Unto Them Were Committed the Oracles of God - Part 951

"If any man speak, [let him] speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, [let him] do [it] as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 4:11)

"For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God and wasted it -- and having profited in the Jews religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being "more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers" ... BUT when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me that I might preach [Jesus] among the heathen, IMMEDIATELY I conferred not with flesh and blood." (Galatians 1:12-16)

For those who may not know, Paul -- who was formerly Saul -- has become "a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ -- according to the faith of God's elect AND the acknowledging of the truth (which is after godliness) -- in hope of eternal life which God that cannot lie (promised before the world began); but has in due times manifested His Word through preaching; which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour." (Titus 1:1-3)

Herein, Paul is writing to Titus and instructing him to set in order the things that are wanting, including ordaining elders in every city -- according to sound doctrine. Catch that? "According to "sound" doctrine." As Peter, standing with the eleven instructed new believers on the day of Pentecost -- that is, remaining "steadfast in the apostles' doctrine" and fellowship. (Acts 2:42) 

The question however is this. If a study of doctrines is not a part of the original salvation message, how do believers ever get to the meat whereby our senses can be exercised to discern the difference between good and evil? How do we go on unto perfection?

"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 [or she] is a babe. But strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, [even] 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 on 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; Hebrews 6:1-2)

Contemplate on these spiritual matters this day that the Lord hath made, and tomorrow, we will pursue the principles of the doctrine of Christ and the oracles of God in much detail. In the interim, be blessed! Stand in the offering plate.