WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.780 said at the beginning, there's a little bit of a change. We will not be in 2 Peter this morning. 00:00:03.899 --> 00:00:10.140 We will be in 2 Peter, Lord willing, next week. But this week, we're going to be in 1 Timothy, 00:00:10.140 --> 00:00:16.280 and we are so grateful that Davis, a fellow Texan who got to Colorado as quickly as he could, 00:00:17.679 --> 00:00:22.359 was available to come and help us this morning. So come forward. Thank you, Davis. 00:00:22.359 --> 00:00:31.060 Thank you. It is so great to be with you. I believe I was here over the summer, 00:00:31.519 --> 00:00:37.939 and it is great to be back with the saints here at Cheyenne Mountain. I am the pastor of Westside 00:00:37.939 --> 00:00:44.700 Church here in Colorado Springs, one of our sister PCA churches. And so we are starting today 00:00:44.700 --> 00:00:52.340 a series in 1 Timothy. So you guys get the sneak peek to that. Don't tell anyone at Westside. 00:00:52.359 --> 00:00:56.960 Okay. This is the sermon that I'm going to preach this afternoon. We have our service at four o'clock 00:00:56.960 --> 00:01:05.560 in the afternoon. And so I get to edit this sermon between now and then. So thank you so much for 00:01:05.560 --> 00:01:11.079 allowing me to come. But no, it really is a privilege of getting to come and to bring God's 00:01:11.079 --> 00:01:18.960 word for you. I care very much. I love your dear pastor, Matthew. He's become a good friend to me 00:01:18.959 --> 00:01:24.419 since I've moved up here. So my prayers are with him as we prayed earlier for his speedy recovery. 00:01:25.359 --> 00:01:30.839 So I have the privilege of getting to bring God's word to you from 1 Timothy chapter one. And again, 00:01:30.899 --> 00:01:37.519 this is kind of the introduction to 1 Timothy that we'll hear. So open your Bibles to 1 Timothy 00:01:37.519 --> 00:01:43.299 for the reading and the preaching of God's holy and inspired word for us. 00:01:43.299 --> 00:01:47.659 So we're looking at 1 Timothy chapter one, verses one through 11. 00:01:48.859 --> 00:01:55.759 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by our Savior and of Christ Jesus, our hope to Timothy, 00:01:55.879 --> 00:02:03.159 my true child in the faith, grace, mercy and peace from God, the father and Christ Jesus, 00:02:03.159 --> 00:02:10.360 our Lord. As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge 00:02:10.360 --> 00:02:15.920 certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and 00:02:15.920 --> 00:02:21.720 endless genealogies, which promote speculation rather than the stewardship from God that is by 00:02:21.720 --> 00:02:29.580 faith. The aim of our charge is love, love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and 00:02:29.580 --> 00:02:37.440 a sincere faith. Certain persons by swerving from these have wandered away into vain discussion, 00:02:37.439 --> 00:02:42.680 desiring to be teachers of the law without understanding either what they are saying 00:02:42.680 --> 00:02:48.840 or the things about which they make confident assertions. Now we know that the law is good 00:02:48.840 --> 00:02:54.979 if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just, 00:02:55.219 --> 00:03:00.819 but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, 00:03:01.039 --> 00:03:05.840 for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, 00:03:05.840 --> 00:03:14.120 men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, pedurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound 00:03:14.120 --> 00:03:20.560 doctrine in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. 00:03:20.960 --> 00:03:25.620 This is the word of God. Amen. Let us pray for our time in his word. 00:03:25.620 --> 00:03:35.060 Holy Father, we thank you for this time. We pray and ask now for your help in understanding these things, 00:03:35.500 --> 00:03:43.560 these things that are revealed to us in your word. We pray for understanding. We pray for conviction. 00:03:44.080 --> 00:03:50.759 We pray for, Lord, that you would grant us repentance, repentance unto life. Lord, 00:03:50.759 --> 00:03:58.359 we pray for the ministry of your spirit to come and to illuminate our hearts, to awaken, 00:03:59.159 --> 00:04:04.879 Lord, the hearts in this room that are perhaps lethargic here today, that are dull. Lord, 00:04:04.979 --> 00:04:09.680 the hearts that are anxious about many things, we pray that you would comfort them. Lord, 00:04:09.739 --> 00:04:15.680 the hearts in this room that are, Lord, in rebellion to your truth, we pray that you would convict 00:04:15.680 --> 00:04:24.139 them to repentance. Lord, we pray for the hearts that are looking, looking for answers, looking for 00:04:24.139 --> 00:04:30.699 hope, looking for certainty. We pray that you would comfort them with the glorious gospel of Jesus 00:04:30.699 --> 00:04:36.120 Christ. We pray this. We ask also for the children who are here in this place, Lord. We pray that you 00:04:36.120 --> 00:04:43.139 would also be gracious to them, granting them understanding of the deep and rich truths of your 00:04:43.139 --> 00:04:50.360 word and of your son, the Lord Jesus. We pray that all of us would go forth from here, changed, transformed, 00:04:51.139 --> 00:05:00.019 Lord, by your holy and by your inspired word. We ask all this in the name of Jesus. Amen. Amen. 00:05:02.019 --> 00:05:09.279 There were innumerable days of playing catch and fielding grounders in the front yard. There were the 00:05:09.279 --> 00:05:16.479 few times that we went dove hunting