SS Outline 8.17.25

August 17, 2025
Title: The Deposit of the Faith

Subject Matter: Formation of the NT canon and creeds


I. Introduction: Guarding the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:14)

II. Marcion of Sinope: Heretic as Catalyst
Compiled a canon that cut out the OT and kept only an edited Luke and ten Pauline letters.

III. The Formation of the New Testament Canon
The Church didn’t create the canon — it recognized and received it.

IV. The Rise of the Rule of Faith and Early Creeds
Creeds served three functions:

1. Catechetical — teaching new believers.
2. Liturgical — affirming faith in worship.
3. Defensive — guarding against heresy.

V. Lessons for the Church Today
You should know the truth to spot the false.
1 John 4:1–3
Jude 3
Galatians 1:8

VI. Discussion Questions