Presented, May 4, 2008 pm
SOUND DOCTRINE
One of the common teachings we hear from those we engage in spiritual conversations with is, “It doesn’t really matter what we believe as long as we are sincere.” While many hinge unity on a few key, “core beliefs” they deny the importance of unity in doctrine. So I ask, IS DOCTRINE IMPORTANT? Tonight I would like to take a few moments to answer that question.
I. I. What is Doctrine?
a. The term doctrine in the Greek language meant simply, teaching or instruction.
We have come to define the word as, “a particular principle, position or policy taught or advocated, as of a religion or government.” (Random House Dictionary).
In the Bible the term is used to identify specific teachings or the system of teachings held by a particular group. For example we read of the “doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees” in Matthew 16:12 (KJV, NKJV. NASU, ASV use the word teachings).
Acts 2:42 speaks of the Apostles’ doctrine
Ephesians 4:14 speaks of some being carried about by “every wind of doctrine” – every different teaching out there. Whatever is new.b. Sound doctrine is a term only used four times in the New Testament in Timothy and Titus. It has reference to doctrine that is the truth. It is sound because it is based upon the idea of being healthy.
The Exegetical Dictionary of the NT says of sound doctrine, “Christian teaching is thus characterized as correct or reliable in contrast to false teachings, which deviate from received doctrine.”
1 Timothy 1:10 – it is contrasted with anything contrary to truth. Several ungodly behaviors are mentioned.
2 Timothy 4:3 – The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine
Titus 1:9 – elders, are to be able “by sound doctrine both to exhort and contradict and convict those who contradict.”
Titus 2:1 – Titus was to speak things “which are proper for sound doctrine.”
Understanding what sound doctrine is, this leads to our question: “Is doctrine important?” Or is it acceptable to believe whatever we want to believe? Let us notice 3 reasons WHY sound doctrine is important.
II. II. Doctrine is Essential
a. Consider the source of sound doctrine: Originates with God.
i. 2 John 9 speaks of abiding in the doctrine of Christ. It notes that if one does NOT abide in the doctrine of Christ he does NOT have God.
ii. John 7:16-17 – true doctrine originates with God and Christ.
iii. Titus 2:10 – we are to adorn the doctrine of God in all things.
iv. John 14:25-26, (16:13) – the Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth.
v. The apostles delivered this message to us – Acts 2:42 – called, “the apostles doctrine.”
Galatians 1:12 – it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.b. Consider how TRUE doctrine is described:
i. Sound (healthy)
ii. Faithful words – Titus 1:9 with faithful words one has sound doctrine
iii. Nourished and good – 1 Timothy 4:6
iv. It accords with godliness – 1 Timothy 6:3
v. It saves – 1 Tim. 4:16 – when we continue in it.
c. Consider how we are to respond to sound doctrine
i. Romans 6:17-18 – we are to obey it from our hearts
ii. 1 Timothy 4:13 – we are to give attention to it
iii. 1 Timothy 4:16 – we are to continue in it
iv. 2 Timothy 3:10 – like Timothy we are to carefully follow after those whose examples teach and apply sound doctrine
v. 2 Timothy 2:2 – we need to commit it to others (see 2 Tim. 3:10 above).
vi. 1 Thess. 5:21-22 – we are to “test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
vii. We are to speak it – Titus 2:1
III. III. Warnings of false doctrine demonstrate that sound doctrine is important
a. Acts 20:28-32 – Elders were to shepherd the flock from savage wolves who would speak perverse things.
b. Romans 16:17-18 – it is a source of division and selfishness
c. Galatians 1:6-9 – there is only ONE gospel. If someone teaches something different, let him be accursed.
d. Ephesians 4:14 – we can be carried about by “every wind of doctrine” and thereby fail to reach maturity.
e. 1 Timothy 4:1 speaks of the doctrines of demons
f. 1 Timothy 6:3 -5 – we are to withdraw from “anyone who teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words,… and to the doctrine which accords with godliness.” Note how such are “destitute of the truth”
g. 2 Timothy 2:18 – it can “overthrow the faith of some”
h. 2 Peter 2:1-2 – it will bring in destructive heresies and deceive many.
i. 2 John 7-9 – Many deceivers who do not confess Christ and abide in sound doctrine.
IV. IV. Can we Identify Sound Doctrine?
a. John 7:16-17 – Jesus said we could know whether or not doctrine is from God.
b. John 8:31-32 – Jesus said we could know the truth
c. Ephesians 5:17 – we are to understand what the will of the Lord is
d. 1 Timothy 1:3 – Timothy was to “teach no other doctrine”
e. 1 John 1:7 – we are to walk in the light. (2 John 4 speaks of waling in truth)
f. 1 John 4:1 – we are to test the spirits.
g. 2 John 9-10 – we are called upon to reject anyone who does NOT bring the doctrine of Christ.
h. All these verse and many others like them demonstrate an ability to distinguish between truth and error. God expects us know the difference! He expects us to identify sound doctrine.
V. V. How do we identify sound doctrine?
a. Some say, “How do you know what you are learning and teaching is the truth?”
Remember Pilate in John 18:38, “What is truth?”b. Acts 17:11 gives the answer. We need to search the scriptures.
2 Timothy 2:15 – study to present ourselves approved unto God.c. Test what we hear by the word – 1 Thess. 5:21, 1 John 4:1
d. KEEP studying - Hebrews 5:12-14 – the more you study the more you can discern.
e. Apply what you learn. Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good.”
As you apply sound doctrine to your life and see that it can be done and how it makes you what you ought to be – you will better understand it.
And thus we can see the importance of sound doctrine and our need to seek it in our lives. Is your life being governed by the sound doctrine of God’s word?