2. ARE WE A SOUND CHURCH?
(2 Timothy 4:1-8)

3. Introduction Closely akin to “faithfulness” An important question
“Faithful” normally used of individuals
“Sound” most often applied to churches
Used also of what is believed
An important question
Importance in financial realm
Importance in physical realm
Very important in the spiritual realm

4. Definition Webster Vine’s Expository Dictionary
“Sound”- used as an adjective, means free from injury, disease, or defect …
Synonyms: healthy, valid
Vine’s Expository Dictionary
Greek word, hugies, an adjective, means whole, healthy, used metaphorically of “sound speech” (Titus 2:8)

5. Definition Vine’s Expository Dictionary (cont.)
Greek word, hugiano, a verb, means to be healthy, sound in health, (English- hygiene) Luke 15:27; is used metaphorically of doctrine, 1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1; of words, 1 Timothy 6:3; 2 Timothy 1:13; in the faith, Titus 1:13; in faith, Titus 2:2

6. Definition Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon Summary
Sound i.e., true and incorrupt doctrine, 1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1
Teaching which does not deviate from the truth, Titus 1:8
Summary
The word refers to people and principle
This requires a standard of judgment

7. Common Concepts Sound churches
Are opposed to modernism, Calvinism, institutionalism, premillenialism, etc.
Are well thought of by brethren
Use only “sound” preachers
Use all the right terminology

8. Common Concepts Sound preachers
Are opposed to modernism, Calvinism, institutionalism, premillenialism, etc.
Are well thought of by brethren
Preach for “sound” churches
Agree with Bro. “Big Name” or with certain brotherhood publications, etc.
Agree with me!

9. False Standards Subjective standards
One’s own opinion (Revelation 3:17)
Feeling good, functioning (Matthew 7:21-23)
Self-comparison (2 Corinthians 10:12)
Seen in Paul’s life (Acts 23:1; 26:9)

10. False Standards Human traditions Pharisees (Matthew 15:9)
Appear to be healthy (Matthew 23:27)
Self-made religion (Colossians 2:20-23)
Israel’s mistake (1 Kings 12:26-33)

11. Proper Standard Sound churches . . .
Do scriptural work (2 Timothy 3:16, 17)
Demand the truth (1 Timothy 3:15)
Practice discipline (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)
Lend no support to false teachers (2 John 9-11)
Seek the lost through every scriptural means (John 4:35)

12. Proper Standard Sound preachers . . .
Preach the Truth (2 Timothy 4:1-8)
Live the Truth (1 Timothy 4:12-16)
Let no man despise them (Titus 2:15)
Are nourished on sound doctrine (1 Timothy 4:6)
Do not mind being questioned (Acts 17:11; 1 Peter 3:15)

13. Conclusion
Are we a sound church?
Are you a faithful Christian?