Our Greatest Danger in the Church Age

2 Timothy 4:1-4

INTRODUCTION: These last days are justly called perilous times. Yet, the overwhelming emphasis of the source of danger might surprise you. In fact, I believe our ignorance in this area has opened us to the subtle attacks of the enemy.

I. THE EMPHASIS IN THE CHURCH

A. The Recipients of the Epistles

1. Timothy
2. Titus

B. The Priorities of the Epistles

1. The admonition to preachers to maintain sound doctrine
2. The admonition to preachers to warn their people about the expected attacks on their ears

II. THE ENDANGERED EARS

A. The Divisions of Dangers

1. Fables (1 Timothy 1:4; 1 Timothy 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:4; Titus 1:14)
2. Jangling and babbling (1 Timothy 1:6; 1 Timothy 5:13; 1 Timothy 6:20; 2 Timothy 2:16)
a. Jangling—chatter, idle talking (can include gossip)
b. Babbling—idle or foolish talking
3. Doctrinal problems (1 Timothy 4:1-3; Titus 1:14; Titus 3:10)
4. Unprofitable words (2 Timothy 2:14; Titus 3:9)

B. The Outcome of Dangers

1. Questions (1 Timothy 1:4)
2. Turning aside (1 Timothy 5:13; 2 Timothy 4:3-4; Titus 1:14)
3. Strifes (1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 2:23)
4. Ungodliness (2 Timothy 2:16)

III. THE EQUIPPING OF THE SAINTS

A. The Responsibility of the Man of God

1. Charge the saints (1 Timothy 1:3-4)
2. Nourish the saints (1 Timothy 4:6)
3. Hold faith and a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:18-20)
4. Give attendance (1 Timothy 4:13)
5. Gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
6. Preach the word (2 Timothy 4:1-2)

B. The Call to the Saints

1. Sobriety (Titus 2:2, 4, 6)
2. Teachers of good things (Titus 2:3-4)
3. Sound speech (Titus 2:8)

CONCLUSION: Our ears, whether it be false doctrine, fables, unprofitable words, jangling or babbling, are exposed to non-stop assaults. We life in doubts, divisions, and distractions. As such, we feed on falsehoods and fiction rather than on the word of the living God.