WHY DOCTRINE IS SO IMPORTANT Doctrine Is the Foundation of the Christian Life Prepared by Dr. Ed Watke Jr. 1. Christ put great emphasis on doctrine: He taught the people by doctrine, can we do less? It is clear that doctrine was not unimportant to Christ, as some want to claim today. In fact the more people depart from Scripture, the more they dislike hearing doctrine as it might be taught in the printed page or preached from the pulpit. Here are references about Christ’s doctrine... or teaching to the people then and it relates to us today. Matt. 7:28 “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:” Matt. 16:12 “Then understood they how he bade (them) not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” Matt 22:33 “And when the multitude heard (this) they were astonished at his doctrine.” Mark 1:27 “And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying What thing is this? What new doctrine is this for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.” Mark 4:2 “And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine....” Mark 11:18 “And the Scribes and chief priests heard (it), and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.” Luke 4:32 “And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.” (Consider also Mark 12:38; John 7:16-17; and John 18:19.) 2. The early church put a great emphasis upon doctrine: As the Holy Spirit directed the early church, and raised up apostles (those who had seen the Lord), He also raised up those who, as holy men of God, were used to write the Scriptures. Often, they wrote about the importance of pure doctrine. There was direction about Biblical doctrine as the standard of truth and the foundation for life. Acts 4:42 “And they continued steadfastly in he apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and prayers.” Acts 5:28 “Saying, did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” Ephesians 4:14 “That we (henceforth) 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.” I Tim. 6:3 “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, (even) the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness...” Titus 1:9 “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers.” 3. God’s Word gives strong warning about the neglect of embracing Biblical doctrine: If we don’t accept doctrines about Christ, then we have not the Father. Romans 16:17 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” II John 1:9 “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” II John 1:10 “If there came any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into (your) house, neither bid him God speed.” (Consider also Revelation 2:24; 2:14-15; and II Timothy 4:3.) 4. Paul encourages his son, Timothy, about the importance of doctrine. Paul wrote to Titus about the same matter. Paul did not neglect giving sound doctrine. When you consider his manner of life, his zeal, vision, and burden as seen in Acts 20:17-35 then you realize why Biblical doctrine is imperative! I Tim. 4:6 “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the word of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” I Tim. 4:13 “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” I Tim. 4:16 “Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” II Tim. 4:2, 3 “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.” Titus 2:7 “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine (shewing) uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Titus 2:10 “Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” 5. Additional outline study concerning doctrine: a. What God’s Word says about false doctrine: Matt. 15:9 “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matt. 16:12 “Then understood they how that he bade them no beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” Eph. 4:14 “That we (henceforth) 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.” II Thess. 2:11 “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie.” (Read the context for further understanding. I Tim. 4:1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” II Tim. 4:3 “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.” Heb. 13:9 “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”
Posted on: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 01:34:57 +0000