Doctrinal Firewalls

Title: Doctrinal Firewalls
Text: 1 John 4:1–6

Main Idea:
Keep yourself from succumbing to false teaching by establishing the right firewalls.

I. Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

1 John 4:1

• Test the spirits—there are many false prophets.

• Our "firewall" for truth: the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

• The enemy is a counterfeiter. Know the real thing (Scripture), and you’ll spot the fake.

II. False Teaching is Spirit Empowered

1 John 4:2–3

• False teaching is spiritually charged—but not by the Holy Spirit.

• The spirit of the antichrist is already active in the world.

• John 8:44 — Satan is the father of lies.

• Confessing Jesus “in the flesh” was crucial in refuting early Gnostic heresies.

III. In Christ, You Have Nothing to Fear

1 John 4:4–6

• "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

• The enemy is real, but God is stronger.

• Truth prevails where Christ dwells.

Practical Firewalls to Guard Against False Teaching

A. Elders
Titus 1:5–8; Acts 20:28–30

• Elders serve as spiritual linemen, protecting sound doctrine.

• Pastors and elders are qualified and accountable for doctrinal integrity.

B. Ethos (Doctrinal Distinctives)
Titus 1:9

• Clear doctrinal categories: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary.

• Knowing what the church believes—and why—equips believers to stand firm.

C. Expositional Preaching
2 Timothy 4:1–5

• Preach the Word—in season and out.

• Knowing Scripture helps identify and refute error.

• The only "celebrity" in our church should be Jesus.

Conclusion:

False teaching is real and relentless—but God's truth is our shield.

• Know God’s Word

• Trust your elders

• Understand your church’s doctrine

• Demand expositional preaching