I said in ”watch our part one” that I have always been amazed at Paul’s writings to Timothy. These are priceless letters—here we see Paul mentor Timothy…and the advice Paul gave to Timothy is just as real and relevant today as it was back then.
I Timothy 4:16 was the verse I talked about…about how Paul said to Timothy that he needed to watch his life and doctrine closely. Yesterday we talked about life…today we will talk about doctrine.
I personally believe that following Christ was never meant to be difficult. I see that when Jesus was calling the Apostles to Himself—He didn’t call one single scribe or Pharisee, but rather ordinary men, tax collectors and fishermen and so.
They spent time with Jesus…saw Him in settings that were not even recorded in Scripture…and through these men…the ones who actually spent time with Him instead of reading about Him…it is through them that we get much of the doctrine today that is essential for our faith.
I’ve always found it fascinating that the ones who were supposed to be able to identify Jesus actually killed Him because admitting that He was the Messiah would have completely changed the religious system that they had in place.
But then the guys who hung out with Him—knew Him…it is their writings that we read today!
Very rarely do we get criticized for our doctrinal stances here at NewSpring. We have made it very clear as to where we stand on certain doctrinal issues…and are dogmatic about them. Some of the things we are hardcore about are…
- Jesus is the only way to heaven…salvation by grace through faith.
- The Bible IS God’s Word—we believe in a literal interpretation of it from Genesis to the maps!
- The Holy Spirit comes to dwell inside the believer at the moment of salvation.
- Jesus Christ was born of a virgin.
- Jesus lived a sinless life.
- Jesus literally rose from the dead.
- Hell is a real place.
- The church is God’s plan to reach the world.
We didn’t get these things from other churches/speakers…but rather they are firmly held beliefs DEEP within the core of our being.
I watch my doctrine closely. According to James 3:1 I know that one day I am going to stand before God and answer for the things I did and did not say. That is why I am so passionate about making sure that everything I teach is in line with the whole counsel of Scripture. I have made it a point to surround myself with men and women who KNOW God’s Word…and together we are confident that we are teaching sound doctrine.
When people question me on this I always say that my conscience is clear. I have asked the Holy Spirit to continually reveal ANYTHING that I am teaching that is in direct contradiction to God’s Word…and He has been doing this over the past several years. AND—as this process has taken place I am becoming less and less legalistic. Just being honest…
NOW…I’ve got to address this…Paul does not tell Timothy to watch his style of ministry…the two most important things are life and doctrine. Why didn’t Paul address style? Simple—he knew it took different styles to reach different types of people—for example…
- Peter had a style that allowed him to reach a mostly Jewish audience.
- Paul quoted “secular” poets on Mars Hill in Acts 17.
- Barnabus had a certain style
- Pricilla and Acquilla had a different style
- We see a whole list in I Corinthians 1 of people who had different styles…and also how people were drawn to them…and also Paul rebuke people for following a style rather than Christ.
There is NOT a cookie cutter approach to ministry. We are called to preach Jesus Christ, crucified, risen…and one day He WILL come back. HOW we do that is not mandated by Scripture…so DO NOT spend time fighting and arguing about it.
You see—Paul was WAY too kingdom minded to think that his way was the only way to reach people. So…pastors, I would not fight over…
- The translation of the Bible you use.
- The style of music. (This is NOT a doctrinal issue! If you want to make it one…the SHOW ME a piano or organ in Scripture!!! I can show you cymbals and “stringed instruments,” but not one organ!)
- The way the people dress.
- Pews or chairs
- ANY denominational label!!!
OK…I am going to stop…I could go on forever. The point is this…
We are called to watch our lives! We are called to watch our doctrine…and as far as style, as long as sin is not committed and fruit is being brought about—GO FOR IT!