Sermon for September 14, 2025 (1 Timothy 1:12-17) by Rev. David Domanski
The church at Ephesus likely held a special place in Paul’s heart. Paul first journeyed through Ephesus on his way to Antioch on his second missionary trip (Acts 18:18–21). And then on his third trip, Paul stayed in Ephesus for two years and three months (Acts 19:1–20:1). Uncertain of his return, Paul entrusts the church at Ephesus to Timothy, who had begun traveling with Paul on his second visit to Lystra (Acts 16:3).
On two different occasions, Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage and instruct him on how he is to carry out the ministry that had been entrusted to him. These same words of Paul continue to encourage and instruct both pastors and churches today. From the introduction of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, we see that, The Sound Doctrine of God Centers on a Proper Understanding of Both the Law and the Gospel.
But first, we must recognize that sound doctrine does not come from man, but from God. When we hear the word doctrine, there is a temptation to think of old dusty books only pastors read. However, doctrine is another word for “teaching.” For example, schools and places of employment both have specific doctrine that students and employees are to learn and follow. The doctrine that the church is to learn and follow comes from God. He gives this doctrine to us in the pages of Holy Scripture (2 Tim 3:16). Only the doctrine of God is allowed in the church because it is sound, that is, free from corruption and error. Sound doctrine alone builds up the church and makes her strong.
We are dependent on the pages of Holy Scripture for truth, Paul received this sound doctrine directly from God himself. Appointed to the Lord’s service and strengthened by Christ, Paul faithfully preached this sound doctrine throughout his journeys (v 12). However, Paul reveals that certain persons within the church of Ephesus went astray from the sound doctrine of God (vv 6–7). They clung to the doctrine of men, which is not sound since man is by nature sinful and unclean. Unfortunately, this problem is not restricted to the past but continues in the church today.
Ultimately, the doctrine of men does not build up the church but only weakens her. If left unchecked, the doctrine of men both destroys churches and leads those who hear its lies astray and into eternal death. This is why Paul urges Timothy to hold to the sound doctrine of God and to urge certain people to do the same (1:3–4).
For us, Sound doctrine centers on the proper understanding of two things, Law and Gospel. In the Ten Commandments, God reveals his good and gracious will for our lives. He tells us what to do and what not to do. As God is the one who created, redeemed, and sanctifies us, we are to fear, love, and trust in him alone. He alone is our source of life, and we have no good thing apart from him. And, as God has loved us and has given us all good things, this love directs outside of ourselves for our neighbor’s benefit. Ultimately, we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, and we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mt 22:37–39). As long as we follow the Law according to God’s intent (v 8) there is no problem.
Yet the sound doctrine of the Law confronts us with the truth that we have not loved God or our neighbor perfectly. (Consider Ap IV 27.) As a result of this sin, we justly deserve God’s temporal and eternal punishment of death (Rom 6:23).
Over and against this word that exposed his sin is a sound doctrine that reveals that God did not desire Paul’s death. In mercy, God came into the world to save Paul from his sin and death. The good news is that God didn’t come only for Paul, but he came for all sinners, including you and me. “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (v 15). This is the sound doctrine of the Gospel. Taking on human flesh in the person of Jesus, God came into this sinful and dying world to save sinners like you. Where you have failed to live in perfect love toward God and neighbor, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law, even as he endured all bodily torments, temptations, and sufferings. While he himself was without sin, Jesus became chief of sinners by bearing your sins in his flesh. And carrying them to the cross, he suffered the Father’s wrath and condemnation in order that you may have his forgiveness, life, and salvation. He provided this by rising from the dead on the third day.
It is the sound doctrine of the Gospel that alone brings forgiveness and life, comfort and peace in the face of sin and its wages of death. It alone is the Good News that strengthens and builds up the church of Christ. In your ongoing struggle with sin, God would have you repent and cling to the sound doctrine of the Gospel. The Lord is merciful for Christ’s sake. He is able to forgive your countless sins.
Like the church in Ephesus, we will often be tempted to follow the false doctrines of men that only hurt and harm. Yet in his Word, God has given us a doctrine that is sound. Through his teaching of the Law and the Gospel, we come to know the truth of who we are and what God has done for us. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance because it is backed by his innocent suffering and death and his glorious resurrection. Now “to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (v 17).