Sermon Tone Analysis

Reason for . . .

As we start an exegetical (verse by verse) look at this important letter the reason for the letter is clearly found (1Tim3:14-15)

Paul writing to Timothy about conduct within “the household of God’ the “church of the living God” which is the pillar and support of the truth.

We are the servants of the living God and it is imperative as servants (ministers) that our teaching (doctrine) reflects our personal responsibility to that doctrine (teaching).

In our passage today we will see the charge of Timothy and the reason behind the charge.

(1Tim1:3-7)

1Tim

Timothy is “urged” charged with charging others about their teaching (doctrine).

This is not the only charge you can find another one (2Tim2:2)

In our passage today we will see two kinds of teaching

Teaching that causes disputes

Teaching that produces godly edification

This is an important issue not just to preachers, teachers of the Word but students, and people who study the Word and share the Word with others.

I love the illustration you see of this so people can know the truth and teach the truth more accurately as see in (Act18:24-26)

We either can be joined together, united in spirit and truth and bring godly edification or we can contribute to the rise of disputes and dissensions that cause divisions.

How we conduct ourselves within the house of living God matters.

In this passage and our one next week you will see a smooth blending of both doctrine and behavior.

The gospel is not just a way of thinking it is a way of living and involves both doctrine and application (practice)

As Paul “urged” Timothy to stay where he was planted in Ephesus (v.3) we too can learn from that too.

He was urged so to teach others not to teach wrong doctrine, we too can stay were we are and work hand in hand with each other to teach others more accurately (like Apollo’s) or to stop them from teaching strange doctrine (v.3)

Godly edification, to build up, to encourage the body in Christ.

Think about how many times we can avoid controversies or debates when we asks ourselves “is this about building up?”

We cannot afford to be swayed by “fables and endless genealogies” (v.4) Theological debate does not equate to the quality of life found in sound doctrine.

Now I have rambled on long enough in this introduction let’s now get into the passage and the teachings.

I. Teaching that causes disputes

Looking for the “in thing”

Not being content with the simplicity of the gospel (Gal1:8-9)

Not accepting or obeying the charge (1Tim1:3)

(expand on the growing trends) - not on slide below keep that way

Worship bands and productions vs. instrument of heart

Topical preaching not based on bible but on trends

Being program based and not Bible based

The gospel is simple, and is vital look at what Paul says.

A gospel that does not include repentance or obedience is not the gospel at all.

When we have the gospel and have obeyed the gospel we are charged with protecting the gospel just as Timothy was

New ways, new things, cannot replace the truth of the gospel.

There is no new revelation, there is the revelation that which is complete in the Word of God.

It may be new to new people, but it is not new historically, accurately and eternally.

Not walking the walk causes disputes (1Tim1:6; Tit1:10, 3:9 and Jam1:22-27)

We cannot get caught up in verbal battles and intellectual arguments, we need to focus on action rather then argument on position.

On application of what we study!

We should be doctrinely sound so not caught up in “idle talk”

Paul spoke to Titus on this too, you will see many similarities between the letters to Timothy and to Titus.

Here is one of them

We need to watch out for these type of people and avoid foolish controversies.

For they are worthless, not only worthless they cause disputes and division.

James speaks of useless religion when our actions don’t match our words

Pride rather than humility can cause disputes (1Tim1:7;Jam3:13-18)

When you think you know something and proclaim that but have no real knowledge of the truth in humility.

We need to be humble, we need to be careful.

We need to be teachable and reachable always looking to learn and to grow.

Look at this passage see what James has to say

Jam3”17-18

Let your behavior example your belief in gentleness

Wisdom that is pure, peaceable reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits comes from above.

Knowledge is good, application is vital, but it needs to be with love

Legalism (dogmatism) without knowledge (1Tim1:7)

Don’t get so caught up in apparent tradition without understand the reason behind the tradition, biblically speaking.

Many dogmatic people are misinformed people (I was one!)

We need to stand fast in the truth and defense of the truth, again with love.

A little knowledge can be a dangerous things, so be careful, be sure that you truly know and understand the truth, and apply that!

(insert personal illustration about a little truth without all knowledge can be detrimental) - knowing the truth but not convicted in it (serving in denominational world)

Whew, lots of things can cause disputes but then let’s flip the coin over and look at teaching that brings godly edification.

II.

Teaching producing godly edification

Our teaching need to be based on our faith in God

Godly edification comes from faith in God (1Tim1:4)

by faith, we need to teach what faith is, what to do with faith.

Godly edification comes from the Word of God (Rom10:17)

For faith brings hope (Heb11:1)

Our hope is Jesus Christ (1Tim1:1)

The gospel is linked to edification in contrast to speculation, the end product is love.

- Gary Demarest (commentary on 1, 2 Timothy)

Building up, edifying comes from the hope that we find in the grace of God that is discovered and displayed in God’s Word.

So when we think of godly edification we need to think of the Word of God as the basis of our thoughts and actions.

Godly edification produces love (1Tim1:5; 1Jn4:20-21; and 2Tim2:24-26)

Kierkegaard says “purity of heart is to will one thing.”

The will of God the will for God and that is to love the people.

It is also as it says in Matthew

A will that hungers and thirst for righteousness, it is not only knowing but doing the things that pleases God

Even when we fall short of pure love from pure heart we continue to seek God and His will above all else and that will help us to love with purity of heart.

This love is the love of man too

Not looking to always be right, not trying to prove self in argument but remember our aim, to save souls

Teaching that produces godly edification

seeks to create a pure heart (1Tim1:5)

I know I mentioned 1Tim1:5 already but it applies here too for it is not defiled by

(below not on screen, or handout, keep that way)

Trying to show how cleaver or smart we are

Trying to show what great debaters we are

Wanting to prove others ignorant or trying to embarrass them

Our desire must be pure, seeking to lead people to come to know God and to draw closer to God

Seeks to develop a good conscience (1Tim1:5; Ezr7:10; 1Tim1:6)

Seek a pure heart from a good conscience or to a good conscience

How does this happen?

First it is in personal application of God’s word.

Notice what Ezra did.

Set his heart

Studied the law

Practiced the law

Taught the statutes and ordinances