Sunday we attended church.
I got to do something I almost never do.
Walk into church (without a tie), take a seat (not in the front row), just sit there (not make sure we are all set to start on time), and then listen to the sermon (instead of try to speak it).
My friend Todd Dykstra is Pastor of Maranatha Bible Church in Comstock Park (Grand Rapids area).
After attending church there on Sunday, Amy and I spent the rest of the day with Todd, Julie and their five adopted children. What a great family!
Todd is doing a Summer series on discernment. Sunday’s message was titled “The Danger of Weak Doctrinal Convictions.”
1 Timothy 6:3-5
If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
Todd’s outline…
Four dangers of weak doctrine:
- Breeds pride
- Betrays ignorance
- Causes strife
- Produces ungodliness
Breeds pride
he is puffed up with conceit
Betrays ignorance
and understands nothing
Causes strife
He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people
Produces ungodliness
and the teaching that accords with godliness
deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
One funny part of the sermon…
Notice how kind and gentle Paul is when he has to correct those who oppose him.
His words are so understated and measured… Like there in verse four –
“He is puffed up with conceit and UNDERSTANDS NOTHING”
Really, Paul, could you tell us how you feel?
A couple of great points from the sermon…
True teaching always accords with godliness. Throughout this epistle false doctrine evidences itself in a greedy, sinful lifestyle. True doctrine shines forth in beautiful, lovely, merciful good works.
People who reject sound doctrine think they know enough already. Their very rejection (which serves to keep them in ignorance) also serves (in their depraved minds) as proof of their superiority. Pride makes men into such fools. True doctrine always humbles man and exalts God. No wonder it is rejected by the proud. No wonder it is distasteful to fools.