Seven Things
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 01/05/2024
Foundation Scriptures:
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 1 Timothy 4:1-9 KJV
1. Sound Doctrine.
a. Make sure you have sound doctrine.
b. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV - For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
c. Fables (Greek mythos) – a fiction; a fable; an invention; a falsehood; anything delivered by word of mouth; legendary tales, as opposed to historical account; a fable; foolish or improbable story.
d. People choose to believe lies and made-up stories rather than the Truth, because the Truth convicts them of their sin.
e. Itching (Greek knēthō) - to scratch; tickle; itch; make to itch; desirous of hearing something pleasant.
f. “Itching ears” means that people have selective hearing.
g. They only want to hear things in accordance with what they already believe or feel.
h. Things that make them FEEL better—not things that challenge them to BE better.
2. No Legalism.
a. Make sure you do not become legalistic.
b. 2 Corinthians 3:6 KJV - Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
c. 2 Corinthians 3:6 AMPC - [It is He] Who has qualified us [making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient] as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not [ministers] of the letter (of legally written code) but of the Spirit; for the code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive.
d. He has qualified and equipped us to be ministers of the New Covenant, through Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit.
e. We minister life and righteousness—not legalism.
3. Do Not Judge Faith.
a. Do not be critical of where other people are in their faith walk.
b. Romans 15:1-2 AMPC – We who are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others] and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually].
c. The strong must bear the infirmities of the weak, and not just please ourselves.
d. Do not seek to judge or compare—rather, seek to elevate, encourage, and help.
4. No Rituals.
a. Do not allow rituals to run your life—this is a relationship.
b. Mark 7:13 KJV - Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
c. Do not cancel out the Word of God by making up rules that nullify the Word of God in your life.
d. Man’s traditions are useless and ineffectual.
e. God requires a heart relationship.
f. Mark 7:6-9 KJV - He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
5. Love and Help.
a. Do not ever stop loving and helping others.
b. Philippians 2:4 AMPC - Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.
c. Do not be selfish—only focusing on what concerns you.
d. Be interested in the blessings of others.
e. Rejoice to see them blessed.
6. Win Souls.
a. Keep winning souls!
b. Proverbs 11:30 KJV - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
c. Each one, reach one.
7. Joy.
a. Do not ever lose your joy.
b. John 16:22 AMPC - So for the present you are also in sorrow (in distress and depressed); but I will see you again and [then] your hearts will rejoice, and no one can take from you your joy (gladness, delight).
c. Do not let anyone steal your joy.
d. The joy of the Lord is your strength! (Neh. 8:10)
e. The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom. 14:17).