When Sound Teaching is Not Tolerated
Pt. 7 – The Demise of a Congregation
2002009
Subject: strong preaching; demise of a congregation
Introduction:
A.
2 Tim. 3:16-17
1.
Sound
preaching/teaching will keep people on the straight & narrow.
2.
God’s word will
teach, warn, correct, and guide a person in the right way.
3.
God’s word will
not only help him become what he needs to be – but it also provides a
person with what he needs to do in order to be pleasing to God.
B.
Tonight…we’ll
discuss what will happen to a congregation of God’s people that no longer
tolerates sound teaching.
I. This
is not new.
A. Isa. 30:8-11.
1.
Rather than hear
the truth concerning their condition – God’s people wanted to hear what
was pleasant.
2.
Look at Jer. 5:31
a)
They loved to
hear from lying prophets, enjoyed watered down preaching.
C.
This caused them
more harm than good.
1.
Jer.
23:16-18. This would lead to their
destruction! See Jer. 23:19-20;
39-40.
2.
Isa. 30:12-14
II. What kind of teaching do we tolerate?
A.
Rom. 15:4 –
what we just read = example for us.
1.
Some
congregations need to look back at lessons from the past – b/c the path
they are on will lead to their demise.
2.
1 Cor. 10:6,
11-12
B.
Just because it
says COC on the sign – does not mean that all brethren have a respect for
truth & bible authority!
C.
2 Tim. 4:3
1.
Some seek out
teachers & preachers who fitly describe what Paul says:
a)
no rebuke
b)
no discipline
c)
no admonishment
2.
Some
congregations: No teaching on:
a)
attendance;
immodesty; immorality
b)
MDR; doctrinal
purity
c)
Nothing
controversial; hard-hitting
d)
Nothing that
upsets the status quo.
e)
Desire “feel
good” preaching.
3.
This amounts to
nothing more than being led away from simplicity in Christ – 2 Cor. 11:3
III. Sound preaching is necessary for a congregation’s
vitality!
A.
We must be
willing to stand up against those who teach things contrary to truth! Titus 1:9
1.
Titus 2:1-10
2.
Sound doctrine
brings order to our lives!
B.
When churches no
longer tolerate what is sound – they open themselves up for what is
unsound.
1.
They will come to
ruin!
2.
Rev. 2:18-23
– Thyatira
C.
Preachers must
preach sound doctrine – 2 Tim. 4:1-2
1.
Keep doing it!
2.
Don’t compromise your faith for those who have already
compromised their faith! See Paul’s warning: 1 Tim. 6:3-5
3.
Our goal must be
like Paul. Acts 20:27-28
D.
Sound preaching
is not always pleasant. But
necessary!
1.
if
not…congregation will wind up like Laodicea – Rev. 3:14-20
2.
If we grow
intolerance of sound preaching – we will be ruined! Our service to God will be of no
profit!
Conclusion:
A.
Do you love
truth? The whole truth?
1.
If not…ignoring
it will not make it go away!
2.
In order to be
saved – one must conform his life to it!
B.
Have you done
this?
C.
Obey the gospel
today!
D.
I N V I T A T I O
N