The Importance of Doctrine in the Preacher Epistles: Part Five
The Importance of Doctrine in the Preacher Epistles • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction:
Introduction:
1. Two week, ago we asked...
1. Two week, ago we asked...
A. We need to remember why we are asking this question.
A. We need to remember why we are asking this question.
14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
1. What is Paul teaching Titus in and about “Sound Doctrine” that will help him and the members know how to conduct themselves in the church?
1. What is Paul teaching Titus in and about “Sound Doctrine” that will help him and the members know how to conduct themselves in the church?
A. In order to have “Sound Doctrine”, you must set in order the things that are lacking.
A. In order to have “Sound Doctrine”, you must set in order the things that are lacking.
5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you—
1. How was Titus to set in order the things that were lacking?
1. How was Titus to set in order the things that were lacking?
14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
A. He was to speak the things that were proper for “Sound Doctrine”.
A. He was to speak the things that were proper for “Sound Doctrine”.
1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
B. He was to be an example to the believers or a pattern to the believers.
B. He was to be an example to the believers or a pattern to the believers.
6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
Titus 2:
2. Last week, we asked...
2. Last week, we asked...
A. What was lacking that needed to be set in order?
A. What was lacking that needed to be set in order?
1. There were many who were insubordinate.
1. There were many who were insubordinate.
10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
3. Today, we are going to continue discussing what was lacking that needed to be set in order.
3. Today, we are going to continue discussing what was lacking that needed to be set in order.
A. Today, what do you think of if you hear someone refer to a person as a Cretan?
A. Today, what do you think of if you hear someone refer to a person as a Cretan?
1. An immoral person!
1. An immoral person!
2. The Urban dictionary defines a Cretan as— Someone who is ignorant and lacks gravitas.
2. The Urban dictionary defines a Cretan as— Someone who is ignorant and lacks gravitas.
A. This would mean the world sees a Cretan as lacking in...
A. This would mean the world sees a Cretan as lacking in...
1. Dignity
1. Dignity
2. Seriousness
2. Seriousness
3. Solemnity of manner
3. Solemnity of manner
B. This is also how they were seen in biblical times by their own prophets.
B. This is also how they were seen in biblical times by their own prophets.
12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
Titus 1
Body:
Body:
1. What was lacking that needed to be set in order?
1. What was lacking that needed to be set in order?
A. The Cretans were extremely worldly!
A. The Cretans were extremely worldly!
10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,
1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,
11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
Titus 1.10
12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”
1. Paul warned the Corinthians about being worldly or carnal.
1. Paul warned the Corinthians about being worldly or carnal.
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.
1 Cor. 3.1
1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ.
A. Before Titus could speak to the Cretans as spiritual (appoint elders), he had to set in order (what was lacking ) the fact they were still carnal or worldly.
A. Before Titus could speak to the Cretans as spiritual (appoint elders), he had to set in order (what was lacking ) the fact they were still carnal or worldly.
1. The way the Cretans were worldly was...
1. The way the Cretans were worldly was...
A. From last week’s sermon, they were.
A. From last week’s sermon, they were.
1. Insubordinate or rebellious
1. Insubordinate or rebellious
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.
2. Idle talkers
2. Idle talkers
5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
1 Timothy 1:
3. Deceivers
3. Deceivers
24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
4. Seeking dishonest gain
4. Seeking dishonest gain
1 Timothy 6.3-4
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. 3 Honor widows who are really widows. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 And these things command, that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. 17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. 24 Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.
B. Today, we will discuss more ways the Cretans were worldly that needed to be set in order.
B. Today, we will discuss more ways the Cretans were worldly that needed to be set in order.
1. They were liars!
1. They were liars!
8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
A. Lying is something that is very popular in the world today!
A. Lying is something that is very popular in the world today!
1. The world says that white lies don’t hurt anything!
1. The world says that white lies don’t hurt anything!
A. Is the world correct?
A. Is the world correct?
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.
