Maintaining Sound Doctrine
Doctrine is the teaching of. Christian doctrine comes from the Bible (II Timothy
3:10-17) Paul tells Timothy “you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of
life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance. Persecutions, afflictions,
which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecution I
endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to
live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But, evil men and impostors
will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must
continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing
from whom you have learned them. And that from childhood you have known
the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise, for salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
every good work”.
Doctrine is not our opinion of things; it is basing our lives on the word of God.
The written word, the Bible was given to us from God. God the Holy Spirit is the
Author of the Scriptures; therefore they are inerrant (II Peter 1:21) “For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as
they were moved by the Holy Spirit”.
The whole Bible is God’s inspire word, it is inspired and trustworthy, we should
read it and apply it to our life. The Bible is our standard for testing everything
else that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teaching and our
source of guidance for how we should live. It is our only source of knowledge
about how we can be saved. God wants to show you what is true and equip
you to live for Him. Jesus said “If you continue in My word, then are you My
disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you
free”.
The living word, Jesus Christ the Son of God, and God the Son. “In the
beginning was the word (Jesus Christ), and the word was with God, and the
word was God” (John 1:1). The word did not have a beginning because He is
“the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8-9).
Jesus taught good doctrine, He only spoke what He heard the Father say (John
7:16-18) “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His that
sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be
of God, or whether I peak of Myself. He that speaks of himself seeks his own
glory, but he that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true and no
unrighteousness is in him”. Let us practice speaking what God says; after all
we are told to be followers of Christ as dear children.
Christ condemned the doctrine of the Pharisees because it was of human
origin, they had asked Him why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the
elders? And Jesus answered them in (Matthew 15:3-9) “Why do you also
transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded,
saying, Honor your father and mother; and, He that curses father or mother, let
him die the death. But you say, whosoever shall say to his father or his mother,
it is a gift, by whatsoever you might be profited by me. And honor not his father
or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have you made the commandments of
God of none effect by your tradition. You hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy
of you, saying. This people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me
with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men”.
Doctrinal instruction was given by special teachers (Romans 6:17) “but God be
thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart
that form of doctrine which was delivered you”.
Paul taught that true doctrine is essential for Christian growth (Ephesians 4:11-
15) “He gave some, apostles; and some prophets and some evangelists; and
some pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure
of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That we hereafter be no more children,
tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight
of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But
speaking the truth in love, may grow into Him in all things, which is the head,
even Christ”.
The earliest doctrine of the Christian church declared the following; first, that
Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ (Acts 3:18) “But those things, which God
before had showed by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer,
He has so fulfilled” God sent His Son that the world through Him would be
saved; second, that God has raised Him from the dead (Acts 2:24-25,31--32)
“whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of death; because it was not
possible that He should be holden of it. For David speaks concerning Him, I
foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I
should not be moved. He seeing this before spoke of the resurrection of Christ,
that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus
has God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses”; and third, that salvation was
by faith in His name (Acts 2:38;3:16). The only way that man can approach
God is by faith (Hebrews 11:6) “but without faith, it is impossible to please Him;
for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of
them that diligently seek Him”.
Many people are trying to use their own understanding to come to God, but the
Bible says “for the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but
to us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the
wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world?
has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the
wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God, by the
foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a
sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified, to the
Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness. But to them which are
called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of
God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of
God is stronger than men. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world
to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to
confound the things which are mighty. And base things of the world, and things
which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to
nought things that are. That no flesh should glory in His presence” (I
Corinthians 1:18-29); and in I Corinthians 2:14 it says “But the natural man
receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;
neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned”. The Bible
tells us many times to “walk by faith and not by sight”; and remember that faith
is believing and acting upon the word of God. These three truths were
presented as a clear fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament.
Biblical doctrines are to be passed on from believer to believer; Paul tells
Timothy “you therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same
commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also”. If the body
of Christ were to consistently follow this advice, the church would expand as
well-taught believers, who would teach others and commission them, in turn, to
teach still others. Disciples need to be equipped to pass on their faith; our work
is not done until new believers are able to make disciples of others.
Paul tells Timothy “hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of
me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was
committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit which dwells in us” (II Timothy 1:13-
14). Timothy was in a time of transition, he had been Paul’s bright young
helper; soon he would be on his own as leader of a church in a difficult
environment. Although his responsibilities were changing, Timothy was not
without help. He had everything he needed to face the future if he would hold
on tightly to the word of God. when you are facing difficult transitions, it is good
to follow Paul’s advice to Timothy.
Even in Paul’s day, there were ideas that sounded attractive to many and they
could easily seduce a church member that didn’t know Christian doctrine well.
Similar teachings still pose significant problems for many in the church today.
Paul warns of false doctrine which can destroy people (II Timothy 4:2-5) “preach
the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the
truth, and shall be turned to fables. But watch you in all things, endure
afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry”.
We have to spend much time in God’s word, reading it regularly to discover God’
s truth and to become confident in your life and faith. We have to develop a
plan for reading the whole Bible, not just the familiar passages (Proverbs 4:1-2,
20-23) “hear, you children, the instruction of a father; and attend to know
understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake you not my law. My son,
attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from
your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those that
find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence; for out
of it are the issues of life”.
John warns in II John 9-10 “whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the
doctrine of Christ, has not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has
both the Father and the Son. If there come any to you, and bring not this
doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed”.
