Sermons From First Timothy - Two Kinds Of Teaching (1:3-7)

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                     "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO TIMOTHY"

                     Two Kinds Of Teaching (1:3-7)

INTRODUCTION

1. Paul wrote First Timothy to guide one's conduct in the house of God
   - 1Ti 3:14-15
   a. Note that the church serves as "the pillar and ground of the
      truth"
   b. It is imperative our teaching reflects that responsibility

2. Now let's read from 1Ti 1:3-7...
   a. Paul reminded Timothy of the charge given him
   b. Concerning some who evidently were not teaching as they should!

3. In our text we note "Two Kinds Of Teaching"...
   a. There is that which causes disputes
   b. There is that which produces godly edification

4. What makes the difference?  This question should concern...
   a. All those who teach or preach God's Word
   b. All Christians, who as students by their personal study or
      comments in classes:
      1) Can contribute to the rise of disputes
      2) Or develop thoughts which result in godly edification

[Let's note the difference between the two, beginning with...]

I. TEACHING THAT CAUSES DISPUTES

   A. WHEN WE ARE DRIVEN BY THE DESIRE FOR NOVELTY...
      1. Not content with the simple gospel and doctrine of Jesus Christ
         - cf. Ga 1:8-9
      2. Ignoring the charge that we "teach no other doctrine" - 1 Ti
         1:3
      3. Delving into that which is "new"
         a. New in the sense of new revelation, not supported by the
            Scriptures
         b. For old truth may be often be new to us who are still
            learning

   B. WHEN WE STRESS THE TALK AT THE EXPENSE OF THE WALK...
      1. It is easy to become interested only in intellectual arguments
         a. Focusing more on argument rather than action
         b. Failing to make application of what we teach or study
      2. In such case our teaching and study become 'idle talk' - 1 Ti
         1:6
         a. Against which Paul also warned Titus - Tit 1:10; 3:9
         b. Which James described as 'useless religion' - Jm 1:22-27

   C. WHEN WE ARE MOVED BY PRIDE RATHER THAN HUMILITY...
      1. Disputes are easily caused by those who:
         a. "desire to be teachers of the law" - 1Ti 1:7
         b. Seek to impress others with their 'knowledge' of the Word
            - contra Jm 3:13-18
      2. Knowledge is not without its dangers
         a. We can be motivated more by pride than a sincere desire to
            serve God
         b. Without love, knowledge simply puffs up rather than truly
            builds up - 1Co 8:1-2

   D. WHEN WE DISPLAY DOGMATISM WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE...
      1. Often the most dogmatic are the most misinformed!
      2. Like those "understanding neither what they say nor the things
         which they affirm" - 1Ti 3:7
      3. Yes, we must stand fast in the defense of the truth...
         a. But "a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing"
         b. Let's be sure that we truly know and understand what is
            truth!

[Such are the attitudes and motives that contribute to disputes among
brethren.  Now let's consider...]

II. TEACHING THAT PRODUCES GODLY EDIFICATION

   A. WHEN IT IS BASED ON FAITH...
      1. Godly edification is that "which is in faith" - 1Ti 1:4
      2. Of course, faith comes from the Word of God - Ro 10:17
         a. Godly teaching that edifies (builds up) comes from God's
            Word
         b. We must let the Word of God be the basis of our thoughts and
            comments

   B. WHEN IT SEEKS TO PRODUCE LOVE...
      1. Paul wrote "the purpose of the commandment is love" - 1Ti 1:5
         a. A love for truth certainly
         b. But also a love for God and man! - cf. 1Jn 4:20-21
      2. The desire should not be to just win arguments
         a. Our approach will therefore be different - 2Ti 2:24-25
         b. Because we are trying to win souls from the snare of Satan!
            - 2Ti 2:26

   C. WHEN IT SEEKS TO CREATE A PURE HEART...
      1. Paul wrote that our goal should be love "from a pure heart"
         - 1Ti 1:5
      2. The goals of our teaching and study must be pure and not
         defiled by:
         a. Trying to show how clever we are
         b. Seeking to show what great debaters we are
         c. Wanting to embarrass the ignorance of our opponents
      3. Our desire must be pure, seeking to lead people closer to God

   D. WHEN IT SEEKS TO DEVELOP A GOOD CONSCIENCE...
      1. Our goal should be love "from a good conscience" - 1Ti 1:5
         a. Which comes from first applying the Word to ourselves
         b. Like Ezra the priest sought to do - cf. Ezr 7:10
      2. Yet one can easily stray - 1Ti 1:6; cf. 1:19,20
         a. Especially when they do not practice what they preach
         b. And when they expect others to do what they themselves do
            not

   E. WHEN IT SEEKS TO BEGET A SINCERE FAITH...
      1. Our goal should be love "from a sincere faith" - 1Ti 1:5
         a. Where we really believe what we teach or say
         b. Not simply engaging in an intellectual exercise
      2. Where what we are seeking is a living faith:
         a. To which we commit our lives
         b. And produces works of love to the glory of God  - cf. Ga 5:6

CONCLUSION

1. So what kind of teachers or students are we...?
   a. Those constantly engaged in disputes, wrangling over words?
   b. Or those engaged in godly edification?

2. Let's be sure that our teaching and Bible study is always that which
   produces...
   a. Love
   b. A pure heart
   c. A good conscience
   d. A sincere faith

Of course, this is not possible without Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
in our lives.  Have you accepted Him as Savior and obeyed Him as your
Lord by responding to the gospel of Christ...? - Mk 16:15-16; Ac 2:38;
22:16
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