Stand for Biblical Fidelity (1 Timothy 1:3-11)

The greatest danger to the church does not exist outside the church, but rather inside the church. There is nothing outside the church that can destroy the church. Persecution from the world will never destroy the church. In fact, history has demonstrated the opposite. There is, however, something far more deadly and destructive that can destroy the church. Like a cancer than springs up inside the body, this springs up inside the church and renders it ineffective and ultimately dead. False teaching will destroy any church that allows it to continue. This is why Christ warned us, 

Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

2 Peter 2:1 – But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.

From the very founding of the church, Satan has sought to destroy the church through all manner of false teaching. The danger in this teaching lies in its attractive subtlety. This teaching never presents itself as false. Rather it always presents itself as helpful, important, novel, and exciting. So as Paul instructs Timothy about helping the church in Ephesus regain its health. He beings with a discussion regarding the danger of false teaching.  In fact, Paul’s preoccupation in this first chapter is with the importance of maintaining true or sound doctrine and refuting false doctrine. Because no church can survive which tolerates false teaching. ...