Tribulation

 Temple Baptist Church - 10-7-2026

2 Corinthians 1:1-4

 

Introduction: 

A.  The Book of 1 Corinthians was a wonderful study and a great help to us here at Temple in the light of these perilous times in which we live.  It was a book of correction tempered with mercy, grace, and the wonderful love of both the Lord and the Apostle Paul. 

 

B.  2 Corinthians was written one year after the first epistle.

 

1. Evidently, news had gotten back to Paul allowing him to know of the spiritual growth that took place after they read the first epistle. A great sign of salvation and willingness to obey the Lord was abundantly displayed.

 

2. Paul’s joy over these Corinthian believers reminds me of the third Epistle of John.

 

3 John 3-4  For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.  (4)  I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

 

C. The Corinthian Church’s great grace and growth are evidenced to us also, because of this book and in 2 Corinthians we find little rebuke.  I am glad that the Lord still uses His Word to get His work done!  This blessed old Bible that I hold in my hand will get the job done if we preach it, teach it, and heed it. 

 

D.  Paul begins this epistle dealing with tribulation and comfort.  On the heels of true repentance and spiritual growth comes a testing of your faith.  “A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted!”  Why does God allow His children to have tribulation, trials, and sometimes persecution?  That is a familiar question because not one of us enjoys or wants it.

 

Romans 5:3-5  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  (4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  (5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

1. The key word in these verses is “worketh.” To fashion, to perform, or to accomplish. This tells us that these bad things that we are to glory in are not accidents. This tells us that, in God’s sovereign will, He allows bad things to bring out better things!

 

2. Tribulation – anguish that brings about pressure.  Burdens! These are necessary for us to learn patience: endurance, constancy, continuance (waiting).

 

3. Patience – experience: proof, tested.

 

4. Hope – confidence, expectation, to anticipate with pleasure.

 

5. Not Ashamed – not confounded, blush, or be ashamed.

E. The “godly” shall suffer persecution and Paul wanted these precious saints to be both aware of it and prepared for it. 

 

2 Timothy 3:12-14  Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 

 

1. God’s children, when doing all the right things, too often are not spiritually prepared for hardships that prove their faith and faithfulness.  So many fall off or quit when hardship comes.  Again, let me remind all of us that life is hard and often seems unfair.

 

2.  Paul, writing to Timothy in the first Pastoral Epistle, expressed this very same thing to him! Persecution is not only for certain people or churches.  Satan hates them all!

 

3. The child of God who lives a carnal life is exempt for the most part. Isn’t that wonderful? No! Then God will chastise and scourge!

 

a) First Mention - Deuteronomy 8:5-6  Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.  (6)  Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. (7)  If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?  (8)  But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.

 

b) Last Mention - Hebrews 12:6-7  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

 

F.  As long as they blended with the world and gave no time to sanctification and service, their presence was virtually noticed and their influence minimal.  They got right and the fight was on! Don’t think for a moment that Satan will not attack those who live right! Paul told Timothy, you just do right!

 

2 Timothy 3:13-14  But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.  (14)  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

 

G. Tribulation is necessary for complete spiritual maturity!  It is the tough times that make the believer tough.  It is hard times that make the believer strong and steadfast.

 

Romans 5:3-5  And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;  (4)  And patience, experience; and experience, hope:  (5)  And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

1 Peter 1:7  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

H.  Paul assured the Corinthian Church of:

 

1.  The Probability Of Tribulation – vs. 4 – “all our tribulation…them which are in any trouble” Troubles, trials, and tribulations are a way of life to the godly.

 

1 Peter 1:6-7  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

1 Peter 4:12  Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

 

Job 1:21  And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.Paul is simply warning the saints at Corinth! 

 

When you know that life is hard, you can make it!

 

2.  The Partakers Of Tribulation – vs. 4 - “our” We who are saved are not exempt from the trials of life because they are a way of life.

 

a.  Bad things happen to bad people!  Yes! What they sow, they reap!

 

b.  Bad things happen to good people! Yes! You may be doing well today, but—more than likely—your day is coming!

 

Job 1:8  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?

 

Job 2:3  And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.

 

Job 42:7-9  And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.  Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.  So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job. 

 

3.  The Purpose Of Tribulation – vs. 8-9 - 1 Peter 1:6-7  Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

 

a.  Tribulation brings about Purification – It causes us to examine ourselves and draw close to the Lord.

