine (vv. 8-11). Next, the apostle affirms the value of sound doctrine as it relates specifically to the Old Testament law. The Law is the great revealer of all types of ungodly behavior. Paul is not hesitant in giving specific illustrations of sin(s) that are contrary to the way God would have us live (8-9). These sins, as well as all sin that the Law identifies, must be rejected because it is opposed to a gospel-centered lifestyle.
An example of the transformed life (vv. 12-16). Paul now reminds Timothy of what Christ Jesus had done for him by rescuing him from a life of self-centeredness and legalism. This lifestyle had led Paul to oppose Christ and His church as a blasphemer and persecutor. Even though he had been religious, he was still a sinner nevertheless, and, by his own testimony, a “chief” of sinners. However, God, by His mercy and grace, reached down in the person of Jesus to transform Saul the sinner into Paul the preacher. A doctrinally sound life begins with a saving experience through Christ Jesus!
Praise to God (v. 17). This great passage ends on a doxological note of praise to God. Indeed, this is the true goal – the “amen” – of knowing Christ and of living a doctrinally sound life.
When we believe correctly, we will be more apt to behave correctly. As we believe and behave rightly, our lives will bless the Lord, who is worthy of all honor and glory forever and ever.
Clark– Lessons in the ETB series for the spring quarter are being written by Tim Clark, pastor of Holly Springs Baptist Church, Inman.