and fishing and camping. There was the Christmas that my dad spent 00:05:16.479 --> 00:05:24.259 all day outside with me as I rode my first bike. There was an early appreciation for Western classics, 00:05:25.199 --> 00:05:33.659 classics like The Searchers, Shane, and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon. There was the shared love of the 00:05:33.660 --> 00:05:42.680 Dallas Cowboys during the glory days of Jimmy Johnson. Oh, how long ago those were. There were the five 00:05:42.680 --> 00:05:50.300 championships of the San Antonio Spurs. There was the exposure to classical music as a young boy. 00:05:51.080 --> 00:05:59.100 But the treasure, the treasure of all of my memories from my father were the last words he spoke to me 00:05:59.100 --> 00:06:07.439 shortly before he died. Be a preacher, son. There had been times when we hadn't seen eye to eye, 00:06:08.060 --> 00:06:16.140 when I had rebelled and sneered against his authority. But Jesus had saved me in a dramatic way, 00:06:16.780 --> 00:06:23.879 and my dad had seen me graduate from seminary. He had seen me go into ministry. He had got to hear me 00:06:23.879 --> 00:06:33.659 preach on many occasions. And the final words that he said to me, be a preacher, son. It was his blessing 00:06:33.659 --> 00:06:42.759 on me. It was what he wanted to entrust me with, letting me know how proud he was of the man that I 00:06:42.759 --> 00:06:49.300 had become. And those words have sustained me. They have sustained me many times throughout 00:06:49.300 --> 00:06:59.160 the highs and the lows of pastoral ministry. And those words parallel the theme of what we find 00:06:59.160 --> 00:07:07.639 in 1 Timothy. 1 Timothy is a book written by the Apostle Paul, and it's called 1 Timothy because it 00:07:07.639 --> 00:07:15.000 was the first letter that he wrote to his protege, to a young man named Timothy, who had become an elder 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:23.019 and a preacher that Paul had left in Ephesus. We read it in verse 3. It's Paul's instructions, 00:07:23.199 --> 00:07:30.939 not only though for Timothy, but for the entire church. They're instructions for how Timothy's 00:07:30.939 --> 00:07:38.779 calling as a pastor, as an elder, was to play out in the local church. But more directly, it was a 00:07:38.779 --> 00:07:46.459 charge that Paul was giving to the church, a charge that they were entrusted with the gospel of Jesus 00:07:46.459 --> 00:07:55.039 Christ, and how they were to function as a result as the church of Jesus Christ. Right away, what I want 00:07:55.039 --> 00:08:04.299 us to see is the timeliness of this letter. Until our Lord returns, there will always be the need for the 00:08:04.300 --> 00:08:12.379 reminder about how we as the church of Jesus Christ, how we are to function as the church, how we are to 00:08:12.379 --> 00:08:19.699 live as believers in a world that is hostile to the church, that is hostile to the gospel of Jesus 00:08:19.699 --> 00:08:25.980 Christ. In this way, we are no different than the Ephesian believers that Paul had in mind when he wrote 00:08:25.980 --> 00:08:32.320 this letter to their pastor and subsequently to the church. And more than that, I want us also to keep in 00:08:32.320 --> 00:08:39.700 mind that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write this letter. Inspired means that the Holy Spirit worked in 00:08:39.700 --> 00:08:46.840 harmony with the apostle so that this letter that has been preserved and kept for us would be exactly what God 00:08:46.840 --> 00:08:56.460 wanted his church to receive as divine revelation. And this, again, only emphasizes the importance, the importance for us 00:08:56.460 --> 00:09:05.860 of how we are to view the church, how we are to view the church. It's important, it's function, it's mission, it's place, it's purpose in the world. 00:09:06.480 --> 00:09:15.240 These are all matters of what we call ecclesiology, the study or the doctrine of the church. And the reason I say that is because 00:09:15.240 --> 00:09:24.759 much like theology, everyone also has an ecclesiology. Everyone has a view of God, whether it's the true view or a false view. 00:09:24.759 --> 00:09:31.379 Everyone has a view of the church, whether it is right or wrong, but everyone has a view of the church. 00:09:32.519 --> 00:09:39.740 And this can be as deep as asking the question, what is the function of the church? Or it can be as simple as asking, what should I wear to church? 00:09:40.279 --> 00:09:47.980 Both of these are matters of ecclesiology. And they're matters that Paul incidentally addresses in this letter of 1 Timothy. 00:09:47.980 --> 00:09:57.100 Now, before we dive in, I want to set the table. I want to set the table for pointing out a few things regarding the central idea in this letter 00:09:57.100 --> 00:10:01.519 that the Spirit of God is aiming to make clear for you and I today. 00:10:03.420 --> 00:10:06.820 And here it is. Here it is. Here's the central idea in 1 Timothy. 00:10:07.899 --> 00:10:12.820 The central idea is that the church has been entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:10:12.820 --> 00:10:15.960 The church has been entrusted with the gospel. 00:10:17.040 --> 00:10:27.960 And we guard, we guard that gospel by sound doctrine, by sincere faith, by holy worship, and by righteous living. 00:10:28.700 --> 00:10:31.140 This is the central idea of 1 Timothy. 00:10:32.120 --> 00:10:36.400 And by way of implication, it is also the central idea for us in 2020. 