 

b.  Tribulation brings about Prayer – A crying out for help in time of need.  God could certainly prevent it but, instead, He allows it for our good.  I personally like the “rut” that goes along with everything doing great, but it normally does not stay that way.

 

4.  The Prospering Of Tribulation – vs. 4  Personal Testimony and Divine Comfort!

 

a.  Tribulation’s Strengthening – Philippians 4:12-13  I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.  (13)  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.God’s grace is sufficient.

 

b.  Tribulation’s Sanctification - Luke 6:22  Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

 

The world will separate from you as you separate to God! They will not hang around godly people!

 

c.  Tribulation’s Sharing - 2 Corinthians 1:4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

 

Our personal trials strengthen us so that we can share the burdens of those we love and know.

 

5.  The Peace Of Tribulation – vs. 10 In Paul’s final words recorded in the Bible, he spoke of three tenses of deliverance:

 

2 Timothy 4:16-18  At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.  (17)  Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  (18)  And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 

a.  Reflection Of The Past – He has delivered!  Praise Him.

 

b.  Resolve Of The Present – He is delivering!  Stay with Him.

 

c.  Rest In The Future – He will deliver!  Trust Him.

 

6.  The Praying Of Tribulation – vs. 11  We need to make supplication for each other as well as those in bonds around the world.

 

Romans 15:30  Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

 

Hebrews 13:3  Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

 

Conclusion:  1 Peter 1:6 says, “If need be.” 

 

1. Problems come and they become easier to handle when we realize that they are for our good and God’s glory! The Corinthian Church was doing better.  They were trying to correct problems and serve the Lord, but problems would probably come soon. 

 

2. Problems will both continue and increase as we approach the coming of the Lord and they both expose and build character!

Building A Church

 Temple Baptist Church - 9-27-2026

1 Kings 6:1-14

 

Introduction:

1 Kings 6:11-12  And the word of the LORD came to Solomon, saying,  (12)  Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:

 

A. Here in the Book of 1 Kings, we find the building of King Solomon’s Temple, possibly the greatest and most expensive structure ever built by man.  It was dedicated in app. 953 BC. 

 

1. The gold alone that went into the building was 108,000 Talents of gold or, at today’s prices, app. $509,000,000,000.00.  Not including the silver and other precious metals and materials that went into the building.  An astronomical figure! 

 

2. No building has ever come close to that value either before or since.  The most expensive building built in our times was the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong at an estimated 1.5- 2 billion dollars.  About 1/250^th of the cost of King Solomon’s Temple. 

 

B. I said that to say this, that expensive building was destroyed by army of Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylonish Army in 586 BC. 

 

1. Though God honored the building of this glorious Temple, He eventualy forsook it and it was brought down by human hands just as it was built by human hands. 

 

2. It is not the size, beauty, or worth of the church that matters to God as virtually every New Testament church met in the house of a poor family. It is what goes on inside the church that pleases Him!

 

3. The same with churches in our day.  Great, beautiful, edifices that once held the glory and approval of God are no longer filled with the glory of God.  They are a disappointment to me when I see them because they once stood for something and preached the Word, but today they are dead or dying. Built by men and torn down by the same.

 

C. I want to look at this passage this morning and draw some spiritual truths concerning building a church.  Not a church building, but a church.  The church is made up of people working together for the glorification of the Son of God and the advancement of the gospel. 

 

D. At the completion of Solomon’s Temple, the Lord was pleased and filled it with His glory.  That is the desired end-result of the church today. 

 

E. What kind of church should we desire? What kind of church will God bless with His presence?

 

1. A church where God is glorified instead of man.

 

2. A church where the Word of God is magnified.

 

3. A church where the preaching of the Word is loved and heeded.

 

4. A church where sinners are loved and evangelized.

 

5. A church where families are unified and strengthened.

 

6. A church where lives are built up in the faith and made useful in the lord’s Service.

 

7. A church where sin is hated and holiness is exalted.

 

8. A church where apostasy is detected and liberalism is rejected.

 

9. A church where unity is prevalent and encouragement is offered.

 

10. A church where the end result is that, above all things, God is both preeminent and pleased.

 

F. The story of the building of the greatest Temple, church in our day, has a tremendous message withing the process. I want to notice three things found in these verses about the building of the Temple that are necessary for the building of a church that still apply today.

