SUPPLEMENTAL PRESENTATION
OUR STUDY FOCUS
Who is Jesus? What does His identity mean to us? What constitutes genuine Christianity? What constitutes heretical Christian teaching?
Michael A. Brown Ministries, LLC © 2016
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THE BACKGROUND OF THE LETTERS
These churches were located nearby and within Ephesus (Roman province of Asia). False views about Jesus had developed within the churches by those who would become secessionists. John’s eyewitness teaching was being undermined. He wrote to address these false teachings. He wrote to reassure and further instruct the Christians. John dealt with both theological and behavioral issues. Michael A. Brown Ministries, LLC © 2016
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THE NECESSITY OF DOCTRINE
Examining the Need of Christian Doctrine
Michael A. Brown Ministries, LLC © 2016
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SOUND DOCTRINE
Doctrine is “teaching.” It includes teaching about God, humanity, man’s condition before God, how to be saved, how to live as a saved person, the end time, and life in eternity. It also includes teaching on the church, church polity, church worship, church ministry, and church life. Scripture makes a definite distinction between the doctrine of Jesus (and His inspired apostles) as opposed to false doctrine.
Michael A. Brown Ministries, LLC © 2016
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SOUND DOCTRINE
Jesus distinguished His teaching from that of others (Matthew 15:9; 16:12; John 7:16-17; Revelation 2:14, 15, 24). Scripture speaks of the Apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:42; 5:28; 17:9). Paul wrote of doctrine (Romans 6:17; Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 2:2; 1 Timothy 1:3, 10; 4:1, 6, 13, 16; 1 Timothy 5:17; 6:1, 3; 2 Timothy 3:10, 16; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; 2:1, 7, 10). The Hebrew writer wrote of doctrine (Hebrews 6:2; 13:9). Peter wrote of doctrine (2 Peter 2:1). John wrote of doctrine (1 John 4:1; 2 John 1:9; 2 John 1:10). Michael A. Brown Ministries, LLC © 2016
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SOUND DOCTRINE
Every Christian is to learn, abide in, and promote sound doctrine. The critical challenge is to use Scripture properly, accurately, and fairly (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17). Be able to distinguish between truth and error…according to the Scriptures. Be able to distinguish between a “God-thing” as opposed to a “human-tradition thing.” “Be scrupulously straightforward in dealing with the word of truth in strong contrast to the crooked methods of the false teachers.” (William Tyndale) Michael A. Brown Ministries, LLC © 2016
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