What about those who disobey paul's instruction? (2 Timothy 1:13)
Introduction:
1. This morning our lesson was based on the instruction Paul gave to Timothy in this verse -- to "hold fast the form of sound words." 2. This evening we are studying this matter further by examining passages that relate to those who disobey Paul's instruction. Discussion: I. LET US FIRST CONSIDER AN ILLUSTRATION IN 1 KINGS 13
A. (vs.1-6) A man of God cried against the altar in Bethel, and his message was confirmed by a sign. B. (vs.7-10) The man of God did not accept the king's invitation because of God's instructions. C. (vs.11-18) A prophet in Bethel lied to the man of God. D. (vs.19-24) The man of God listened to the prophet, he disobeyed God's instructions, and he was killed by a lion. E. Some try to rationalize listening to false teachers on the basis that they teach some truth. F. The old prophet from Bethel probably taught some truth, but the man of God paid a high price for listening to him. G. Whether we realize it or not, we are affected by the teaching we hear. H. It is essential for us to hold fast the form of sound words. II. LET US CONSIDER WARNINGS GIVEN BY JESUS
A. (Matthew 7:21-23) Jesus said that many who claimed to have prophesied in His name will be punished at the judgment. B. (Matthew 16:5-12) The disciples were slow to understand, but Jesus taught them to beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. C. (Matthew 24:4-5,11,24) Jesus revealed the goal of false teachers -- "to deceive." D. It is essential for us to hold fast the form of sound words. III. LET US CONSIDER WARNINGS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS
A. (Galatians 1:6-9) Those who pervert God's Word will be accursed. B. (Ephesians 5:6-7) To avoid the punishment given to false teachers, we must not listen to them. C. (Colossians 2:8) Those who do not hold fast the form of sound words are often very influential, but we must not allow them to spoil us. D. (2 Timothy 2:16-18) Paul also instructed Timothy to shun the teaching of Hymenaeus and Philetus -- their teaching had the effect of a cancer. E. (2 Peter 2:1-3) Peter pointed out the widespread influence of false teachers -- many follow them. F. (1 John 4:1) John touched on the number of false teachers, showing that they have existed for a long time. G. (Revelation 22:18-19) John pointed out what will happen to those who alter God's Word. H. It is essential for us to hold fast the form of sound words. Conclusion:
1. The passages we have covered reveal the fate of those who do not hold fast the form of sound words. 2. Realizing that the destiny of our souls is at stake, let us remember what happened to the man of God in 1 Kings 13, let us listen to the warnings given by Jesus, and let us heed the warnings given in the New Testament letters.
