SUBJ: The centrality of Christ and sound doctrine as the message to be preached and believed with a warning as to the tendency of men not to endure.

AIM: That we should be diligent in the protection of our hearts and minds from the prodding of the world to depart from the inspired Word of God.

INTR: While our focus will be upon the first 5 verses of chapter 4, it is essential here to confront the therefore in verse 1 and look back.
1. If we do not believe and embrace fully the divine inspiration of Scripture, we have no real basis for hope and are left to our own whims and those of others. Your opinion?
2. Seeing first that it is they that are able to make one wise unto salvation (not a methodology) which is through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord.
3. The functionality is precious and comprehensive; the man of God is thoroughly furnished along with those who follow in the Word.

THESIS: Opposition to the Word of God appears in the efforts of men to exalt man to a place of prominence in the work that is by grace alone and that occurs dependence on human wisdom or action is claimed – that which was required of and accomplished by Jesus our Lord sets all such claims aside.

I. The charge to Timothy and me (vv. 1-2)
1. Paul does not mince words; he rather calls out that all is to be ordered before God and Christ Jesus our Lord:
1) It is God who has “breathed out” the scriptures and to challenge their teaching is to challenge Him.
2) It is to the scriptures (in that Christ is therein declared) that will reference will be made in judgment.
3) It will be at His appearing and Kingdom – many thoughts, but judgment of all is certain and their will be no recourse.
2. The mandate then is to preach the Word; it is not to develop programs and insert the pragmatic ideas of men. Preaching the Word is the sum and substance of the Gospel ministry
1) To always be in the way of preparation and to be devoted to such study
2) We are to seize upon advantageous times as well as those that do not seem to favorable.
3. And so, to:
1) Reprove – errors to be dealt with out of the word of God
2) Rebuke – In a way that suits the situation, first privately, then as needed, but graciously in any event
3) To exhort – that is to strongly encourage in whatever the circumstance and again with the Word of truth
4) And to do so with patience and understanding – the fruit of the Spirit exercised.

II. The reason for the charge (vv. 4-5)
1. This care is in anticipation of that which is sure to come, has come, and will continue if the Lord tolerates the rebellions of men.
2. These things we call out, not as a matter of observation; it is rather that we be advised that not only will it occur, it will endeavor to influence the Lord’s people. (If we could correct it, we would and should strive to do so).
1) We first note the issue and the reaction to it – it is sound doctrine which is the teaching of Christ our Lord.
2) It is that they cannot stand to be held up against it or in comparison to it (We must ever be checking ourselves and our faith against the Word).
3) It is not religion that is being rejected; it is sound doctrine.
So, the intent is to discredit and question the truth and authority of the Word.
3. And so, steps are taken to ease their conscience and feed their pride. They follow those who will teach in such a manner as to allow them to be self-serving and self-exalting; to make the feel good (scratch my ears).
4. The result is they are turned unto fables born out of the depraved imaginations of men.

III. The management of the charge (v. 5)
1. Directed to Timothy and me to pass on to you.
2. It would be interesting to ask several people what they thought the duties of a pastor to be.
3. Here have that given to us by the Word:
1) Watch thou in all things. See 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:11-12.
2) Endure afflictions – personal affronts, illness, or whatever may befall: Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3.
3) Be an evangelist and so press the necessity of the Gospel to all.
4) Make full proof of the work of the ministry – especially preaching the Gospel, attending the ordinances, and generally be the Lord’s under shepherd caring for His people – “feed my sheep.”