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:41.539 Sound doctrine, sincere faith, holy worship, righteous living. 00:10:42.100 --> 00:10:48.120 These are the means by which we guard what we have been entrusted with, the very gospel itself. 00:10:48.840 --> 00:10:52.279 And we'll see this right away as we dive into verses 1 through 11. 00:10:52.939 --> 00:10:57.879 If your Bible's ready and open, have your notepads ready to go as well. 00:10:58.480 --> 00:11:01.639 Now for our kids that are here today, little theologians. 00:11:02.139 --> 00:11:05.600 Little theologians, I have some homework for you as well if you want to listen along. 00:11:05.600 --> 00:11:10.480 And if it's okay with your parents, I'd like you to draw a picture of a treasure chest. 00:11:10.860 --> 00:11:13.259 A treasure chest with treasure inside it. 00:11:14.139 --> 00:11:18.320 And here are the two questions that I want you to ponder, little theologians, kids, 00:11:18.639 --> 00:11:20.800 as we go through 1 Timothy verses 1 through 11. 00:11:21.399 --> 00:11:22.460 Two questions for you. 00:11:23.240 --> 00:11:25.040 What is the treasure that we are to guard? 00:11:25.620 --> 00:11:27.300 And how are we to guard it? 00:11:27.740 --> 00:11:28.560 What is the treasure? 00:11:28.960 --> 00:11:30.480 And how do we guard that treasure? 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:37.620 Now for you big theologians in the room, you already have our big idea today. 00:11:38.159 --> 00:11:40.399 Here's the outline that will give it weight. 00:11:40.740 --> 00:11:41.800 Our outline for today. 00:11:42.779 --> 00:11:47.600 We guard the gospel with the sound doctrine of who God is, verses 1 and 2. 00:11:48.360 --> 00:11:53.240 We guard the gospel with the sound doctrine of Paul's charge in verses 3 through 7. 00:11:53.240 --> 00:11:59.600 And we guard the gospel with the sound doctrine of understanding what the law is for in verses 8 through 11. 00:12:00.200 --> 00:12:05.200 Who God is, Paul's charge, and understanding what the law is for. 00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:06.000 That's where we're going. 00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:08.820 First, look with me at verse 3. 00:12:10.299 --> 00:12:12.500 Paul wants us to understand this. 00:12:12.560 --> 00:12:15.879 He wants to immediately make clear the reason that he's writing this letter. 00:12:15.879 --> 00:12:17.600 Verse 3, he says, 00:12:17.659 --> 00:12:26.379 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 00:12:26.980 --> 00:12:32.299 nor devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies which promote speculations, 00:12:32.600 --> 00:12:35.500 rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 00:12:36.580 --> 00:12:40.799 There were those in the church who were, in fact, teaching different doctrine, 00:12:41.240 --> 00:12:45.500 rather than what Paul calls here the stewardship from God that is by faith. 00:12:45.879 --> 00:12:50.600 Which is simply a fancy way of saying the gift of God and salvation. 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:52.080 The work of God. 00:12:52.320 --> 00:12:56.019 The work of salvation that he has accomplished and that he has completed. 00:12:57.220 --> 00:13:01.960 Evidently, it had gotten so bad that Paul sent Timothy to Ephesus to combat the teaching 00:13:01.960 --> 00:13:05.139 that was contrary to the one that they had received from the apostle. 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:09.240 The word charge, you see that there in verse 3, 00:13:09.580 --> 00:13:13.740 Paul uses it three times in the first 18 verses of this letter. 00:13:13.740 --> 00:13:20.360 And it has in mind that of a command, an authoritative coming down from a superior. 00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:28.759 And this, Paul using this three times in the first 18 verses highlights the seriousness of the situation. 00:13:29.779 --> 00:13:32.500 And the word different there in verse 3, if you see it, 00:13:33.220 --> 00:13:36.019 this is the word that we get the word heresy from. 00:13:36.019 --> 00:13:42.879 That's Paul's primary concern, which is why he uses the strong language, 00:13:43.639 --> 00:13:46.679 this charge, that he is charging Timothy to do this, 00:13:47.059 --> 00:13:52.579 because of the unhealthy, the contrary doctrine that is being taught in Ephesus. 00:13:52.939 --> 00:13:54.919 The other doctrine that is being taught. 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:57.539 Verse 3, verse 5, verse 18. 00:13:57.539 --> 00:14:01.959 This word charge, Paul uses returning again and again. 00:14:02.120 --> 00:14:03.860 All throughout the book, as a matter of fact. 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:08.519 Up to seven times, Paul uses this word about charging Timothy. 00:14:08.899 --> 00:14:10.719 Hold on to what I have given to you. 00:14:11.439 --> 00:14:14.240 And if you were to flip over to the very end of the letter, 00:14:14.980 --> 00:14:16.120 chapter 6, verse 20. 00:14:16.980 --> 00:14:20.519 Paul ends his letter echoing this same theme again. 00:14:20.599 --> 00:14:24.839 He says, guard the deposit that has been entrusted to you, Timothy. 00:14:24.840 --> 00:14:29.500 Elsewhere, he also says that, Timothy, you are to charge others, 00:14:29.580 --> 00:14:31.740 as you have been charged not to teach anything different. 00:14:32.040 --> 00:14:38.540 You charge those that you entrust not to teach different doctrine as well. 00:14:39.180 --> 00:14:45.200 So putting this together, we can begin to see the central idea of 1 Timothy coming together. 