let us hold fast the form of sound words (2 Timothy 1:13)
Introduction:
1. Our lesson is based on the instruction given to Timothy in this verse -- he was instructed to "hold fast the form of sound words." a. Timothy had heard this from Paul, an inspired apostle. b. This instruction is associated with "faith and love" in Christ. 2. Several passages illustrate how people have failed to obey this instruction (Jeremiah 6:16; Acts 17:21). 3. To hold fast the form of sound words we must pay careful attention to the warnings that the Bible gives against being deceived (Ephesians 5:6-7). Discussion: I. TO HOLD FAST THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS WE MUST NOT BE DECEIVED ABOUT WHO IS GOING TO HEAVEN (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
A. Many believe that God is going to allow just about everyone to go to heaven. 1. This idea might be popular, but it is not true, and we must not be deceived into thinking that it is true. 2. Jesus is the judge (John 5:22), and He settles this in Matthew 7:13-14. 3. The Bible lists a number of people who will not go to heaven, including: a. the "unrighteous" (1 Corinthians 6:9a; Galatians 5:19-21) b. those who do not know God and who do not obey the Gospel of our Lord (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9) c. those who fall away from the Lord (2 Peter 2:20-22). B. The good news is that cleansing from sin is available (1 Corinthians 6:11). C. We learn from Acts 18:8 how the people in Corinth were cleansed. D. To go to heaven, a person must: 1. obey the Gospel of Christ 2. remain faithful to the Lord (Revelation 2:10). E. This is the form of sound words -- let us hold fast to it and not be deceived. II. TO HOLD FAST THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS WE MUST NOT BE DECEIVED ABOUT THE INFLUENCE OF EVIL COMMUNICATIONS [COMPANIONSHIPS] (1 Corinthians 15:33)
A. The evil communications under consideration are identified in vs.12. B. The influence of such teaching would be devastating (vs.19, 32). C. (vs.58) Looking forward to the resurrection should motivate us to serve the Lord faithfully. D. We need to learn a lesson from the Israelites. 1. They were told not to make covenants with pagans (Deuteronomy 7:1-6). 2. Unfortunately, they disobeyed and wandered away from God. E. We must examine the teaching we hear and the things we read (Acts 17:11). 1. We must receive that which is true. 2. That which is false must be rejected because of its potential influence. F. This is the form of sound words -- let us hold fast to it and not be deceived. III. TO HOLD FAST THE FORM OF SOUND WORDS WE MUST NOT BE DECEIVED ABOUT THE LAW OF SOWING AND REAPING (Galatians 6:7)
A. The law of sowing and reaping is an undisputed law of nature. B. (vs.8) A spiritual application is made from this law. 1. The "sowing" refers to what we do in this life. 2. The "reaping" is the reward we will receive at the judgment. C. Since this is the case, let us do as we are told in vs.9-10. D. This is the form of sound words -- let us hold fast to it and not be deceived. Conclusion:
1. God has blessed us by revealing "the form of sound words." 2. Let us hold fast to it and never be deceived into believing something else.
