LESSON 4

WHAT PAUL TEACHES TO TIMOTHY (AND THUS TO US) ABOUT DETERMINING AND MAINTAINING SOUND DOCTRINE

1. There is a sound doctrine. See Lessons 2 and 3.

2. How is it determined and maintained?

1. Is there a standard? 1 Tim. 1:11.

1. According to the glorious gospel B sets the standard (refers to a written outline or an artist=s sketch). 2 Tim. 1:13.

2. Sound words that you have heard from me. 2 Tim. 1:13; 2:2.

3. In faith and love which are in Christ.

1. Faith is the body of doctrine; love is the spirit in which it is presented. Eph. 4:15.

2. When we defend God=s word in a self-righteous and unloving spirit, the resulting opposition may not come from the offense of the gospel.

2. Can we know what the standard is?

1. 1 Tim. 6:3-5.

3. Must the standard be followed?

1. If not, why did Paul command Timothy to instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines? 1 Tim. 1:3,4.

2. If not, why did Paul treat it as a trust? 1 Tim. 1:11,14.

3. If not, why did Paul entreat Timothy to fight for it? 1 Tim. 1:18.

4. If not, how did some fall away from it? 1 Tim. 4:1.

5. If not, why is it important to know it? 2 Tim. 3:7-9.

6. If not, why did Paul instruct Timothy to retain it? 2 Tim. 1:13,14.


7. If not, why did Paul instruct Timothy to continue in the things that he had learned? 2 Tim. 2:24-26.

4. How is the standard to be maintained?

1. 1 Tim. 4:13-16.

2. 2 Tim. 1:8.

3. 2 Tim. 2:2.

4. 2 Tim. 2:14, 15.

3. Can men change the standard? 2 Tim. 2:19.

4. What happens with men who attempt to change the standard?