00:14:45.560 --> 00:14:50.080 That the church is entrusted with, indeed the church is charged with, 00:14:50.400 --> 00:14:51.560 safeguarding the gospel. 00:14:51.559 --> 00:14:59.279 And the first way we see how that is done is by teaching doctrine that is in accordance with God's gospel. 00:14:59.899 --> 00:15:01.299 Don't teach this, Timothy. 00:15:01.519 --> 00:15:02.959 Teach this instead. 00:15:04.179 --> 00:15:09.659 The first sound doctrine that we see here in our text is in the greeting in verses 1 and 2. 00:15:10.000 --> 00:15:12.239 The sound doctrine of who God is. 00:15:13.299 --> 00:15:17.539 From the very beginning, we see that this letter addressed from Paul to Timothy, 00:15:17.539 --> 00:15:25.459 there is also surrounding that, there is this rich theology concerning the nature of who God is. 00:15:26.139 --> 00:15:31.559 And this understanding is quite essential to the rest of the letter. 00:15:31.819 --> 00:15:36.259 We need to understand the content of who God is here at the very beginning of the letter 00:15:36.259 --> 00:15:38.219 if we are to understand the rest of it. 00:15:39.059 --> 00:15:42.799 Paul says, or Paul is called there, he writes in verses 1 and 2, 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:49.399 that he is an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus. 00:15:50.939 --> 00:15:53.519 This is an incredible statement that Paul says here. 00:15:53.519 --> 00:15:56.679 It's an incredible statement that demands that we consider its implications. 00:15:57.399 --> 00:16:05.899 He says that he's an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope. 00:16:06.519 --> 00:16:09.219 An apostle was someone that was sent. 00:16:09.220 --> 00:16:11.759 That's what the word means, a sent one. 00:16:12.500 --> 00:16:13.800 Who was Paul sent by? 00:16:14.540 --> 00:16:20.440 Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope. 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:25.519 So right away in this letter, we see this Trinitarian theology that Paul is presenting. 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:29.200 He's presenting both God the Father and God the Son. 00:16:29.800 --> 00:16:32.120 God our Savior, he says, God the Father. 00:16:32.360 --> 00:16:34.120 God the Father, our Savior. 00:16:34.120 --> 00:16:40.279 Savior meaning that God has graciously saved us from our sins. 00:16:40.460 --> 00:16:45.139 He has graciously saved us from his wrath against our sin. 00:16:45.899 --> 00:16:49.220 This is who God the Father is for his people. 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:50.580 This is incredible. 00:16:51.580 --> 00:16:54.820 Little theologians, kids, this is who your heavenly Father is. 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:59.240 We prayed the Lord's Prayer in Matthew chapter 6 earlier 00:16:59.240 --> 00:17:01.639 when we said, our Father who art in heaven. 00:17:01.899 --> 00:17:04.519 This is your Father who art in heaven. 00:17:04.519 --> 00:17:05.759 He is Savior. 00:17:06.059 --> 00:17:06.839 He is merciful. 00:17:07.039 --> 00:17:07.660 He is gracious. 00:17:08.480 --> 00:17:12.500 He is abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness to all who call on him, 00:17:12.620 --> 00:17:14.740 to all who fear him, to all who adore him. 00:17:14.940 --> 00:17:16.559 This is our covenant God. 00:17:18.019 --> 00:17:19.339 Never lose sight of him. 00:17:20.220 --> 00:17:21.680 He alone is Savior. 00:17:22.980 --> 00:17:27.079 He alone can save because of who his Son is. 00:17:27.079 --> 00:17:29.980 His Son, according to Paul here in verses 1 and 2, 00:17:30.139 --> 00:17:33.299 is our Messiah and is our hope. 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:35.939 You'll notice that in verses 1 and 2, 00:17:36.059 --> 00:17:38.679 Paul refers to Jesus as Christ Jesus. 00:17:38.779 --> 00:17:39.500 Do you see that there? 00:17:39.960 --> 00:17:42.199 He refers to it three times in these two verses. 00:17:43.159 --> 00:17:44.859 This is intentional on Paul's part 00:17:44.859 --> 00:17:49.220 because he's emphasizing Jesus as the promised Messiah. 00:17:49.819 --> 00:17:51.480 That's the meaning of the word Christ. 00:17:51.679 --> 00:17:52.559 That's the title. 00:17:52.679 --> 00:17:54.339 That's the office that Jesus holds. 00:17:54.639 --> 00:17:55.899 He is God's chosen. 00:17:55.900 --> 00:17:57.720 He is God's anointed one. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:18:00.360 He is the one that was promised in the Old Testament, 00:18:00.720 --> 00:18:02.060 fulfilled in the New Testament, 00:18:02.060 --> 00:18:04.600 and he is the one that is proclaimed in the world. 00:18:05.160 --> 00:18:06.320 He is the Redeemer. 00:18:06.460 --> 00:18:07.180 He is the Savior. 00:18:07.300 --> 00:18:08.500 He is the King promised. 00:18:09.259 --> 00:18:10.580 And he has come. 00:18:11.259 --> 00:18:12.040 He has delivered. 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:16.580 He has accomplished redemption for us, dear friends. 00:18:17.400 --> 00:18:20.220 And therefore, what does Paul say about Christ Jesus? 00:18:21.420 --> 00:18:22.680 He is our hope. 00:18:22.680 --> 00:18:24.840 He is our hope. 00:18:26.019 --> 00:18:28.539 Isn't that good news on November 1, 2020? 