| Doctrine |
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| Written by Hamp Lee III | |
| Sunday, 18 December 2005 | |
 What is Doctrine?Doctrine is considered to be an instruction or teaching (2 Timothy 2:16-17). Dictionary.com states doctrine to be something taught1. Doctrine can also be associated with someone’s beliefs – their way(s) of relating to the world. Based on our upbringing, Biblical studies, teachers, environment, etc., a doctrine (on many levels) is established. As there are many people in the world, we would discover different doctrines on child rearing, financial stability, peacemaking, and Bible application (to name a few). The Importance of DoctrineIn receiving any instruction, teaching, or doctrine, we must always consider the source from which it comes. If the source is in error, then we will learn the same, and teach it as truth. Then, countless numbers of people will be raised with an inaccurate concept of truth. Therefore, we must ensure that our doctrine comes from God (Exodus 24:12; John 7:16-18). Receiving our doctrine from God allows us to establish right teachings based on the foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). Having the right doctrine will:
As a part of correctly handing God’s Word, we must ensure that our teachings will not be slandered through our actions. Unbelievers and believers alike need to ‘see’ a sermon as well as hear one. We must all see the light (eternal life through Jesus Christ – John 1:1-13, 5:19-30) that has been placed within us so that we (and others) may bring glory to our Father in Heaven and add to His glorious Kingdom (Matthew 5:14-16; Acts 13:12). The Problems with DoctrineOne of the biggest problems with doctrine is that Christians do not to exercise sound biblical doctrine as the sustenance for living a godly lifestyle or teaching the body of Christ. It is plainly not used as the principle agent for correction, instruction, rebuking, or training in righteousness – in a manner that thoroughly equips believers for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Much of this has to do with the manner in which we interpret and assert the Word of God in our lives. The personal ‘doctrines’ formed from our upbringing, level of education, profession, financial status, personal and professional relationships, etc. often play a significant role in our understanding, application, and teaching of the Word of God. We use our personal doctrine in every facet of our lives to understand the world and the situations we face from our own vantage point. Yet, without complete dependence and obedience to the Holy Spirit, our personal ‘doctrines’ can skew our interpretations of the foundational teachings outlined within the Bible. Another problem with doctrine comes when people use God’s Word as a means to accomplish their own purposes. The personal agendas and doctrines of humanity have stolen the truth and power of the Word of God amongst the fellowship of believers. In some cases, outright lies are shared, preached, and taught – disguised as ‘Truth.’ These problems can be attributed to those that:
Though there are many reasons listed above, these stem from the personal (flesh) desires of man (mankind, men and women). It is man’s unwillingness to seek after, follow, and obey God and His Word that dilute the power to transform us into the likeness of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). We have been given the responsibility to continue the message and purpose of Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:1114; Luke 14:23; John 3:17, 4:34-38; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:4-10, 3:10-12; 1 Timothy 2:1-4). As keepers of the awesome power from God, we must ‘die’ for Jesus’ sake so that His life may be revealed in our mortal bodies (2 Corinthians 4:1-12). Our Responsibility to DoctrineEach believer has a responsibility to incorporate sound doctrine into their lives. Sound doctrine should be at the forefront of the Christian life. Our doctrine is used for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and without it, we find ourselves prey to Satan, the lust of our flesh, and those that are false and are not concerned with following the will of our Lord (John 7:16-18). Our responsibility to sound doctrine first begins with learning sound doctrine, then living sound doctrine, and finally teaching sound doctrine to others. Learning Sound DoctrineIn order to learn sound doctrine, there are essentially three areas which the disciple must have in their life: read/study/meditate on the Word of God; private fellowship; and public fellowship. 