1. Living in the local church: Sound Doctrines September 9, 2012

2. – 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. Sound doctrines promote God’s work. Not man’s work. – God’s work is his global salvation plan for all generations, and by faith we are called to be his and his workers. Sound doctrines are taught from a pure, good, sincere motive, with a goal to love God and love people. Not human ambitions. Sound doctrines come from God’s word. Not human logic and imaginations.

3. – 8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. There are law and gospel in the gospel Law is not good when used on the self-righteous or the self-justifiers. Law is good when used on those who know they are lawbreakers and rebels. It calls for repentance and faith and leads us to Christ. – Gal 3:24 So the law was put in charge (2 nd use of the law) to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.” 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.

4. When we are led to Christ, obeying the law is no longer a requirement, but a desire. The law becomes the guideline to our Christian living by our own will. (the 3 rd use of the law) – 1 Col 1:9-10 “.. asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way” – Psalm 19:7-8 “The law of the L ORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the L ORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the L ORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the L ORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

5. – 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. The foundation and substance of sound biblical doctrines is the gospel of Jesus Christ – It was offered to all for full acceptance – It works with the law to save us from misery and death to abundance and eternal life – It is a personal call to you and me Sound doctrines are passed down to generations by witnessing and examples