00:18:30.060 --> 00:18:31.940 No matter what happens in two days, 00:18:32.539 --> 00:18:33.820 brothers and sisters, 00:18:34.440 --> 00:18:35.539 we have hope. 00:18:36.539 --> 00:18:40.660 We have hope that exists outside of us. 00:18:40.840 --> 00:18:41.420 How about that? 00:18:42.500 --> 00:18:44.960 We have a hope that exists outside of us 00:18:44.960 --> 00:18:47.600 that is imperishable, undefiled, 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:50.639 and unfading kept in heaven for you. 00:18:51.259 --> 00:18:54.259 You have a hope that does not put us to shame 00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:57.279 because God's love has been poured out in our hearts 00:18:57.279 --> 00:18:58.219 by the Holy Spirit. 00:18:59.000 --> 00:19:02.679 And you have a hope which is Christ in you, 00:19:02.939 --> 00:19:04.240 the hope of glory. 00:19:05.679 --> 00:19:07.259 How is your outlook this morning? 00:19:07.259 --> 00:19:11.160 After the year that we've had, 00:19:12.160 --> 00:19:15.160 it seems perfectly reasonable to be fearful, 00:19:16.000 --> 00:19:20.099 to be cynical about pretty much everything 00:19:20.099 --> 00:19:24.400 as our ordinary lives have been turned upside down. 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:30.019 Everything except our hope. 00:19:31.119 --> 00:19:34.019 Everything except for our Savior. 00:19:34.019 --> 00:19:37.079 Everything except for our great God. 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:39.059 He has not changed one bit. 00:19:39.700 --> 00:19:42.599 His love, his grace, his mercy, his peace, 00:19:42.700 --> 00:19:43.980 it's there for you. 00:19:44.180 --> 00:19:45.539 It has not changed one bit. 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:49.619 I love how Samuel Rutherford wonderfully puts this 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:53.819 in his little book called The Loveliness of Christ. 00:19:54.460 --> 00:19:56.500 Listen to what Samuel Rutherford says. 00:19:56.619 --> 00:20:00.299 He was a 17th century preacher in Scotland. 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:02.180 This is what he says. 00:20:03.079 --> 00:20:03.639 He says, 00:20:04.559 --> 00:20:05.460 Look to the east. 00:20:06.359 --> 00:20:07.539 The day sky is breaking. 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:11.720 Think not that Christ loses time or lingers unsuitably. 00:20:12.460 --> 00:20:15.299 He is so new, so fresh in excellency. 00:20:15.659 --> 00:20:20.099 Every day is new to these that search more and more in him. 00:20:21.139 --> 00:20:23.059 Yet he is one and the same. 00:20:23.460 --> 00:20:24.559 Look up to him. 00:20:24.940 --> 00:20:25.539 Love him. 00:20:25.799 --> 00:20:28.159 Oh, love and live in him. 00:20:28.160 --> 00:20:32.960 God, our Savior, Jesus, the Messiah, our hope. 00:20:33.860 --> 00:20:38.360 This is part of the sound doctrine that we have, dear friends. 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:40.420 The picture of who God is. 00:20:41.320 --> 00:20:43.259 This is what we as a church believe. 00:20:43.420 --> 00:20:45.140 This is what we as a church confess. 00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:48.840 And this is what we as a church should do as well. 00:20:49.300 --> 00:20:51.380 And look with me in verses 3 through 7 now. 00:20:52.340 --> 00:20:54.400 We have the sound doctrine of who God is. 00:20:54.400 --> 00:20:57.220 Next, we have the sound doctrine of Paul's charge. 00:20:57.840 --> 00:20:58.620 Paul's charge. 00:21:00.259 --> 00:21:05.180 We mentioned this just a few minutes ago, but now we're going to look at it in a little bit greater detail. 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:07.540 The charge that is given in verse 3. 00:21:08.680 --> 00:21:12.600 And this dealt directly with what was happening in the leadership at Ephesus. 00:21:12.599 --> 00:21:16.219 Those that were teaching a different doctrine. 00:21:17.019 --> 00:21:23.299 Contrary to what Paul called the stewardship or administration from God that is by faith. 00:21:23.819 --> 00:21:26.699 He's referring there to the salvation plan of God. 00:21:26.959 --> 00:21:32.419 The redemptive plan of God that is given freely to sinners by faith and faith alone. 00:21:33.299 --> 00:21:38.219 Salvation from beginning to end and everything in between is of God. 00:21:38.740 --> 00:21:40.119 It is from God. 00:21:40.119 --> 00:21:43.399 It originated from Him before the foundation of the world. 00:21:43.719 --> 00:21:45.019 It came through Him. 00:21:45.239 --> 00:21:51.219 It came with the Son of God coming into the world and bringing God's covenant promises to save a people. 00:21:51.759 --> 00:21:55.419 From every tribe, every tongue, every ethnicity, every nation. 00:21:55.799 --> 00:21:57.279 Jesus has done it. 00:21:57.739 --> 00:22:04.979 He has brought the promises of Genesis 12, 15, 17, 22, 28, 32, 49, and 50. 00:22:05.299 --> 00:22:07.179 He has brought them all to fruition. 00:22:07.180 --> 00:22:11.940 This is what has formed the church and this is what keeps the church. 00:22:13.480 --> 00:22:17.860 Therefore, the church should be zealous to guard its teaching. 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:22.320 Because it is precious beyond description. 00:22:23.320 --> 00:22:24.880 It is a treasure. 00:22:25.660 --> 00:22:32.120 Little theologians, the treasure that we have is the gospel that God has given to us. 00:22:32.119 --> 00:22:42.479 And we must protect it because there are those who would devote themselves to teaching and to speculation that is contrary to this. 00:22:42.939 --> 00:22:45.500 It is contrary to God's administration. 00:22:45.939 --> 00:22:49.039 God has laid forth the plan of salvation. 00:22:50.059 --> 00:22:58.359 In verse 6, Paul says that they have swerved away from this established doctrine and they have wandered into vain discussion. 