 

1. The Purpose Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 1-2  “of the Lord … for the Lord”

 

1 Kings 6:1-2  And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the LORD. (God’s Possession) (2)  And the house which king Solomon built for the LORD (God’s Presence), the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits.

 

a. The Purpose Of The Word Being Preached – Faithful Preaching.

 

b. The Purpose Of His Son Being Praised – Fervent Worship.

 

c. The Purpose Of His Salvation Being Propagated – Faithful Soul winning and Missions.

 

 

2. The Preparation Of The Church Must Be Right – “made ready before”  As we sit in church this morning, we are not building the church! 

 

1 Kings 6:7  And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

 

a. We are building believers so as to come to a place of spiritual maturity, encouragement, and excitement about living for God outside the church! 

 

b. They will then go into the highway, hedges, streets, and lanes carrying both a visual and vocal gospel to a lost world, bring them in and the church will grow and flourish. 

 

c. The material for building the church is done out of the church! The Church are normally silent during the week.  People pass by but only see a structure, not see and hear the people. 

 

d. But God’s people are in their “Prayer Closets,” doing one-on-one soul winning, handing out tracts, being salt and light, family altars, raising their children for the Lord, and spending time in God’s Word.

 

e. Churches are also torn down by their members as they slowly are enticed by the things of the world, their love of and for God cools, holiness turns to worldliness, their homes began to come apart at the seams, and they sleepwalk through life.  Their joyful worship wanes and the churches begin to crumble.

 

f. What you were this last week, you brought to church this morning, good or bad, worldly or holy, thirsting or as dry as last year’s bird nest.

 

3. The Plan Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 7

 

1 Kings 6:7  And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

 

a. It Is A Unified Work – “brought thither” Cooperation is a necessity in building a church.  Unity is a necessity in building a church.  It is “our elephant” instead of “my elephant!” Every saint is special to the building of the local church and essential to the body of Christ!

 

b.  It Is A Varied Work – “hammer…axe…tool” Churches are not built by one man but by everyone doing their part during the week.  The results are only manifest on church days. Everyone here has a part or works to do in the completion of the building of the church.

 

c. It Is A Silent Work – “nor any tool of iron heard”

 

1 Kings 6:7  And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

 

1) During the week, I pass by or drop in at the church, and it is silent.  Nothing goes on unless one of the precious people who clean or a Sunday School teacher is here. 

 

2) Building a church is not the shouting, the praise of worship, or offerings, but rather the day-by-day labor that is not in vain in the Lord.  Churches are built while the building is silent and empty!

 

3) No one hears the noise of the work done somewhere else.  These people only saw the results of the work.

 

d. The Precision Of The Church Must Be Right – “made ready” Everything must be built to the Lord’s specifications!

 

1 Kings 6:7  And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

 

1)  Bringing the Ark of the Covenant home on a new cart in King David’s day might have looked impressive, but it was not God’s way!

 

2) God is not interested in the “new carts” of religion and tradition. He is not interested in denominational rituals. God is only interested in “due order,” God’s way instead of man’s way.

 

4. The People Of The Church Must Be Right – vs. 12

 

1 Kings 6:12  Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:

 

a. A Purposed People - Adhering To God’s Walk  – “thou wilt walk in my statutes”  A purposeful people.  God’s Word hold for us the “Old Paths” wherein lies the good way. The Bible is right and obedience to it brings blessings. Living for the Lord is both right and good.

 

b. A Submissive People - Submissive To God’s Will – “execute my judgments” Salvation is not just talk; it is a walk.  It is salt and light that allows others to see that we do the Word of God as well as share it.

 

c. A Holy People – Obedient To God’s Word – “keep all my commandments” 

 

5. The Promise To The Church – “then will I perform my word with thee”

 

Matthew 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

 

Conclusion: Vs 14 – Then it becomes a finished work.  God’s people doing God’s will in God’s way gets the job done.

Fables And Endless Genealogies

Temple Baptist Church - 10-4-2026

1 Timothy 1:4

 

Introduction: Preachers, “Keep the main thing the main thing.”

A. As Paul began his letters to young Timothy concerning the proper running of the church, he began with the imperative of sound doctrine. Doctrine is defined as “a principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief.” The biblical definition of doctrine is “instruction to be received or believed” so biblical doctrine must be bible based in order to have a right foundation.

 

B. Here, we find one of several such warnings, two in Timothy and one in Colossians. These three warnings expose the errors of those who choose extra-biblical revelations along with gross misinterpretation of the Scriptures. All these gender questions instead of giving answers.