Study by: Harriet Bond
Date: August 10, 2010
Doctrine is the teaching of. Christian doctrine comes from the Bible (II Timothy
3:10-17) Paul tells Timothy “you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of
life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance. Persecutions, afflictions,
which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecution I
endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to
live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But, evil men and impostors
will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must
continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing
from whom you have learned them. And that from childhood you have known
the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise, for salvation through faith
which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
every good work”.
Doctrine is not our opinion of things; it is basing our lives on the word of God.
The written word, the Bible was given to us from God. God the Holy Spirit is the
Author of the Scriptures; therefore they are inerrant (II Peter 1:21) “For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as
they were moved by the Holy Spirit”.
The whole Bible is God’s inspire word, it is inspired and trustworthy, we should
read it and apply it to our life. The Bible is our standard for testing everything
else that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teaching and our
source of guidance for how we should live. It is our only source of knowledge
about how we can be saved. God wants to show you what is true and equip
you to live for Him. Jesus said “If you continue in My word, then are you My
disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you
free”.
The living word, Jesus Christ the Son of God, and God the Son. “In the
beginning was the word (Jesus Christ), and the word was with God, and the
word was God” (John 1:1). The word did not have a beginning because He is
“the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8-9).
Jesus taught good doctrine, He only spoke what He heard the Father say (John
7:16-18) “Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His that
sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be
of God, or whether I peak of Myself. He that speaks of himself seeks his own
glory, but he that seeks His glory that sent Him, the same is true and no
unrighteousness is in him”. Let us practice speaking what God says; after all
we are told to be followers of Christ as dear children.
Christ condemned the doctrine of the Pharisees because it was of human
origin, they had asked Him why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the
elders? And Jesus answered them in (Matthew 15:3-9) “Why do you also
transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded,
saying, Honor your father and mother; and, He that curses father or mother, let
him die the death. But you say, whosoever shall say to his father or his mother,
it is a gift, by whatsoever you might be profited by me. And honor not his father
or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have you made the commandments of
God of none effect by your tradition. You hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy
of you, saying. This people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me
with their lips; but their heart is far from Me. But in vain they do worship Me
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men”.
Doctrinal instruction was given by special teachers (Romans 6:17) “but God be
thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart
that form of doctrine which was delivered you”.
Paul taught that true doctrine is essential for Christian growth (Ephesians 4:11-
15) “He gave some, apostles; and some prophets and some evangelists; and
some pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. Till we all come in the unity of the
faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure
of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That we hereafter be no more children,
tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight
of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. But
speaking the truth in love, may grow into Him in all things, which is the head,
even Christ”.
The earliest doctrine of the Christian church declared the following; first, that
Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ (Acts 3:18) “But those things, which God
before had showed by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer,
He has so fulfilled” God sent His Son that the world through Him would be
saved; second, that God has raised Him from the dead (Acts 2:24-25,31--32)
“whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of death; because it was not
possible that He should be holden of it. For David speaks concerning Him, I
foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I
should not be moved. He seeing this before spoke of the resurrection of Christ,
that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption. This Jesus
has God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses”; and third, that salvation was
by faith in His name (Acts 2:38;3:16). The only way that man can approach
God is by faith (Hebrews 11:6) “but without faith, it is impossible to please Him;
for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of
them that diligently seek Him”.
Many people are trying to use their own understanding to come to God, but the
Bible says “for the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but
to us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the
wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world?
has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the
wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God, by the
foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a
sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified, to the
Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness. But to them which are
called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of
God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of
God is stronger than men. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world
to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to
confound the things which are mighty. And base things of the world, and things
which are despised, has God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to
nought things that are. That no flesh should glory in His presence” (I
Corinthians 1:18-29); and in I Corinthians 2:14 it says “But the natural man
receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him;
neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned”. The Bible
tells us many times to “walk by faith and not by sight”; and remember that faith
is believing and acting upon the word of God. These three truths were
presented as a clear fulfillment of the promises of the Old Testament.
Biblical doctrines are to be passed on from believer to believer; Paul tells
Timothy “you therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
And the things that you have heard of me among many witnesses, the same
commit you to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also”. If the body
of Christ were to consistently follow this advice, the church would expand as
well-taught believers, who would teach others and commission them, in turn, to
teach still others. Disciples need to be equipped to pass on their faith; our work
is not done until new believers are able to make disciples of others.
Paul tells Timothy “hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of
me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was
committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit which dwells in us” (II Timothy 1:13-
14). Timothy was in a time of transition, he had been Paul’s bright young
helper; soon he would be on his own as leader of a church in a difficult
environment. Although his responsibilities were changing, Timothy was not
without help. He had everything he needed to face the future if he would hold
on tightly to the word of God. when you are facing difficult transitions, it is good
to follow Paul’s advice to Timothy.
Even in Paul’s day, there were ideas that sounded attractive to many and they
could easily seduce a church member that didn’t know Christian doctrine well.
Similar teachings still pose significant problems for many in the church today.
Paul warns of false doctrine which can destroy people (II Timothy 4:2-5) “preach
the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears. And they shall turn away their ears from the
truth, and shall be turned to fables. But watch you in all things, endure
afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry”.
We have to spend much time in God’s word, reading it regularly to discover God’
s truth and to become confident in your life and faith. We have to develop a
plan for reading the whole Bible, not just the familiar passages (Proverbs 4:1-2,
20-23) “hear, you children, the instruction of a father; and attend to know
understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake you not my law. My son,
attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from
your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. For they are life to those that
find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence; for out
of it are the issues of life”.
John warns in II John 9-10 “whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the
doctrine of Christ, has not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has
both the Father and the Son. If there come any to you, and bring not this
doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed”.
Study by: Harriet Bond
Date: August 10, 2010
