Understanding Doctrine

Have you ever seen a sign in front of a church building that says something like this?

“Doctrine divides, Jesus Unites”

“Love God. Love others. The rest is doctrine.”

Opening Text:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

I. Understanding Doctrine

   A. Definition of Doctrine

      1. Teaching or instruction (Greek words used in New Testament)

      2. Matthew 7:28-29 (doctrine KVJ = teaching NKJV), Titus 2:1, 7, 10

   B. Sources of Doctrine

      1. God (John 7:16)

      2. Christ (John 7:16-17) Authority: Taught with divine power (Matthew 7:28-29) is this the doctrine about Jesus or his teaching

      3. The Apostles (Acts 2:42)

      4. Scripture through the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21)

      5. The inspired Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

    C. Content and Characteristics

       1. Foundation for Christian teaching (Matthew 28:18-20)

       2. Rebuking false teachings (Mark 12:38-40)

       3. Words of eternal life (John 6:66-69)

    D. Importance of Christ’s Doctrine

       1. Abiding in Christ’s doctrine (2 John 1:9-11)

       2. Obedience as evidence of knowing Christ (1 John 2:3-6)

       4. Necessity for salvation (grace, hope, mercy) (Romans 6:17)

       5. Attitude of humble obedience (Luke 17:7-10)

II. The Importance of Sound Doctrine

     A. Role in Christian Unity

        1. One body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God (Ephesians 4:4-6)

        2. Speaking the same thing, avoiding divisions (1 Corinthians 1:10)

     B. Warnings and Exhortations

        1. Avoiding those causing divisions (Romans 16:17-18) Does this sound tolerant to you?

        2. Abiding in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:9-11)

Teaching the wrong doctrine invalidates our worship. In Matthew 15:9 Jesus said, “And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

     C. Relationship to Core Christian Concepts

        1. Grace, love, and resurrection dependent on sound doctrine

III. Confusion in Teaching: Bible Class on Sunday

       1. Example: Instrumental music in worship

       2. Misunderstandings about early church practices

IV. Practicing Biblical Worship

    A. A Cappella Singing in Worship

       1. Scriptural basis (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16-17)

       2. New Testament passages on singing

          – Acts 16:25, Romans 15:9, 1 Corinthians 14:15, Hebrews 2:12, James 5:13

V. Striving for Complete Obedience

   A. Being Ready to Defend Your Hope (1 Peter 3:15)

   B. Pursuing All Biblical Truths

   C. Rejecting Man-Made Creeds and Traditions

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