 

C. Here are the things that Paul said to avoid.

 

1. False doctrines. Paul said no other doctrine was to be taught other than the sound doctrine he taught Timothy. Sound doctrine is given in the Bible, not by a denomination, local church, or preacher. Every denomination has its own doctrines. Some right doctrines and some false doctrines. Doctrine: a set of beliefs, principles, or teachings that a group, school, or government accepts and promotes.

 

1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

 

2. Fables. A fable is defined as “a fictitious narrative or statement.” Two good illustrations are the Gap Theory of Genesis chapter one and the Angel Theory in Genesis chapter 6.

 

1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

 

a. The Gap Theory says, without any biblical standing, that there was a gap of millions or billions of years between verses one and two. Also called Theistic Evolution. In every day of creation, the Bible says that the evening and the morning was a 24-hour day as we know it.

 

b. The Angel Theory says that angels mated with women which would produce half man/half angel beings. Angels were not mentioned in the Bible up to that point but the context is genealogy of the Messianic Line of Seth and the Ungodly Line of Cain.

 

3. Endless Genealogies. Also commanded to Titus in Paul’s third Pastoral Epistle. The Bible has many genealogies in both Old and New Testaments. To show descent from Adam to Christ in the New Testament and show descent of the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Levitical Priesthood.

1 Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. (So do! A direct command.)

 

The Jews kept complete records of genealogy from generation to generation that were so involved as to gender questions of the accuracy and worth.

 

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

 

4. Profane and Vain Babblings.

 

a. “Profane” (bebēlos) means common, worldly, or spiritually irreverent. The basic picture is something that is outside the sacred—something that treats holy things as ordinary. To get caught up into conversations that become ungodly. Paul says in his second epistle to Timothy:

2 Timothy 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

 

b. When we think of the word “vain,” we say “to no avail.” Literally “empty sounds” or “empty talk.” It refers to speech that sounds intellectual or religious but has no spiritual substance or value. Now, Paul is talking to a young pastor. When you talk with others about the Bible, they will always pull away to another conversation that has nothing to do with what you were talking to them about. Too much information is a phrase we use when someone goes beyond their biblical knowledge with unprofitable talk.

 

c. Babbling. Jabbering or making no sense. Paul exhorted Timothy to preach the word, not entertain, debate, or put on a show of articulation or oratory. Keep the main thing the main thing.

 

5. Oppositions of science falsely so called. Evolutionists believe that the Bible is not scientifically correct, though it is the Word of God.

 

1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: (21) Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

 

a. All true science agrees with the Bible while false science tries to disprove the Bible. The evolution and creation do not mesh biblically. Not here tonight to argue science and science false so called.

 

b. That is what God called it. God created the universe and the earth. He created science! Now men disagree with the science found in the Bible. True science belongs to God.

 

6. Where God is silent, man needs not speculate. God would have recorded more in the Bibleif it were necessary. As one old preacher said, “Don’t mess with God’s toys!”

 

Deuteronomy 29:29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

 

1. The secret things belong to the Lord! He knows all things while we know what He wants to know.

 

2. The revealed things belong to us that we may do what God requires.

 

7. God was perfectly clear in the Bible on things that He wanted us to know, follow, and perform! Questions open the door for speculation or supposition, which leads to extra-biblical revelation, which is man’s way of thinking instead of God’s.

 

Conclusion: All the above things cause God’s people to err concerning the faith instead of contending for it. I do not argue nor do I debate the Bible. My work is to contend for the faith and give the glorious gospel of Christ to the world. Just preach and teach the Bible for what it says and not for what it does not say.

The Church and Sound Doctrine

 Temple Baptist Church - 9-27-2026

1 Timothy 1:1-4

 

Introduction: 1 Timothy is the first of three Pastoral Epistles which includes 2 Timothy and Titus.

A. The First Mention of Doctrine is found in Deuteronomy 32:2: “Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.  (2)  My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass: (Right Doctrine)

 

God’s Doctrine is for all the World. Hear heavens and earth the doctrine of God’s Word. God’s doctrine is the same for all people, not individuals or denominations! Doctrine’s importance cannot be over stated as it is the key to our knowledge of who God is, how God works, what God does, the state of mankind and God’s salvation for all the lost, and all that eternity holds!