00:22:58.359 --> 00:23:07.119 The image behind, you see that there in verse 6, behind swerving away. 00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:15.639 The image behind that is of pulling a leg muscle that would hinder you from walking properly. 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:25.279 And what Paul is saying is that there are those whose teaching is hindering them and those that listen to them from walking properly in the faith. 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:27.839 And what is that proper walk? 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:30.359 Paul tells us in verse 5, look at verse 5. 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:37.759 He says that the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:48.519 What he's saying is this, that the aim of the gospel and the sound doctrine that accompanies it is a love, is love that flows from a pure heart. 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:51.039 Love that flows from a good conscience. 00:23:51.399 --> 00:23:53.099 Love that flows from a sincere faith. 00:23:53.099 --> 00:24:03.579 Paul's saying that the gospel leads to inner transformation that then leads to an outward expression of love in the life of the believer. 00:24:05.019 --> 00:24:10.799 Love, of course, was one of the defining marks of the life, the ministry of Jesus himself. 00:24:10.799 --> 00:24:17.740 This culminated with him saying in John 15, you remember John 15, the eve of his death. 00:24:18.419 --> 00:24:20.079 Jesus said this in John 15, he says, 00:24:20.079 --> 00:24:24.839 This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 00:24:25.519 --> 00:24:31.440 Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 00:24:32.579 --> 00:24:40.019 This love derives from him who laid down his very life for us, his friends. 00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:47.859 It is the result of being united to him in his death and resurrection by faith and faith alone, Romans 6. 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:51.859 It is not by anything in us or done by us. 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:55.740 It is not the result of works so that no one may boast, Ephesians chapter 2. 00:24:56.680 --> 00:25:00.680 This is the transformation that the gospel brings to us as believers. 00:25:01.079 --> 00:25:03.079 It purifies our sinful hearts. 00:25:03.079 --> 00:25:05.199 It transforms our minds. 00:25:05.460 --> 00:25:09.460 It breathes new spiritual life into our souls by the work of the Holy Spirit. 00:25:11.059 --> 00:25:17.559 This is the result of the gospel at work in the church. 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:20.879 This is the result of sound doctrine. 00:25:20.980 --> 00:25:23.599 This is what sound doctrine is to lead to. 00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:29.119 And it's essential to understanding our calling as a church. 00:25:29.659 --> 00:25:35.119 Our calling as a church is not only to protect the gospel that we've been given, 00:25:35.419 --> 00:25:38.199 but again, how we protect it as well. 00:25:39.059 --> 00:25:44.699 We protect it by teaching what is in accordance with God's administration, not contrary to it. 00:25:44.700 --> 00:25:50.860 This means that we must not only know who God is and the aim of Paul's charge here, 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:55.400 but we must also understand the purpose of the law in verses 8 through 11. 00:25:56.660 --> 00:25:59.480 The sound doctrine of understanding the purpose of the law. 00:26:00.920 --> 00:26:02.319 Look at verse 7 with me. 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:08.980 Verse 7, Paul describes these false teachers as those who, desiring to be teachers of the law, 00:26:08.980 --> 00:26:11.299 desiring to be teachers of the law, 00:26:11.380 --> 00:26:15.839 they're actually completely ignorant about the very thing that they wish to assert 00:26:15.839 --> 00:26:17.940 and appear confident about. 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:20.900 Think about that for a moment. 00:26:23.079 --> 00:26:27.460 These men were standing up and claiming the authority of a teacher, 00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:31.640 all the while they're actually teaching against the law, 00:26:32.079 --> 00:26:35.500 and they're teaching against God's administration of salvation. 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.980 That's a very serious charge. 00:26:39.880 --> 00:26:42.880 It's no wonder that James says in James chapter 3 00:26:42.880 --> 00:26:48.839 that not many should become teachers because of how serious the office is. 00:26:49.940 --> 00:26:55.019 The man who teaches in the name of the Lord or in his revelation should tread very lightly. 00:26:55.400 --> 00:27:00.660 He will not escape the severe scrutiny of rightly handling God's word. 00:27:02.120 --> 00:27:03.200 And when we think about that, 00:27:04.339 --> 00:27:07.500 it's very easy for us to think of numerous examples today. 00:27:07.500 --> 00:27:10.759 We don't have to think very long about the application for us. 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:14.140 There are those who claim to teach in the name of the Lord, 00:27:14.279 --> 00:27:16.119 who claim the authority of Scripture, 00:27:16.779 --> 00:27:17.900 and yet they twist, 00:27:18.420 --> 00:27:20.400 and they make hermeneutical pretzels 00:27:20.960 --> 00:27:22.740 out of the straight teaching, 00:27:22.920 --> 00:27:23.420 the doctrine, 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:25.220 the commandments of Scripture. 