Shadrach
Member
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2012
- Messages
- 86
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”
__________
The word “doctrine” simply means teaching. Bible doctrine, therefore, refers to the teaching of the Scriptures, and is intended not only for the discipleship of our minds, but also for the spiritual formation of our hearts and the nurturing of our soul.
Stephen and Michelle were born again believers in Christ. They had recently moved from North Carolina to California and were eager to begin fellowshipping with other believers in the Lord. There was an active church with a growing congregation in their neighborhood. They liked the people, were delighted by the music, and responded positively to the informality of this church. However, as time went on, they both began to feel unsatisfied spiritually. As they analyzed what was bothering them, they finally identified the problem. Although their church had a vigorous outreach program and seemed to be reaching people, it was very weak in teaching basic Bible doctrines. People were left to believe whatever they wanted to believe. Furthermore, the leaders seemed to promote a tolerance of lifestyles that were contrary to biblical standards recorded in God’s Word. When Stephen and Michelle realized this deficiency, they decided to look for another church. Without realizing it, this couple had been caught in a subtle trap facing many believers in Christ today. They weren’t growing spiritually because:
(1) Sound Bible doctrine wasn’t there,
(2) True biblical teachings weren’t being taught, and
(3) The dangers of worldly lifestyles were being minimized and embraced.
Not knowing sound Biblical doctrine, the child of God will be, even when sincere, “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.” The sufficient proof of this is the many well-meaning believers in Christ who are drawn into today’s modern cults and heresies. We live in an hour of tremendous deception within the ranks of Christianity. After all, what we believe about Jesus Christ determines where we will spend eternity. Many believe that a man named Christ walked the earth, but not everyone believes that He is who He says He is (the Way, the Truth, and the Life), and many don’t believe that He (Christ) led a sinless life. Whether we would admit it or not, our doctrinal beliefs will affect how we behave and live in society. My friend, we live in an hour of great doctrinal apostasy and in a day of great personal apostasy. So my brethren, the instructions the apostle Paul gave to Timothy in today’s text is very relevant for each of us today, who are saved by the blood of Christ. Thus, we need to give very careful thought to what we believe and how we live. Sound Bible doctrine and true biblical teaching found in God’s precious Word, is the basis for right living, and will keep us and others from serious error.
__________
Further thoughts:
Since the days of the apostles, Bible-believing individuals have had an emphasis upon sound Bible doctrine. Today sound Bible doctrine is often downplayed in favor of ecumenical unity. The following statement by popular singer Pat Boone, a charismatic, typifies the attitude that is common among ecumenists: “Doctrine divides, experience unites. We don’t all have our doctrine all completely correct, but God doesn’t judge us on our understanding of doctrine.” However, according to the Word of God, sound doctrine is extremely important. Jesus Himself (when speaking about the signs of His return) said "take heed that no man deceive you." The Apostle Paul warned Timothy that the last days would be marked by “seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." He also warned the Thessalonians about a "great falling away" in the last days and that many would "depart from the faith". That's why the apostle Paul told Timothy not only to watch his doctrine but also his life! Peter warned of false teachers who would "promise liberty, but they themselves are the servants of corruption"; and, Jude warned of men ordained for the last days who would creep in and turn the grace of God into lasciviousness. So, my brethren don’t let anyone tell you that doctrine is just for pastors or professors. It’s the responsibility of every believer in Christ to become knowledgeable or skilled in doctrine so that we can “rightly divide” the Word of Truth. My friend, nothing will go further to strengthening the church than to have its members strong in prayer and fortified in sound Bible doctrine! Make a commitment today and every day in reading and understanding the key doctrines of the Bible, God’s breathed Word. I will close with the following Scripture that every believer in Christ should take to heart – 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”. Thus, God’s Word provides the nourishment that every Christian needs to grow, supplying strength from day to day, by teaching what we need to know.
__________
Better to know the truth in God’s Word and take heed than to believe a lie and not care.
