And Preventing the Slippery Slope of False Doctrine.

Is the experience of Christianity becoming more important than the foundations of Christianity?

The more I watch and read about Christianity and the global church, the more I struggle to see Christians holding fast to Biblical truth and standing firm on doctrinal integrity. More and more, spiritual discussions are beginning with statements like “I feel…” or “I think…” instead of “Scripture states…“

Thankfully, this isn’t the first time in history where thoughts and feelings received more attention than Scriptural principle. There are a number of passages in the Bible that give us some clues to solve this problem.

In particular, Two God-ordained letters from a mentor and spiritual father to his young pastoral apprentice and a growing church leadership: The Books of 1 & 2 Timothy.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

The Word of God should be irresistible, irreplaceable and infinitely useful for any and every Christian. If each local church can hold fast to this, Christianity as a whole will have an incredible turnaround.

Paul’s First Letter to Timothy

Scholars believe that Paul’s first letter to Timothy was likely written between AD 62 and 66, when Paul was in Macedonia. This was a ‘pastoral’ letter, written to Timothy, who had worked and traveled extensively with Paul.

Throughout the letter Paul uses the tone of a father instructing a son, even calling Timothy his “true child of the faith.” (BibleGateway.org)

Over the centuries, this letter has been incredibly useful in helping church leadership (i.e. Pastors, Elders, Overseers, Preachers, Teachers, etc.) in the outlining of pastoral duties and responsibilities.

1 Timothy 1:1-11

“1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” (1 Tim. 1:1-2)

“3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing 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 departed from these and have 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.” (1 Tim. 1:3-7)

“8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the 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 the sexually immoral, for those practising homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers – and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.” (1 Tim. 1:8-11)

The Slippery Slope of False Doctrine

As I’ve already stated, Paul’s letters to Timothy really highlights the importance of clinging to Scripture and maintaining doctrinal integrity. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Paul doesn’t waste any time getting to the heart of the matter with Timothy.

From this first passage, I believe God has led Paul to outline how slippery the slope can be towards false doctrine. This passage shows church leadership, moreover, all Christians how to prevent this slippery slope of false doctrine.

Church Check-Ups

I believe this passage gives us three specific check-ups to look at for a church to stay Biblical and maintain sound doctrine.

• Authority
• Accountability
• Assessment

Over the next week, we’ll be unpacking these church check-ups, and how they can help us maintain doctrinal integrity in our churches and our daily walk with Christ. Click the green “Subscribe Now” button below, to receive these upcoming posts, straight to your inbox.

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Can I Get Your Feedback?

If you were to make a guess, what percentage of your church knows their doctrinal statement or theological position on major issues? Why do you guess that percentage?