2. How do we know what to believe?

3. (Wilderness) (Pavement)

4. 1 Timothy 1 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul - Apostle - messenger of God breaking new ground message of Grace, Mercy and Peace with God

5. 1 Timothy 1 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope, 2 To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. Paul - Apostle - messenger of God breaking new ground message of Grace, Mercy and Peace with God Timothy -Church leader in Ephesus Mixed race and faith background Young Mentored by Paul

6. 1 Timothy 1 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain persons not to teach false doctrines any longer Timothy to stop false teachers How do we know what is false teaching? Why is it important to resist false teaching? What false teachings do we need to be careful of?

7. How do we know what is false teaching? Teachings - - contrary to the core (repeated consistently, explicitly stated) themes of Scripture 1 Timothy 1 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain persons not to teach false doctrines any longer

8. How do we know what is false teaching? Teachings - - contrary to the core (repeated consistently, explicitly stated) themes of Scripture Love E.g. Forgiveness and mercy Compassion Salvation

9. How do we know what is false teaching? Teachings - - contrary to the core (repeated consistently, explicitly stated) themes of Scripture - contrary to the words and life of Jesus

10. 1 Timothy 1 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain persons not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. How do we know what is false teaching? Teachings - - based on stories events outside of scripture - contrary to the words and life of Jesus - contrary to the core (repeated consistently, explicitly stated) themes of Scripture

11. 1 Timothy 1 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain persons not to teach false doctrines any longer 4 or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. How do we know what is false teaching? Teachings - - based on stories events outside of scripture - based on speculations that go beyond scripture - contrary to the words and life of Jesus - contrary to the core (repeated consistently, explicitly stated) themes of Scripture

12. 1 Timothy 1 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious... 10 And it is for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. 1. Ideas that promote - judgement not mercy - salvation by behaviour not grace - Christianity as rules What false teachings do we need to be careful of?

13. 1 Timothy 1 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 1. Ideas that promote - judgement not mercy - salvation by behaviour not grace - Christianity as rules What false teachings do we need to be careful of?

14. 1 Timothy 1 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners —of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 1. Ideas that promote - judgement not mercy - salvation by behaviour not grace - Christianity as rules The Grace and Patience of Jesus need to be shown What false teachings do we need to be careful of?

15. 1 Timothy 1 (False teachers) 7 They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm. 8 We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious 1. Ideas that promote - judgement not mercy Old Testament law tells us what...displeases God what is sinful what needs to be repented of Not how to gain salvation Why is it important to resist false teaching?

16. 1. Ideas that promote - judgement not mercy Why is it important to resist false teaching? We cannot earn God’s love by religious or moral behaviour

17. 1 Timothy 1 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers. And it is for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. What false teachings do we need to be careful of? 2. Ideas that dispute what is sinful

18. 1 Timothy 1 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers. And it is for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me. What false teachings do we need to be careful of? 2. Ideas that dispute what is sinful Tonight!!

19. 1 Timothy 4 1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. What false teachings do we need to be careful of? 3. Ideas that create fear of spiritually neutral things that evil is stronger than God superstitions

20. What false teachings do we need to be careful of? 3. Ideas that create fear of spiritually neutral things that evil is stronger than God superstitions Cinema and Make-up E.g. Dancing and Drums ???????

21. 1 Timothy 4 1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 3. Ideas that create fear of spiritually neutral things that evil is stronger than God supersitions Why is it important to resist false teaching? Live in joy and thankfulness for God’s creation Not fear of contamination

22. 1 Timothy 6 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind What false teachings do we need to be careful of? 4. Ideas that create quarrels Friction and bitterness

23. 1 Timothy 6 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. What false teachings do we need to be careful of? 5. Ideas that are money motivated

24. 1 Timothy 1 5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Conclusions Its about love

25. 1 Timothy 1 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Its about grace and mercy Conclusions Its about love

26. (Wilderness) (Pavement) Denies the mercy and grace of the cross Denies love for others Denies the nature and person of Jesus

27. Conclusions Do any of my beliefs take me away from God’s mercy? Are any of my beliefs unloving to others? Are any of my beliefs based on only one or two verses? How does the love of God on cross answer all my questions and challenge my assumptions? Its about love Its about grace and mercy

28. Its about love Its about grace and mercy Conclusions Do any of my beliefs take me away from God’s mercy? Are any of my beliefs unloving to others? Are any of my beliefs based on only one or two verses? How does the love of God on cross answer all my questions and challenge my assumptions?