The message title is particularly appropriate as the first piece of counsel Paul passes to Timothy is that Timothy ensure only sound doctrine is being taught in the church. Then, as now, difficult times call for the truth of the Bible to be imparted to the flock. Timothy was leading the church at Ephesus, a church with which Paul had a personal history. Paul had planted the church and ministered there for nearly three years. Later, Paul had met with the church elders and warned them of coming false teachers. Now, five years later, the predicted serious threats had arisen. Jesus (Matthew 7:15) and the apostles (2 Peter 2:1 – 2; 1 John 4:1) had both warned of false ideas leading people astray. Paul, therefore, encourages Timothy to identify false teachers, silencing them, and presenting scriptural truth. Paul gives Timothy and, by extension, pastors today, this responsibility because only on sound doctrine can a healthy church be preserved. The church had been founded on sound instruction given by the apostles passing on the clear teachings of Jesus. Deviation from these essential truths puts the foundation of the church at risk. Consequently, maintaining sound doctrine is not merely an academic concern. The church, the household of God, is built upon the message of the reconciliation provided in the Gospel of Christ. |