16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
Proverbs 6:16-1
1. Notice that in , lying is on this list twice of things God hates. (verses 17 and 19)
1. Notice that in , lying is on this list twice of things God hates. (verses 17 and 19)
17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood,
19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
B. I can’t find anywhere in the Scriptures that speaks of any type of lie as being appropriate.
B. I can’t find anywhere in the Scriptures that speaks of any type of lie as being appropriate.
1. We are to be honest with each other.
1. We are to be honest with each other.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
10 For “He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”
2. They were evil beasts!
2. They were evil beasts!
A. They were acting like animals, and animals lack the ability to consider anybody else’s feelings.
A. They were acting like animals, and animals lack the ability to consider anybody else’s feelings.
31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
B. A hungry animal does not consider the feelings of it’s prey; it acts on instinct.
B. A hungry animal does not consider the feelings of it’s prey; it acts on instinct.
1. David Lipscomb said in his commentary on theses verses “He who seeks happiness from his senses rather than from his spiritual nature is no better than a beast.”
1. David Lipscomb said in his commentary on theses verses “He who seeks happiness from his senses rather than from his spiritual nature is no better than a beast.”
A. Seeking happiness in money.
A. Seeking happiness in money.
11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
B. Seeking happiness in fornication.
B. Seeking happiness in fornication.
1 Cor 6.9-
9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.
3. They were lazy gluttons!
3. They were lazy gluttons!
A. They were apt to over-gratifying their physical appetites.
A. They were apt to over-gratifying their physical appetites.
1. All they were concerned with was their physical appetites.
1. All they were concerned with was their physical appetites.
A. Their belly was their God.
A. Their belly was their God.
18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.
B. If they had a desire, it was going to be satisfied. Whatever their appetite was, it was going to be satisfied, even if it was sinful.
B. If they had a desire, it was going to be satisfied. Whatever their appetite was, it was going to be satisfied, even if it was sinful.
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
James 1.14-
C. We need to be in control of our own desires so that we are not lazy gluttons.
C. We need to be in control of our own desires so that we are not lazy gluttons.
2. How was Titus to set this in order?
2. How was Titus to set this in order?
A. Rebuke them sharply.
A. Rebuke them sharply.
Titus 1
13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,
1. This is what Paul did to the Corinthians
1. This is what Paul did to the Corinthians
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; 3 for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men?
1 Cor 3.1-4
2. This is what the writer of Hebrews did as well.
2. This is what the writer of Hebrews did as well.
1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. 3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. 4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.” 6 As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek”; 7 who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. 9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, 10 called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,” 11 of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
B. Sometimes, we are scared of rebuking our fellow Christians sharply because we might run them off, but we should remember that sometimes we need to be rebuked sharply.
B. Sometimes, we are scared of rebuking our fellow Christians sharply because we might run them off, but we should remember that sometimes we need to be rebuked sharply.
1. Paul rebuked Peter sharply.
1. Paul rebuked Peter sharply.
11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
2. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees sharply.
2. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees sharply.
27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.
33 Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?
Matt
A. Sometimes, what is lacking is our lack of rebuke!
A. Sometimes, what is lacking is our lack of rebuke!
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
2 Timothy 4.
C. If you are worldly, you need to be fed with milk.
C. If you are worldly, you need to be fed with milk.
1 Cor 3.1-2
1 And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. 2 I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able;
1. If you have been a Christian for an extended period of time and still need milk because you are not spiritually minded, then you need to be rebuked sharply.
1. If you have been a Christian for an extended period of time and still need milk because you are not spiritually minded, then you need to be rebuked sharply.
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
1. Are you worldly or spiritually minded?
1. Are you worldly or spiritually minded?
A. Check your decisions over the last year to determine the answer!
A. Check your decisions over the last year to determine the answer!
B. Is there anything lacking in your life that needs to be set in order?
B. Is there anything lacking in your life that needs to be set in order?