00:27:25.220 --> 00:27:31.900 And Paul says that one of the most telling ways they do this is with the law. 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:34.880 The law. 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:37.279 The morality, 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:39.360 the ethics presented in Scripture, 00:27:40.120 --> 00:27:43.220 this is the dividing line as much in our day 00:27:43.220 --> 00:27:45.640 as it evidently was in Paul's day. 00:27:45.640 --> 00:27:48.020 Whereas the doctrine of Scripture, 00:27:48.020 --> 00:27:48.520 the doctrine of Scripture, 00:27:48.520 --> 00:27:49.020 the doctrine of Scripture, 00:27:49.020 --> 00:27:49.440 the doctrine of Scripture, 00:27:49.440 --> 00:27:49.820 the doctrine of Scripture, 00:27:49.820 --> 00:27:50.080 the doctrine of Scripture, 00:27:50.080 --> 00:27:50.480 the doctrine of Scripture, 00:27:50.480 --> 00:27:54.820 was aimed as a life defined by love, 00:27:54.880 --> 00:27:56.280 flowing from a pure heart, 00:27:56.380 --> 00:27:57.120 a sincere faith, 00:27:57.180 --> 00:27:57.940 a good conscience. 00:27:58.840 --> 00:27:59.360 In other words, 00:27:59.500 --> 00:28:03.060 sound doctrine is designed to lead to sound ethics, 00:28:03.360 --> 00:28:04.160 sound living. 00:28:04.800 --> 00:28:06.220 For false teachers, 00:28:06.800 --> 00:28:11.020 they waffle and they twist the clear teachings of the law 00:28:11.020 --> 00:28:12.259 to fit their own agendas. 00:28:12.259 --> 00:28:16.000 And the example that Paul gives us here is the moral law. 00:28:16.960 --> 00:28:18.160 Look at it with me again. 00:28:18.839 --> 00:28:19.940 He says in verse 8, 00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:24.539 Now we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 00:28:25.460 --> 00:28:26.619 understanding this, 00:28:27.039 --> 00:28:29.160 that the law is not laid down for the just, 00:28:29.619 --> 00:28:32.519 but for the lawless and disobedient, 00:28:33.000 --> 00:28:34.559 for the ungodly and sinners, 00:28:34.740 --> 00:28:36.720 for the unholy and profane. 00:28:37.640 --> 00:28:39.700 And then he gives the clear examples 00:28:39.700 --> 00:28:42.580 of the second table of the Ten Commandments. 00:28:43.360 --> 00:28:45.100 Lawlessness towards authority, 00:28:45.380 --> 00:28:46.819 whether that is parental authority 00:28:46.819 --> 00:28:49.440 or any authority by application. 00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:52.480 Lawlessness towards sexuality, 00:28:52.900 --> 00:28:55.080 including homosexuality here. 00:28:55.900 --> 00:28:58.160 Lawlessness towards fellow human beings, 00:28:58.500 --> 00:29:00.220 enslaving other human beings, 00:29:00.360 --> 00:29:01.120 Paul says there. 00:29:01.440 --> 00:29:02.019 Kidnapping, 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:04.400 taking advantage of your fellow human beings. 00:29:05.080 --> 00:29:06.819 Lawlessness towards truth, 00:29:07.120 --> 00:29:07.740 Paul says. 00:29:07.740 --> 00:29:10.720 These commandments were given to make clear 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:12.059 what is sound doctrine 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:13.740 and what is not sound doctrine. 00:29:14.720 --> 00:29:16.720 Those who promote these standards, 00:29:17.359 --> 00:29:20.759 you know that they have a true understanding of the law. 00:29:21.900 --> 00:29:23.120 That the law is given, 00:29:23.700 --> 00:29:25.779 it is meant to reveal sin, 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:27.700 not to conceal sin. 00:29:28.339 --> 00:29:29.799 It is meant to make plain 00:29:29.799 --> 00:29:32.279 what is the clear teaching of the law, 00:29:32.359 --> 00:29:35.319 that there is a definite moral and ethical standard 00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:36.759 that is God's standard, 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:37.919 not man's standard. 00:29:38.700 --> 00:29:41.200 That much is clear about the law. 00:29:42.319 --> 00:29:44.879 And because that is the purpose of the law, 00:29:45.819 --> 00:29:49.379 it condemns all of us. 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:53.079 It condemns us all as lawbreakers. 00:29:53.740 --> 00:29:55.720 It condemns us all as unjust, 00:29:56.220 --> 00:29:57.700 ungodly, unholy. 00:29:58.379 --> 00:29:59.839 It condemns us all as sinners. 00:29:59.839 --> 00:30:03.919 And Paul says that is the purpose of the law, 00:30:04.159 --> 00:30:05.619 to make clear 00:30:05.619 --> 00:30:08.679 that there is an absolute standard of righteousness, 00:30:09.240 --> 00:30:11.599 that there is an absolute standard of justice, 00:30:11.959 --> 00:30:14.159 that there is an absolute standard of equity, 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:17.019 meaning that it is applied across the board 00:30:17.019 --> 00:30:18.259 without partiality 00:30:18.259 --> 00:30:20.740 to each and every single one of us. 00:30:20.740 --> 00:30:24.019 the law, 00:30:24.640 --> 00:30:25.460 brothers and sisters, 00:30:28.900 --> 00:30:31.180 as sinners. 