Jesus instructs us to study His Word to "show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth". (II Timothy 2:15) Indeed, as we know, "all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (I Timothy 3:16)
Similarly, Jesus said, "If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of Myself." (John 7:17)
In fact, Jesus showed us by example. "And they were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as one that had authority and not as the scribes." (Mark 1:22) In another incident, "they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying: "What thing is this? What new doctrine this? For with authority commands He, even the unclean spirits, and they do obey Him." (Mark 1:27)
Many times, this knowledge of the doctrines created such a division that when the scribes and chief priests heard Him speak, they sought how they might destroy Him (because they feared Him). (Mark 11:18)
Sadly, a pursuit of doctrine that aligns with His Word is rarely found within the body of Christ. Today, many of the preachers and teachers within religious circles discount "doctrine(s)" stating that these are no longer necessary. Others suggest that doctrine(s) only cause division within the church, so beyond a posted statement of faith on behalf of a religious organization, doctrine is rarely discussed.
But what does the Word say?
But what does the Word say?
First, we are praised -- "If [we] 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 hast attained." (I Timothy 4:6)
Second, we are to thank our Lord God and Saviour that once "ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." (Romans 6:17)
Third, we are to include doctrine in our preaching and teaching so that believers around us can profit. "Now brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you? Except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?" (I Corinthians 14:6)
Fourth, doctrine has a distinguished place when believers meet. "How is it then brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying." (I Corinthians 14:24)
Fifth, from this point forward, we are to be learned so that we "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 will lie in wait to deceive." (Ephesians 4:14)
Sixth, we are instructed to "speak thou the things which become sound doctrine ... in all things showing thyself a pattern of good works, in doctrine uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned." (Titus 2:1-8)
Seventh, "whatsoever we do in word or deed, we are to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17)
And even, "though [we] have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus" Paul wrote, "I have begotten you through the gospel, wherefore, I beseech you -- [who said,] be ye followers of Me." (I Corinthians 4:15)
One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One God and Father of all, who above all, and through all, and in you all -- but unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Ephesians 4:4-7)
And then just when we think we fully understand doctrine and are moving on to the meat of the scriptures, note what the Word states in Hebrews. We need to be truly humbled with the following scripture being a wake-up call to all those who believe in Jesus.
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat ... for every one that uses milk is unskilful in the Word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age -- those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go unto perfection: not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement." (Hebrews 5:12-14; 6:1-2)
Therefore, before we can even begin to mature in our relationship with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, we need to know what the Word instructs concerning repentance from dead works, faith toward God, the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgement. Only then can we begin to move forward to perfection and strong meat.
Did you catch that? In today's religious culture, we have only begun to skim the surface of all the good things that our Lord and Saviour has intended for us, because we have not pursued with diligence an understanding of the most very basic doctrines and oracles of God.
How does the Word put it? The Word says that we are in need of teachers again.
But we do not have to wander in darkness. Read His Word today. Study to show thyself approved, as a workman does. "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) It is within this context that our Christian faith journey takes hold, so that we can become skilfull in the Word of righteousness.
Stand in the offering plate.
Fifth, from this point forward, we are to be learned so that we "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 will lie in wait to deceive." (Ephesians 4:14)
Sixth, we are instructed to "speak thou the things which become sound doctrine ... in all things showing thyself a pattern of good works, in doctrine uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned." (Titus 2:1-8)
Seventh, "whatsoever we do in word or deed, we are to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17)
And even, "though [we] have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus" Paul wrote, "I have begotten you through the gospel, wherefore, I beseech you -- [who said,] be ye followers of Me." (I Corinthians 4:15)
One Lord, one faith, one baptism. One body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One God and Father of all, who above all, and through all, and in you all -- but unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. (Ephesians 4:4-7)
And then just when we think we fully understand doctrine and are moving on to the meat of the scriptures, note what the Word states in Hebrews. We need to be truly humbled with the following scripture being a wake-up call to all those who believe in Jesus.
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat ... for every one that uses milk is unskilful in the Word of righteousness; for he is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age -- those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go unto perfection: not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement." (Hebrews 5:12-14; 6:1-2)
Therefore, before we can even begin to mature in our relationship with our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, we need to know what the Word instructs concerning repentance from dead works, faith toward God, the doctrine of baptisms, laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgement. Only then can we begin to move forward to perfection and strong meat.
Did you catch that? In today's religious culture, we have only begun to skim the surface of all the good things that our Lord and Saviour has intended for us, because we have not pursued with diligence an understanding of the most very basic doctrines and oracles of God.
How does the Word put it? The Word says that we are in need of teachers again.
But we do not have to wander in darkness. Read His Word today. Study to show thyself approved, as a workman does. "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) It is within this context that our Christian faith journey takes hold, so that we can become skilfull in the Word of righteousness.
Stand in the offering plate.
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