By Dan Jenkins
The disdain some have for doctrine in our day stands in marked contrast to the way the Holy Spirit exalts it. Instead of having little regard for doctrine, the early church proclaimed it. Do not lose sight of the charge brought against the apostles, “You have filled Jerusalem with this doctrine” (Acts 5:28).
The Holy Spirit Commands Preaching Doctrine What does God want to be the nature of preaching in the kingdom? When Paul wrote young Timothy he answers this question. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” (2 Tim. 4:2-3). Any teaching that does not involve doctrine is seen by God as a departure from sound doctrine.
Without Doctrine Teaching Is Incomplete Look at the verse immediately preceding the instructions to preach the word. In the Old Testament, the phrase “the man of God” was used to refer specifically to the prophets, who were the men of God. This phrase is part of Paul’s instruction to Timothy. He affirms that all Scripture comes by the inspiration of God and then lists what this inspiration gives. The Scripture is “…profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God man be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). If the man of God ignores the doctrine found in the Bible, he is imperfect, and he will never equip those who hear him for every good work.
Doctrine Nourishes the Christian Listen to Paul’s words again. “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed” (1 Tim. 4:6). Instead of doctrine being detrimental to spirituality, it nourishes!
Other Words About Doctrine The Bible exalts doctrine. Doctrine is part of exhortation and conviction (Titus 1:9). We are to continue in doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16). We are to carefully follow doctrine (2 Tim. 3:10). Ignoring doctrine results in disputes, arguments, strife and wranglings (1 Tim. 6:3-4). There is so much more which could be added to this.
The next time you hear anyone talk about focusing only on the positives aspects of Christianity and ignoring the rest, you should be aware of what he has done. He has ignored sound teaching, departed from the faith, and kept others from God’s way of nourishing us to spiritual perfection.