00:30:35.799 --> 00:30:37.980 It is an act of God's grace 00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:39.920 to let us know 00:30:39.920 --> 00:30:42.460 what the standard is. 00:30:45.900 --> 00:30:48.140 It lets us know what that standard is 00:30:48.140 --> 00:30:49.759 so that when we hear 00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:53.440 the gospel of the glory of the blessed Son, 00:30:54.259 --> 00:30:55.120 we say, 00:30:56.240 --> 00:30:56.800 yes. 00:30:58.600 --> 00:30:59.759 We say, 00:31:00.300 --> 00:31:00.940 amen. 00:31:02.000 --> 00:31:05.060 As Paul will demonstrate in verses 12 through 17, 00:31:06.100 --> 00:31:10.420 our sin does not have to have the final word. 00:31:11.080 --> 00:31:12.600 No matter how sinful, 00:31:12.920 --> 00:31:14.060 no matter how vile, 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:16.580 no matter how profane we are, 00:31:16.579 --> 00:31:19.759 Paul says in verses 12 through 17, 00:31:20.199 --> 00:31:21.759 I was a blasphemer. 00:31:22.000 --> 00:31:23.359 I was a persecutor. 00:31:23.619 --> 00:31:24.859 I was a murderer. 00:31:26.240 --> 00:31:27.480 And then what does he say? 00:31:28.639 --> 00:31:31.579 But I received mercy 00:31:31.579 --> 00:31:34.259 and the grace of our Lord 00:31:34.259 --> 00:31:36.240 overflowed for me. 00:31:37.159 --> 00:31:38.480 The saying is trustworthy, 00:31:38.679 --> 00:31:39.679 he says in verse 15. 00:31:39.859 --> 00:31:41.399 You can take it to the bank 00:31:41.399 --> 00:31:43.159 that Christ Jesus 00:31:43.159 --> 00:31:44.939 came into the world 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:45.960 to save. 00:31:48.120 --> 00:31:49.660 He came to save sinners. 00:31:51.660 --> 00:31:52.720 And Paul says, 00:31:52.920 --> 00:31:54.180 of whom I am 00:31:54.180 --> 00:31:55.240 the chief 00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:56.360 of sinners. 00:31:58.700 --> 00:31:59.220 This 00:31:59.220 --> 00:32:00.620 is the gospel 00:32:00.620 --> 00:32:02.120 that you and I, 00:32:02.559 --> 00:32:03.980 that you and I 00:32:03.980 --> 00:32:05.420 have been entrusted with. 00:32:05.840 --> 00:32:06.460 That you, 00:32:06.620 --> 00:32:08.200 Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church, 00:32:08.480 --> 00:32:09.680 you have been entrusted 00:32:09.680 --> 00:32:11.279 with this glorious gospel. 00:32:11.279 --> 00:32:13.500 that God loves 00:32:13.500 --> 00:32:15.319 to save sinners 00:32:15.319 --> 00:32:17.559 despite their lawlessness 00:32:17.559 --> 00:32:19.799 and despite their sin. 00:32:21.240 --> 00:32:22.619 Hold on to 00:32:22.619 --> 00:32:25.220 this sound doctrine. 00:32:26.859 --> 00:32:27.819 Your God saves. 00:32:29.099 --> 00:32:29.799 Your Jesus 00:32:29.799 --> 00:32:31.160 is your hope. 00:32:32.259 --> 00:32:33.259 You will behold 00:32:33.259 --> 00:32:34.079 his glory. 00:32:35.619 --> 00:32:37.000 And in a year 00:32:37.000 --> 00:32:37.960 of uncertainty, 00:32:38.460 --> 00:32:39.559 of that 00:32:39.559 --> 00:32:41.099 you may be certain of. 00:32:42.440 --> 00:32:42.879 Come, 00:32:43.000 --> 00:32:43.379 Lord Jesus. 00:32:43.940 --> 00:32:44.240 Come. 00:32:45.200 --> 00:32:45.639 Let's pray. 00:32:47.419 --> 00:32:47.879 Lord, 00:32:47.919 --> 00:32:48.879 we thank you for this time. 00:32:48.980 --> 00:32:49.859 We thank you for 00:32:49.859 --> 00:32:51.379 your word. 00:32:53.440 --> 00:32:53.879 God, 00:32:53.980 --> 00:32:54.639 we pray that 00:32:54.639 --> 00:32:56.139 you would renew our minds 00:32:56.139 --> 00:32:58.399 with the sound doctrine 00:32:58.399 --> 00:33:00.339 of who you are. 00:33:01.779 --> 00:33:02.259 Lord, 00:33:03.539 --> 00:33:06.000 that Paul gives us. 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:08.059 Lord, 00:33:08.140 --> 00:33:09.140 you would renew our minds 00:33:09.140 --> 00:33:09.839 with the purpose 00:33:09.839 --> 00:33:10.420 of the law 00:33:10.420 --> 00:33:11.420 and that we would not 00:33:11.420 --> 00:33:13.279 waver from that. 00:33:13.579 --> 00:33:14.779 We would not shrink back 00:33:14.779 --> 00:33:15.599 but understand 00:33:15.599 --> 00:33:16.519 that is meant 00:33:16.519 --> 00:33:17.579 to reveal us 00:33:17.579 --> 00:33:18.779 as sin 00:33:18.779 --> 00:33:19.559 so that we 00:33:19.559 --> 00:33:20.500 are ready 00:33:20.500 --> 00:33:21.299 to receive 00:33:21.299 --> 00:33:23.380 the gospel 00:33:23.380 --> 00:33:24.660 of your dear son. 00:33:25.640 --> 00:33:25.880 Lord, 00:33:25.940 --> 00:33:26.359 we thank you 00:33:26.359 --> 00:33:27.559 that we have got to hear 00:33:27.559 --> 00:33:28.779 your gospel. 00:33:29.920 --> 00:33:30.779 We pray now 00:33:30.779 --> 00:33:31.880 that as we receive 00:33:31.880 --> 00:33:33.380 your gospel 00:33:33.380 --> 00:33:35.400 in the bread 00:33:35.400 --> 00:33:36.140 and the wine 00:33:36.140 --> 00:33:38.600 of this sacrament. 00:33:38.780 --> 00:33:39.340 We pray that you 00:33:39.340 --> 00:33:40.040 would use this 00:33:40.040 --> 00:33:40.720 to strengthen 00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:41.380 your people. 00:33:42.100 --> 00:33:42.400 Lord, 00:33:42.480 --> 00:33:43.300 to strengthen them 00:33:43.300 --> 00:33:44.000 in their hope, 00:33:44.600 --> 00:33:45.140 the certainty 00:33:45.140 --> 00:33:45.960 that they have 00:33:45.960 --> 00:33:46.580 in Jesus. 00:33:47.400 --> 00:33:48.120 We pray that you 00:33:48.120 --> 00:33:48.600 would do this 00:33:48.600 --> 00:33:49.000 and that we would 00:33:49.000 --> 00:33:49.740 go from here 00:33:49.740 --> 00:33:51.360 transformed 00:33:51.360 --> 00:33:51.940 and renewed 00:33:51.940 --> 00:33:52.660 in our hope 00:33:52.660 --> 00:33:53.880 and the peace 00:33:53.880 --> 00:33:54.560 that we have 00:33:54.560 --> 00:33:55.360 in your son. 00:33:55.600 --> 00:33:56.300 And it's in his name 00:33:56.300 --> 00:33:56.700 we pray. 00:33:56.960 --> 00:33:57.180 Amen. 00:33:57.180 --> 00:33:57.300 Amen.