“Then we will no longer be little children, tossed by the waves and blown around by every wind of teaching (doctrine), by human cunning and cleverness in the techniques of deceit. But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into him who is the head – Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15 (CSB)
Doctrine Vs Theology
Doctrine – Teaching or Instruction
Biblical Doctrine – All that the bible teaches or instructs on a particular subject
Theology – The study of God, religious doctrine or matters of divinity. One’s theology can be a collection of doctrine.
What is the basic purpose of all doctrinal study?
“Many have undertaken to compile a narrative about the events that have been fulfilled among us…so that you may know the certainty of the things about which you have been instructed.” Luke 1:1,4 (CSB)
To equip the believer to do good works. II Timothy 3: 16, 17
16 All Scripture is inspired by God (God-breathed) and is
profitable (useful/beneficial) for teaching,
for rebuking (describes the inward & outward experience of acknowledging our sin/leads to repentance),
for correcting (“to set up straight again”),
for training in righteousness,
17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
To prepare the believer to war an effective warfare against Satan. Luke 4, Ephesians 6:17
Luke 4 - Satan tempted Jesus:
(natural things that satisfy) If you are the son of God, tell this stone to become bread…It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God (Deut 8:3)
(recognition & power) If you worship me I’ll give you the splendor and all authority of the kingdom of the world…It is written worship the Lord your God, and serve him only (Deut 6:13)
(identity) If you are the son of God, throw yourself down from here for it is written, He will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you…”…It is said: Do not test the Lord your God (Deut 6:16)
Eph 6:17 the sword of the Spirit – which is the word of God
To ground our faith firmly on the Word of Truth. Colossians 2:7
7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.
To enable the believer to properly express love to the Lord and His people. I Timothy 1:5, I Peter 1:22
5 Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.
22 Since you have purified yourselves by your obedience to the truth,[a]so that you show sincere brotherly love for each other, from a pure[b]heart love one another constantly,[c]
To instruct the believer as to how to properly function in the House of the Lord. I Timothy 3:14,15
Why is it important for every believer to have a good biblical foundation?
“Pay close attention to your life and your teaching; persevere in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers” I Timothy 4:16 (CSB)
Because the last days will be characterized by deception. This is very apparent in our day with the rise of various cults and the infiltration of secular, humanistic philosophies. Matthew 24: 4,5
Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am the Messiah,” and will deceive many.
Because every believer is to teach and instruct others to observe the commandments of the Lord. Matthew 28:19, 20
19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of[a] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,[b] I am with you always,[c] to the end of the age.”
Because all believers should be able to give an answer when questioned concerning the hope that they have in Christ. I Peter 3:15
15 but in your hearts regard[a] Christ[b] the Lord as holy, ready at any time to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.
Because what we believe will affect our destiny. John 14:6, II Peter 1:8-11, II Timothy 3:15
6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
What are the requirements for doctrine?
Doctrine must be sound (free from mixture of option or error). I Timothy 1:10, II Timothy 4:3, 4, Titus 2:1
9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,10 for the sexually immoral and homosexuals, for slave traders, liars, perjurers (false swearing/taking an oath to what is untrue), and for whatever else is contrary to the sound teaching
3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. 4 They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.
But you are to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching.
Doctrine must be pure. Titus 2:7-8
7 in everything. Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity[a] in your teaching. 8 Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us.
Doctrine must be based on scripture. II Timothy 3:14-17
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, 15 and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God[a] and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Doctrine must be mixed with faith. I Thessalonians 2:13, Hebrews 4:2
13 And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.
2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.[a]
Doctrine must be practiced. Romans 6:17 , Luke 11:28
17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.
28 He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
Psalm 19:7-11
“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever: The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: And in keeping of them there is great reward!