Gospel Faith
Key Text: 1 Timothy 1:1–20; 3:14–15
We have met people who talk incessantly about what they are looking for in church Music? Programs? Atmosphere? Community?
But the most important question is not what we are looking for in a church? But what is God is looking for in His church.
Paul tells us clearly in 1 Timothy 3:14–15 I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.
This letter is not about preferences, it’s about God’s passion. And if we want to be a Spirit-filled, gospel-centred church, we must allow the Word of God to shape us, challenge us and correct us.
We do not come to the Bible as masters of the Word, we come to be mastered by it. That is what it means to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
1. The Authority of the Gospel 1 Timothy 1:1–2 Paul begins: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Saviour and of Christ Jesus our hope.”
He was an apostle not by the invitation of the churches. He was an apostle by the command of God. No pastor could ever say that.
Paul is not sharing opinions. He is an apostle by the command of God uniquely appointed, uniquely authorised.
This matters because when we read Scripture we are hearing God’s voice, not human preference.
Notice how Christ-centred this is v.1: God our Saviour and Christ Jesus our hope.
Everything begins and ends with Jesus the Christ. A gospel-centred church submits to the authority of God’s Word and keeps Christ at the centre. It is not for us to decide what matters and then look for a few texts to support what we’ve already decided in advance.
As best as we’re able to, we want to start from the Bible where God tells us what is important to Him so that we can follow after His passion.
2. Guarding the Church: Why Timothy Had to Stay 1 Timothy 1:3–4
Paul urges Timothy: “Stay in Ephesus… so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines.” Paul was invested in the Ephesus church. In Acts 20 when he says goodbye to the Ephesian elders, he speaks about how day and night he had taught them, he taught them even with tears.
In Acts 20:29 I know that after I leave fierce wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
Paul exhorts Timothy to protect the church from people who would make it more about themselves than Christ.
Four reasons we stay where God has placed us:
When people need protection - Shepherds don’t run when wolves come they stand and guard the flock. • When unity is at stake - The goal of command is love, not control. • When God is using you in His work of redemption - God keeps us where healing and restoration are happening. • When there is still a great work to be done
Timothy was not dealing with atheists, he was dealing with religious distractions:
Myths v.4 – entertaining stories without transforming power • Endless genealogies v.4– Bible trivia without Jesus at the centre
Anything that does not lead us to Christ will ultimately lead us away from Him.
3. The Danger of Distraction
Paul warns: “These promote controversy rather than God’s work — which is by faith.” 1 Timothy 1:4
People don’t learn what we teach, they learn what we get excited about.
f we get excited about: causes instead of Christ, ideas instead of the gospel, personalities instead of Jesus then division will follow.
Paul says: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Galatians 6:14
A gospel-centred church is not about: personal agendas, pet doctrines or spiritual fads. It is about Jesus the Christ and Him crucified.
Paul says v.5: “The aim of our charge is love.”
4. The Goal: Rooted in Truth, Growing in Love 1 Timothy 1:5
Truth without love becomes harsh. Love without truth becomes hollow.
A gospel-centred church holds both together: Rooted deeply in truth and Growing steadily in love.
This is how unity is protected. This is how the Spirit works powerfully among us.
5. Warning Signs of Wandering Hearts 1 Timothy 1:6–7
Paul v.6 warns that people don’t usually fall away suddenly they wander.
• Four warning signs:
Always looking for something new - Satisfaction is found in Christ, not novelty. • Talking more than obeying - Empty talk replaces holy living. • Wanting to teach more than learn - Pride grows where humility fades. • Confidence exceeding knowledge - Passion without depth becomes dangerous.
Church, we must guard our hearts.
6. The Source of True Love: The Gospel Response 1 Timothy 1:5 Paul tells us where love comes from: A pure heart (an undivided heart) A good conscience (cleansed by repentance) A sincere faith (real trust in Jesus)
This is Pentecostal truth: Only Jesus can give you these things. He gives a new heart. He cleanses the conscience with His blood. He strengthens faith by His Spirit
This is why He died. This is why He rose again. This is why He is alive today.
If you need: renewed passion for Christ, a cleansed conscience, deeper love for God and His people - Jesus is here to meet you.