__________
The word “doctrine” simply means teaching. Bible doctrine, therefore, refers to the teaching of the Scriptures, and is intended not only for the discipleship of our minds, but also for the spiritual formation of our hearts and the nurturing of our soul.
Stephen and Michelle were born again believers in Christ. They had recently moved from North Carolina to California and were eager to begin fellowshipping with other believers in the Lord. There was an active church with a growing congregation in their neighborhood. They liked the people, were delighted by the music, and responded positively to the informality of this church. However, as time went on, they both began to feel unsatisfied spiritually. As they analyzed what was bothering them, they finally identified the problem. Although their church had a vigorous outreach program and seemed to be reaching people, it was very weak in teaching basic Bible doctrines. People were left to believe whatever they wanted to believe. Furthermore, the leaders seemed to promote a tolerance of lifestyles that were contrary to biblical standards recorded in God’s Word. When Stephen and Michelle realized this deficiency, they decided to look for another church. Without realizing it, this couple had been caught in a subtle trap facing many believers in Christ today. They weren’t growing spiritually because:
(1) Sound Bible doctrine wasn’t there,
(2) True biblical teachings weren’t being taught, and
(3) The dangers of worldly lifestyles were being minimized and embraced.
Not knowing sound Biblical doctrine, the child of God will be, even when sincere, “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.” The sufficient proof of this is the many well-meaning believers in Christ who are drawn into today’s modern cults and heresies. We live in an hour of tremendous deception within the ranks of Christianity. After all, what we believe about Jesus Christ determines where we will spend eternity. Many believe that a man named Christ walked the earth, but not everyone believes that He is who He says He is (the Way, the Truth, and the Life), and many don’t believe that He (Christ) led a sinless life. Whether we would admit it or not, our doctrinal beliefs will affect how we behave and live in society. My friend, we live in an hour of great doctrinal apostasy and in a day of great personal apostasy. So my brethren, the instructions the apostle Paul gave to Timothy in today’s text is very relevant for each of us today, who are saved by the blood of Christ. Thus, we need to give very careful thought to what we believe and how we live. Sound Bible doctrine and true biblical teaching found in God’s precious Word, is the basis for right living, and will keep us and others from serious error.
__________
Further thoughts:
Since the days of the apostles, Bible-believing individuals have had an emphasis upon sound Bible doctrine. Today sound Bible doctrine is often downplayed in favor of ecumenical unity. The following statement by popular singer Pat Boone, a charismatic, typifies the attitude that is common among ecumenists: “Doctrine divides, experience unites. We don’t all have our doctrine all completely correct, but God doesn’t judge us on our understanding of doctrine.” However, according to the Word of God, sound doctrine is extremely important. Jesus Himself (when speaking about the signs of His return) said "take heed that no man deceive you." The Apostle Paul warned Timothy that the last days would be marked by “seducing spirits and doctrines of devils." He also warned the Thessalonians about a "great falling away" in the last days and that many would "depart from the faith". That's why the apostle Paul told Timothy not only to watch his doctrine but also his life! Peter warned of false teachers who would "promise liberty, but they themselves are the servants of corruption"; and, Jude warned of men ordained for the last days who would creep in and turn the grace of God into lasciviousness. So, my brethren don’t let anyone tell you that doctrine is just for pastors or professors. It’s the responsibility of every believer in Christ to become knowledgeable or skilled in doctrine so that we can “rightly divide” the Word of Truth. My friend, nothing will go further to strengthening the church than to have its members strong in prayer and fortified in sound Bible doctrine! Make a commitment today and every day in reading and understanding the key doctrines of the Bible, God’s breathed Word. I will close with the following Scripture that every believer in Christ should take to heart – 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”. Thus, God’s Word provides the nourishment that every Christian needs to grow, supplying strength from day to day, by teaching what we need to know.
__________
Better to know the truth in God’s Word and take heed than to believe a lie and not care.
