Beware Sin
Paul warned Timothy of a false gospel which blessed sin instead of fighting it. He wrote: "We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers - and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me." (1 Timothy 1:8-11)
Why Sound Doctrine Calls Us to Holiness
Paul says that sound doctrine which conforms to the gospel brings glory to God, while ungodly and sinful things, which the law of God so clearly defines, do not.
Beware those who believe that following the gospel of Jesus does not require you to turn from "ungodly, sinful, unholy and irreligious" things. This is contrary to the gospel, Paul said.
Sadly, there's a version of the gospel that is prevalent today that says Jesus loves you, full stop. It says nothing of the glory of God which is to be the focus of our lives, through repentance and holy living! In our day, we have people identifying as Christian, who:
Hate and slander those who disagree with them (and remember Jesus said if you do this you're a murderer at heart!)
Some get involved with sexual sin - sleeping together before marriage, homosexuality, and so on.
Some lie and cheat and steal.
Some take advantage of others.
Some supposed Christians do these things openly and then claim forgiveness and just go on doing it!
Beware a Gospel Without Repentance
But friends, the gospel message is that Jesus loves you in spite of your sin, and will forgive any sin that you bring to Him in faith. He also requires you to take up your cross and follow Him, leaving behind your sinful life.
That's the gospel! That He died on the cross so that you can be forgiven and cleansed of your sinful ways, and enabled through the Spirit to live a holy life of service and love.
Beware the teachers, who so emphasise acceptance that they leave out holiness.
Beware the teachers, who never bring up Jesus' words about sinning no more, and repenting, and living righteous and holy lives.
The gospel is a call to transformation. Be careful of a gospel message that doesn't teach this.
Share in the comments below how you understand God’s call to holiness.
Paul insists sound doctrine calls people to holiness, and any gospel message that offers acceptance without repentance falls short of the true gospel. Bring whatever sin you've been excusing to Jesus today, and let Him lead you to repentance and holy living.