Lessons

Timothy Study – Part 2. The lesson on December 3, 2006 continues the series on Timothy with part two in the series. We find the Apostle Paul appealing to Timothy regarding proper doctrine. Doctrine develops the walk of a Christian. What was the doctrine that was followed in Ephesus? We learn from Acts that Paul was there for three years warning about the Pagan doctrine they were following worshipping Diana (Acts 19:1 “And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples.” Acts 20:31 ”Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.”) Paul is emphasizing sound doctrine to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:10b “… and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;”. We also see Paul warn of other doctrines in 1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”. Clearly sound doctrine is very important to our proper Christian walk. Our walk should be based on our calling from God vs. what we think it is from our own imaginations. Our goal with our walk should be to grow into a perfect man as it says in Ephesians 4:13 ”Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:”. We do that with proper doctrine so we are “ no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;” (Ephesians 4:14).