1. Read/Study/Meditate on the Word of God. (Joshua 1:8; Ezra 7:10; Nehemiah 1:8-9; Job 23:12; Psalm 1:1-3, 19:14, 104:34, 119:11, 15, 23, 48, 54, 78, 81, 93, 97-100, 111-112, 144, 148, 152; Proverbs 2:1-6, 3:1-2, 13:13, 15:28, 19:27, 23:12, 19; Matthew 12:1-8, 24:3-25; Mark 13:5-22; Luke 11:28; John 7:16-18, 8:31-32; Romans 15:4; Acts 17:11; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Ephesians 4:22-25; Colossians 2:1-8; 3:1-17; 1 Timothy 4:3, 16; 2 Timothy 2:7, 15-17, 3:15-17; James 1:22-25; Jude 1:20; Revelation 1:3) Reading, studying, and meditating is the key to our growth in the Lord. All disciples must learn the Word of God for themselves. As we approach the process of reading, studying, and meditating, we must have the Holy Spirit within us. Without the Holy Spirit, we would be unable to read, study, or meditate on the Word of God with absolute clarity and proper context (Nehemiah 9:20a (see ch. 9 for context); Psalm 143:10; 2 Corinthians 2:14). He illuminates the truth of the Word of God and counsels us according to the Word which comes from God (John 16:13). In addition, we must also seek the Lord in matters where we may lack wisdom in our reading, studying, and meditating (James 1:5-8). We must strive to depend upon the Holy Spirit and not upon our own understanding (Proverbs 3:3-5). When we spend time reading, studying, and meditating, our minds can be renewed beyond the corruption from the world (Proverbs 15:28, 16:23; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 5:16-17; Ephesians 4:22-25; Colossians 3:1-2; 1 Peter 1:13-15). Without a renewed mind in the things of God, our thoughts will continually return to the old nature, which can control our words, actions, destiny, and possibly our eternal position (Proverbs 17:20, 22:17-21; Romans 13:13-14; Titus 1:15). Reading assists disciples in learning the meaning, truth, and power of God’s Word. Reading should not be accompanied without study and meditation. With reading alone (void of study and meditation), disciples run the risk of forgetting what they read and turning to the only thing they know – the sinful nature (James 1:22-25). Studying God’s Word is more time-consuming and in-depth than reading, but it offers greater clarity to God’s Word; empowers the disciple to regurgitate what is learned, in word and deed; and shows God we can rightly divide the Word of Truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Meditation allows the disciple to continually set their mind (thinking) on what they read and study. Meditation causes a confrontation of the rooted behaviors of the sinful nature and provides an opportunity for total transformation (Joshua 1:8; Romans 12:2). The next two items, personal and public fellowship, show how the disciple is aided in their quest for sound doctrine. These levels of fellowship provides avenues for asking questions and learning, encourages them to thirst for God’s Word, and help solidify the Word of God within them (John 3:1-8; Acts 2:42-43). 2. Personal fellowship. (Psalm 101:6; Proverbs 13:14, 22:17-21, 27:9-10, 28:7; Luke 6:39-40; John 3:1-8; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 1:13; Titus 1:6-9)Personal fellowship allows for more intimate periods of reading, studying, and meditating upon God’s Word with small groups of disciples – of like minds and purpose. This may include one, two, or a small group of disciples where the sharing of God’s Word may be unhindered by personal inhibitions. These settings create the perfect atmosphere to help you resolve unanswered issues, expound on biblical subjects, and expand your understanding of the Word of God. 3. Public Fellowship. (Psalm 122:1; Proverbs 13:14, 22:17-21; Luke 6:39-40; Acts 2:41-47; Romans 14:19; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Ephesians 2:21, 4:11-16; Hebrews 10:24-25) Public fellowship encompasses the gathering of larger bodies of disciples with like minds and purposes (Acts 2:41-47). These gatherings may include church services, conferences, retreats, and meetings that create a corporate learning environment. Pubic fellowships may not always allow for feedback and two-way interaction, but they still may address unresolved questions, expound on biblical subjects, and help disciples to grow in the Word of God. Living Sound DoctrinePsalm 19:14, 119:19, 25-37, 81, 93, 97-100, 105, 111-112, 127-128, 140; Proverbs 2:1-6, 13:13, 16:20, 19:27, 30:5-6; Matthew 12:1-8; Luke 11:28; John 8:31-32, 16:13-14; Acts 17:11; Colossians 3:1-17; 1 Timothy 4:6, 16; Titus 1:6-9; James 1:22-25; Hebrews 1:1-2, 10:24; 1 Peter 1:13-15; 2 Peter 1:21; Revelation 1:3 Living sound doctrine goes beyond learning or speaking sound doctrine – it is the application of learning sound doctrine. Living sound doctrine begins with the renewed mind that has been reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God (Romans 12:2). As the mind is being renewed, it must be prepared for action (1 Peter 1:13-16). With each circumstance, situation, and decision, the disciple stands at the ‘fork’ in the road of their lives as to which path they will take (Joshua 24:14-15; Psalms 25:9; Proverbs 3:5-6, 4:26, 14:15, 16:25, 27:12). Satan and the flesh and will stand in the way of the disciple walking in the Spirit. The disciple will have to choose to follow after the Spirit, even though Satan and the flesh will tempt them to do otherwise – in their mind and body (Romans 7:7-8:17; Galatians 5:16-25). Much of this ‘battle’ will take place in the mind, though the body can react to the thoughts taking place (i.e. – becoming aroused by thinking about lustful thoughts). If Satan or the flesh can control your mind, they can control your actions. As disciples begin to overcome the temptations of Satan and the flesh, the disciple will:
