In our church small group last night we looked into a study of "Doctrine". We only scratched the surface as we came to this subject right at the end of the evening. I am sure we will have a nice discussion on this on Wednesday but I wanted to see what I could find out today on the matter and post my thoughts. This matter is addressed extensively in the Epistles Paul wrote to Timothy. Paul was so concerned that Timothy only teach sound doctrine that he specifically mentions it in 12 verses.
1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Timothy 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 words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou has attained.
1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Timothy 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.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1 Timothy 6:3-5 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; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
2 Timothy 3:10 But thou has fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 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;
2 John 1:9
Anyone who runs on ahead of God and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine of Christ does have God, he has both the Father and the Son
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
John 7:16-17
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 speak of myself.
Acts 2:42
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
As we see, the topic of "sound doctrine" is very important and mentioned in the Bible often. Look at this passage in Romans:
Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.
As a believing body of Christ, we need to be of one mind on the most basic of doctrines, especially the most important doctrine of all, that being the doctrine concerning salvation. Paul spent nearly the entire Epistle of Galatians addressing those who "cause divisions". The people were trying to corrupt the pure Gospel message and add in the works of the law. The purest Gospel Message is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also you have received, and wherein you stand;
2 By which also you are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless you have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures
If anyone comes into our midst as a church body teaching ANY other form of salvation, they are to be avoided like the H1N1 virus and we are to have nothing to do with them (other than trying to share the true Gospel message with them).
The only way we are going to know who these false teachers are is if we KNOW the true teachings. It is imperative that we spend time daily in the Word of God so that we will be able to discern between a true and a false message.
Then we will not be following Peter, Paul & Mary's song or be like the people the Apostle Paul is describing in 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.
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