THREE ATTRIBUTES OF SOUND DOCTRINE

2 Tim. 4:1-5

INTRODUCTION:

A. Has "sound doctrine" become irrelevant to modern Christians?

1. Doctrinal themes unpopular both in pulpit and classes.

2. "Be practical", "Be relevant" is modern cry.

3. Even needed subjects on life's problems are not approached from doctrinal basis.

B. Sound doctrine is essential to spiritual health.

1. Sound means healthy. (HUGIAINO-hygiene).

2. Doctrine means that which is taught --From the Scriptures. (2 Tim. 3:16,17).

C. Sound doctrine is not a matter of insignificance.

1. Important to those who teach and hear. (I Tim. 4:16).

2. Important ingredient in preaching. ("with longsuffering and doctrine.)

3. Important to test doctrine for its soundness.

D. Sound doctrine has three attributes as described in the text:

DISCUSSION:

I. IT IS OF WORD.-"Preach the word" (v. 2).

A. The word is powerful. (Heb. 4:12; cf. Rom. 1:16; Acts 2:37).

B. The word is able to save. (Jas. 1:21,22).

C. The word is complete. (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Jude 3; Gal. 1:8,9).

II. IT IS PRACTICAL. -- "Convince, rebuke, exhort" (v.2)

A. It convinces the unconvinced.

1. There are people not convinced of their sinful state before God.

2. There are people not convinced of one God, Lord, baptism, etc.

3. There are people not convinced of need to assemble, worship, work, purity.

B. IT REBUKES THE REBELLIOUS.

1. There are people who know their sinful state, but are rebellious.

2. There are people who know right way, but refuse to conform to it.

C. IT EXHORTS THE DISCOURAGED AND STRIVING.

1. The weak and discouraged need encouragement to overcome.

2. The faithful striving Christian needs encouragement to keep on. (cf. Heb. 10:25)

III. IT IS URGENT. -- "In season, out of season".

A. If brethren do not feed regularly on sound doctrine will go step by step into error.

1. Soon, they will not endure (hold up--support) sound teaching. (v. 3).

2. Next, they will select teachers to teach to suit them. (v. 4).

3. Next, they will turn ears from truth -- will not listen any more. (v. 4).

4. Next, they will turn to false religions or fables. (v. 4).

B. If one does not accept and support sound doctrine NOW -- "time will come..."

Conclusion:

A. Believe, obey, teach and support sound doctrine while it still appeals to you.

B. Teach and support sound doctrine in all forms: reproof, rebuke, exhortation.

by Ed Bragwell, Sr.

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