Our actions play a vital role in determining our eternal destiny (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 16:27; 1 Peter 1:17-19; Revelation 20:12). It is not enough to know about the Bible. We must also do what the Bible instructs (James 1:22-25). Following the Word of God will save ourselves and ultimately those that hear us (in word and deed) by our presentation of the Gospel (1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 2:9-11). Throughout the course of our lives, we must stay with sound teaching (Proverbs 13:16:20, 19:27). Our Biblical studies and fellowships help keep us connected to the Word of God and encouraged to maintain our focus on the prize which lies before each of us. More importantly, we must be able to consistently encourage ourselves in the Lord to stay the course of righteousness and live according to the will of God – in spite of our trials and circumstances (1 Samuel 30:1-20). The decision to live by sound doctrine is not a one-time event. Each situation we face encompass a series of choices that must be made (in thought, word, motive, and deed) to follow the righteous patterns outlined in the Bible and through the voice of the Holy Spirit. Our walking in the truth of the Word of God sets us free and affords us the ability to do the same for others (John 8:31-32). Teaching Sound DoctrineJoshua 8:34-35; Ezra7:10; Nehemiah 8:8; Psalm 78:1-8; Proverbs 13:14, 15:28, 30:5-6; Jeremiah 26:2; Mark 4:2-12, 6:34; Luke 6:39-40; John 3:1-8, 10:11-16; Acts 20:32; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ; Ephesians 4:11-16; 1 Timothy 4:6, 11, 13, 16; Titus 1:9, 2:1; Hebrews 10:24; Jude 1:20-23 In living sound doctrine, we will become a walking Bible for others to learn from. An outward confession of an inward change will be one of the greatest teachers in the promotion of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Disciples transition from practicing what they preach to teaching what they practice – in word and deed. Regardless of the position a disciple is called by God to fulfill, all disciples are ‘teachers’ of the Gospel. We teach others through our words, actions, and deeds. This is how the world identifies us as disciples of Jesus Christ (John 13:34-35). If you proclaim to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, but your words and actions do not line up, your association with Jesus Christ will be viewed as a farce (1 Corinthians 6:3). Teaching sound doctrine combines the elements of learning and living sound doctrine. All three are needed in order to help the disciple in fulfilling their purpose and commission on earth (Matthew 5:14-16, 28:18-20; John 4:34, 17:4; Titus 2). Teaching sound doctrine involves:
Demonstration involves living sound doctrine and using visual stimuli to simplify or clarify the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The most important aspect of demonstration is your life example – actions do speak louder than words. Your actions will solidify your message, glorify God, and cause others to praise and seek Him...or the exact opposite. Instruction provides the key component of teaching. Instruction is an extension of what is studied and learned by the disciple. If we attempt to instruct what is not first studied and lived, the imbalance may cause others to stumble (Malachi 2:1-9; 1 Corinthians 6:3; 1 John 2:10-11). Without keeping sound doctrine ourselves, we risk being deceived, being swayed by false teachings, religious traditions, and societal influences (Proverbs 10:17; 1 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 2:8; James 1:22). Exposing truth dismisses ideals that set themselves against the Word of God (2 Corinthians 10:5). The Word of God serves as a teacher, rebuker, corrector, and trainer in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). We use sound doctrine to help dispel negative and false stereotypes, answer questions, erase stigmas, expose motives, ease doubts, and quiet fears. The Word of God confronts each of our personal beliefs and challenges them against the Holy Scriptures. It is an exposing agent (of the disciple and others) that reveals our true nature before a Holy God (Proverbs 16:2; Hebrews 4:12). It sheds light upon the truth that makes men free (John 8:31-32, 14:6). ConclusionHaving sound doctrine should be an integral part of a disciple’s life. The problems of sound doctrine will continue to grow in the coming years and it is for us to continue in the teachings of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:13-15; 2 John 1:8-11). Our devotion must lie firmly on Christ and not on tradition (worldly or religious) or the message of false teachers and prophets that distort the Gospel for personal gain (Ezra 7:10; John 7:16-18; 2 Timothy 6:3-5). Sound doctrine must be kept within our mind, heart, and mouth. Use sound doctrine to save and encourage yourself and others (1 Timothy 4:16; Titus 1:9). Refute those who speak falsely and make the Gospel of Jesus Christ attractive and receptive to those in our workplace, home, church, and abroad (Titus 2:9-10; Matthew 28:18-20). God bless, FOOTNOTE |