 

2. The Last Mention is found in Revelation 2:4: Revelation 2:24  But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. (False Doctrine)

 

Where there is Right Doctrine, there is also False Doctrine. God’s Doctrine is not of the World. Right Doctrine is not the doctrine of the Great Whore of Revelation chapter 17.

 

B.  In these days of theological confusion and ecclesiastical compromise, the slogan of the ecumenical movement has been “Doctrine divides while love unifies.”  This slogan is both right and wrong.

 

1.  This slogan is scriptural in that doctrine certainly divides which is a good thing. We are in the world but not of the world.

 

2.  This slogan is an unscriptural one because true love follows biblical doctrine. 

 

3.  The ecumenical movement is not a scriptural concept as it requires sound doctrine to be laid aside for the sake of fellowship.

 

1 Corinthians 14:26  How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

 

2 Corinthians 11:4  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

 

2 Thessalonians 2:2  That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

 

C.  The Confusion of False Doctrine - Ephesians 4:14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 

 

1.  Confusion is Devilish – “slight of men … cunning craftiness … lie in wait to deceive” People today do not know what or who to believe as the “god of this world hath blinded their minds.”

 

2 Corinthians 4:3-6  But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:  (4)  In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.  (5)  For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.  (6)  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

 

2.  Confusion is Dividing – “tossed to and fro … carried about … wind of doctrine.

 

a)  Are we to patronize them, associate with them, accept their sponsorship, increase their numbers, send them converts, add to their prestige, follow their leadership, identify our churches with them, obliterate important Biblical distinctions with them???

 

b) We are not to give an inch! There is an old saying that fits here: “Allow a camel to get its nose in the tent and you have a camel in the tent!”

 

D.  The word “doctrine” is found 56 times in your Bible. Six times in the Old Testament and fifty times in the New Testament.

 

E.  The Identification of Sound Doctrine. Sound doctrine is found in your Bible, not in some creed to be memorized and repeated. 

 

1. There were 5 well known “creeds” that were just what we would call statements of faith concerning basic aspects the beliefs of the churches. 

 

Apostles' Creed   2nd–4th century. Basic summary of Christian faith.

 

Nicene Creed  A.D. 325 The deity of Christ and true faith in the Trinity.

 

Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed  A.D. 381 Expanded Nicene statement, especially concerning the Holy Spirit.

 

Chalcedonian Definition A.D. 451   Christ's full deity and full humanity in one person.

 

Athanasian Creed  5th–6th century  Trinity and the person of Christ.

 

2. Many churches, missionaries, and mission boards use such statements of faith to allow others to know what they believe and stand for.  I have seen quite a few that had generalized their beliefs as to hide their true beliefs, therefore they cannot be relied upon by the reader as the full Biblical truth. 

 

3. All true doctrine and beliefs are to be made clear through the Scripture alone!

 

2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

 

F.  The Imperative of Sound Doctrine. 

 

1.  We Are To Continue Steadfastly in Sound Doctrine - Acts 2:42  And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.  (And this is not popular in our spiritually decaying world.)

 

2.  We Are To Guard Against False Doctrine – 1 Timothy 1:3  As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

 

Satan will try to “bind the strongman” through the division of infiltration.  We are to guard our church.

 

3.  We Are To Teach Sound Doctrine – 1 Timothy 4:13  Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

 

And so much the more as we see the day approaching.

 

4.  We Are To Heed The Doctrine – 1 Timothy 4:16  Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 

There is a difference between knowing doctrine and living it.

 

5.  We Are To Appreciate Sound Doctrine – 1 Timothy 5:17  Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

 

6.  We Are To Follow Sound Doctrine - 2 Timothy 3:10-11  But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,  (11)  Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

 

1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

7.  We Are To Separate From False Doctrine - Romans 16:17  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

 

8.  We Are To Perpetuate Sound Doctrine - Jude 3-4  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.  (4)  For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Many of you will outlive your pastor because of my age verses yours.  By the grace of God, I will contend for the faith for you.  You then will have to contend for the faith to your posterity as it was once given and will die in the middle of these last, perilous days!

 

Conclusion:  Doctrine defines: A doctrine is a principle, a set of beliefs, or a body of teachings taught and accepted by a group, school, or organization.T he word comes from the Latin word doctrina, which means "teaching" or "instruction," and shares a root with doctor (teacher). 

 

To learn sound doctor requires hearing sound doctrine which requires a teacher.