The Battlefield Of False Doctrine

Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning, March 14, 2004, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia. 

THE BATTLEFIELD OF FALSE DOCTRINE
By Michael D. O’Neal                     Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church                      Albany, Georgia

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Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16

Text: Ephesians 4:14

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of
men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Introduction: PREPARE FOR WAR IN 2004!

Christians are under attack, and many of them do not even know it!  Forces are at work, endeavoring to undermine the things of God in the lives of people.

One of the greatest areas of spiritual warfare is that of FALSE DOCTRINE.

A great area of an individual’s spiritual growth is that of KNOWLEDGE:

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

I’ve seen many Christians start well but get off track somewhere in their lives and not go on to count for God. One of the things that happens is that they get BLOWN off track by WINDS of false doctrine:

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Common deceivers who knock believers off track:
Charismatics
Catholics
Church of Christ
Calvinists
Cults – JFW’s and Mormons
Compromisers – Southern Baptist preachers, Jerry Falwell, Swindoll, etc.

I want to point out to you that one of the great arenas of Christian warfare in America is:

THE BATTLEFIELD OF FALSE DOCTRINE

It’s a battle. The world, the flesh, and the devil will try to deceive you with false doctrine.

If the battle is to be won and stay doctrinally sound,

I. YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT SPIRIT

Ephesians 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

A. The Holy Spirit is received at salvation – Romans 8:9

B. The Holy Spirit is required for understanding – 1 Corinthians 2:14

C. The Holy Spirit is ready to guide the believer – John 16:13

II. YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT SCRIPTURES

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

Psalms 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.

A. Doctrine is a central purpose for the scriptures – 2 Timothy 3:16

B. Doctrine is challenged by Satan as he questions God’s word – Genesis 3:1

C. Doctrine is CHANGED in the new “bibles”

Examples from the NIV:
     1. Luke 2:33 – the virgin birth
     2. Acts 8:37 – believer’s baptism
     3. Romans 13:9 – telling the truth
     4. Colossians 1:14 – blood redemption
     5. 1 Timothy 3:16 – deity of Christ

III. YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT SHEPHERD

Ephesians 4:11-14 (READ)

Jesus is the Chief Shepherd, but he puts shepherds over His sheep.  Pastors are given to help guide Christians into God’s doctrine and warn them of false doctrine. The shepherd God has for the believer should be:

A. A loving shepherd
     1. Caring more for your spiritual condition than anything else – Philippians 2:20
     2. Loving you enough to tell you the truth – showing the difference between truth and error, between true doctrine and false doctrine

B. A laboring shepherd
     1. Laboring in the word and DOCTRINE – 1 Timothy 5:17
     2. Teaching and preaching DOCTRINE – 2 Timothy 4:2

C. The LORD’S shepherd
     1. Called of God
     2. Placed by God – over particular people, not everyone
     3. Established by God

IV. YOU MUST HAVE THE RIGHT SUBMISSION

John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

A. Do God’s will in salvation – 2 Peter 3:9

B. Do God’s will in separation – 1 Thessalonians 4:3

C. Do God’s will in supplication –  James 1:5

D. Do God’s will in study – 2 Timothy 2:15

E. Do God’s will in service –  John 7:17
     1. DOING God’s WILL helps you know God’s DOCTRINE … not just KNOWING it.

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