The Importance of Sound Biblical Doctrine
From The HeartPublish date: 08/17/2014
He who heeds instruction and correction is [not only himself] in the way of life [but also] is a way of life for others. And he who neglects or refuses reproof [not only himself] goes astray [but also] causes to err and is a path toward ruin for others. Proverbs 10:17 AMP
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:28-29 KJV
There are two primary words translated “doctrine” in the New Testament. Didache - which means: instruction (the act or the matter); and Didaskalia – which means: instruction (the function or the information); translated as: doctrine; learning; teaching. The dictionary defines Doctrine as a particular principle, position, or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government; something that is taught; teachings collectively; a body or system of teachings relating to a particular subject.
Our Judeo-Christian doctrine is the collective teachings of the Word of God. They are the guiding principles for every aspect of our lives. The Word of God is the Truth of God - it is not open to individual interpretation. To have correct doctrine is not optional, it is vital. If you are a Christian, and you love Jesus, then you will also love, reverence, and obey His doctrine – His word, teaching, and instructions.
Doctrine comes from God:
Jesus answered them by saying, My teaching is not My own, but His Who sent Me. John 7:16 AMP
Jesus answered, If a person [really] loves Me, he will keep My word [obey My teaching]; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home (abode, special dwelling place) with him. 24 Anyone who does not [really] love Me does not observe and obey My teaching. And the teaching which you hear and heed is not Mine, but [comes] from the Father Who sent Me. John 14:23-24 AMP
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Acts 13:12 KJV
Doctrine comes from the Bible:
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
The Word of God is the source of all our Judeo-Christian doctrine. We don’t have any valid doctrine apart from the Word. From the time we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, we need to begin, and continue, to receive instruction in the Word and doctrine.
We should protect sound doctrine:
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
2 Timothy 1:13-14 NKJV
Leaders in the church must have sound doctrine:
For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, 8 but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:7-9 NKJV
Christians should teach correct beliefs/doctrine:
But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians]. Titus 2:1 AMP
Doctrine helps you recognize false teaching:
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 3-4 NKJV
Do not modify doctrine to match your opinions:
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." 2 Timothy 2:15-19 NKJV
Do not modify your doctrine because of pressure:
Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 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. 2 Timothy 3:12-15 NKJV