Prayer for All Members Based on Pastor Jared’s Message, September 4, 2022 1 Timothy 1:3-11
Know Your Doctrine

Introduction: Timothy, a true son in the faith, as Paul says, must teach true doctrine. Our doctrine will drive how we live. So, Paul begins his instructions to Timothy by urging him not to let people teach false doctrine:

1. The Wrong Use of the Law (1:3-4, 6)

   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, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith... Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion...

   Part of the responsibility of overseers is to be sure that only that which is consistent with God’s Word is taught. Often false teaching does not seem dangerous, but Paul identifies two of the potential dangers:

   • False teaching promotes speculation, missing the point of the plain meaning of the Bible.

   • False teaching causes us to lose our way by drawing us away from the true gospel.

     Father, please help us be diligent to resist false teaching.

2. The Proper Use of the Law (1:7-10)

   Some people have strayed from these things and have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law even though they do not understand... But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person but for those who are lawless and rebellious... and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching...

   False teachers misunderstand the Law and how it works; they think you can be saved through obedience to the Law. The answer to the problem of sin is not forced obedience to the Law, but a regenerated heart. What then is the proper use of the Law?

   • To make us aware of our sin. It helps to convict us of sin, but it does not save us!

   • To help us to restrain from sinning.

   • To drive us to obedience.

     The Law is there because of sin but it is not the final answer to the problem of sin. The final answer for the problem of sin is the gospel. The Law serves as a guide, but it does not save us.

     Lord, please help us realize we all begin as Law-breakers, as sinners; and please help us always to rejoice in the gospel, which is Your gracious answer to the problem of our sin.

3. The Goal of Sound Doctrine (1:5, 11)

   But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith... [sound teaching] according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

   The central reason for opposing false doctrine and teaching true doctrine is love. If the truth of God’s Word is ingrained in our hearts, it results in the love of God and of our neighbors. True love and true doctrine: they go together. My goal is for you to know the Bible.

   Paul is saying the gospel itself is the measure of sound doctrine. The gospel is the saving news of Jesus Christ and what He has done for us through His death and resurrection.

   Father, please help us all to know the true doctrine of Your Word and pursue the righteousness and love that come through faith in Christ alone by grace alone.