DAY 1: 2 TIMOTHY 1:13-14
RIGHT BELIEFS PRODUCE RIGHT ACTIONS
Read 2 Timothy 1:13-14.
The third command Paul gave to Timothy in this chapter concerns the content of what Timothy believes. What we believe determines how we will live, and how we live expresses what we believe. This week, Craig’s message focused on three areas of doctrine: The Interpretation of Good Doctrine, the Ingredients of Good Doctrine, and the Importance of Good Doctrine.
When it comes to interpreting scripture, Paul tells Timothy to keep the pattern of his teaching, meaning it didn’t need to be identical in words, but in keeping with the principles of good doctrine. Good interpretation takes into account the culture and people when communicating the principles of Scripture.
The ingredients of good doctrine are faith and love. Good doctrine is not enough. It must move from knowledge to the heart and then into action. Acting on good doctrine is walking by faith. We are also instructed to walk in love. We can’t wield doctrine around like a club, trying to beat people into submission. Faith and love applied to good doctrine provide the needed balance and foundation for any church.
And lastly the importance of good doctrine is seen in Paul’s command to guard it – keep an eye on it, watch for predators. The best way to guard truth is to keep it active by using it regularly. We are to put the pattern of sound teaching over all our activities. With the help of the Holy Spirit, there is power to guard what God has entrusted to us.
What do you believe? What are the non-negotiables of Scripture, and how do we put them to use in faith and love? How do we guard what we believe? This week we will look at what we believe to be non-negotiable truths at Faith Bible Church. There are seven in our list. We will try to cover them all this week, God willing!
For now, what are some truths you learned from last Sunday’s message? How can it make a difference this week?
