1 TIMOTHY 4:16

What does that mean? Why is it important?

  • “Life” – how we live (1Jn 2:6)
  • “Doctrine”: what we believe as truth, what we hold on to (Jn 8:31-32) Both must line up!

TITUS 1:9

Qualities of eldership. Not exclusive of elders! (Titus 2:1) something we should all do.

Two important reasons:

1. Encourage others

2. Refute those who oppose it

ENCOURAGE OTHERS:

Our relationships must be grounded in the truth.

ROMANS 15:14

Competent to instruct only if doctrine is sound!

1 CORINTHIANS 1:10

To agree with one another requires a standard we can agree to!

COLOSSIANS 3:16

This wisdom must come from the truth of sound doctrine.

REFUTE THOSE WHO OPPOSE IT:

We must take a stand for the truth.

GALATIANS 1:6-12

We need a hard-line position with this! There is only one truth!

1 TIMOTHY 6:3-5

What we often see in the world. Take a stand against it!

2 TIMOTHY 4:2-5

Beginning of denominational Christianity. Not what God had in mind!

WHAT IS SOUND DOCTRINE?

3 important things to keep in mind. (these scriptures can be reviewed on their own)

1. Baptism is essential for salvation

For everyone! No other way

ACTS 2:36-39

1 PETER 3:21

ACTS 8:36-39

2. “Followship” is discipleship

Must walk the talk!

1 JOHN 2:6

LUKE 14:25-34

LUKE 9:57-62

3. Repentance is not just a good idea!

Confession is not enough. Acknowledgement is not enough. They must be followed by action…change!

We can’t afford to drift in our convictions about these or we become like the world again (2 Timothy 3:5)

LUKE 13:3

ACTS 2:38

2 CORINTHIANS 7:10

COMMON FALSE DOCTRINES FOUND TODAY:

“Pray Jesus into your heart”

  • This phrase is never found in the Bible. Rev 3:20 does not support it! This was written to Christians after they had become lukewarm. They had already responded to Christ in faith, repented and been baptized!

REVELATION 3:20

“Accept Jesus into your heart”

  • Often based on Romans 10:9 Look at the Scripture in context. He is addressing the problem of the Israelites unbelief that Jesus was the Christ, the son of God. Read further into 10:13. Paul already thoroughly explained baptism earlier in the letter. (Ro 6:1-10) When do you call on the name of the Lord? At baptism (Acts 22:16)

ROMANS 10:9

Infant Baptism (doctrine of original sin)

  • Ezekiel 18:20 We do not inherit sin from our parents! (we can suffer the consequences.) Col 2:12 Baptism requires faith! Babies have not yet developed this faith.

EZEKIEL 18:20

The Thief on the Cross!

  • Lk 23:42 He wasn’t baptized, yet was saved! Jesus hadn’t died yet. Baptism is participating in his death, burial and resurrection. While he was alive Jesus often forgave sins and saved people on the spot! (Mt 9:2, Mk 2:10)

LUKE 23:42

Once saved, always saved

  • Hebrews 6:4-8, Heb 10: 26- 27, 35-39 As disciples we can be confident of our salvation as long as we stay faithful to God! We can walk away from God if we choose.

HEBREWS 6:4-8

HEBREWS 10: 26- 27

HEBREWS 10:35-39

If we hold on to sound doctrine, we will walk on solid ground!