Acts 2:42 and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
1 Tim. 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
Jude 1:3 beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
1 Tim. 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in
doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE
I. DEFINITION OF DOCTRINE AND THEOLOGY
Doctrine: Something that is taught, to teach, instruct
Theology: The study of God and of God's relation to the world
II. THEOLOGY HAS DIVISIONS
A. Exegetical Theology - Exegesis means: to lead out, guide out, to draw out. Analytical interpretation of the Scripture concerned with the Biblical languages, Biblical Archeology, Bible introduction and Biblical Hermeneutics – (the study of the methodological principles of interpretation)
B. Historical Theology - Traces bible history, Church History, as well as the history of doctrine
C. Dogmatic Theology - A Study of the dogma a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church
D. Biblical Theology - A study of Truths: as they progress through the Bible. You watch the manner of presentation by the various writers. You determine doctrine by a group of references found at various places, times and circumstances.
E. Systematic Theology - Systematic theology: a branch of theology concerned with summarizing or arranging into topics the doctrinal traditions of a religion (as Christianity) especially with a view to relating the traditions convincingly to the religion's present-day setting
F. Pastoral or Practical Theology - the study of the institutional activities of religion such as preaching, church administration, pastoral care, and Christian education)
III. THE PURPOSE OF DOCTRINE
A. The purpose defined:
Luke 1:1-4 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.
- Many have started but I am finishing
- I have written an orderly or consecutive narrative of those things that have been fulfilled among us
- I have conducted a thorough search using first hand account of eye witnesses as well as information I personally know is true therefore I am confident I have perfect understanding of the whole truth.
- I want you also to have perfect understanding of all you have been taught about what God is doing in these days.
B. The purpose clarified
No man can confine God to specific articles of Faith or Doctrinal Statements. Church history have proven that when man limits his knowledge of God to certain creeds confessions and articles of faith he is hindered when it is time to move on in new revelations of truths.
IV. THE NECESSITY OF DOCTRINE
Today there is a great attack on doctrine. Churches are turning away from following what the Bible says and are preaching philosophies of men, doctrine of devils, politics, ethics, book-sermons, or a social gospel. They have become event oriented; cause motivated, speaker or minister enamored, or building facilities and/or program worshipers. Preaching the Gospel is only and afterthought.
2 Tim. 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
Objection: There is no biblical record of Jesus or of any of the apostles’ formulation or giving any ready-made system of doctrine.
Answer:
Acts 2:42 and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Objection: The church does not need doctrine for doctrine has always been divisive, and this is why there are so many denominations.
Answer: The scripture emphases doctrine. Doctrine existed before the church existed. God originates doctrines not the church. If a person rejects the doctrine of God who causes the division.
Objection: It doesn’t matter what you believe; it only matters who you believe.
Answer: It is impossible to separate Christ from his doctrine. He and his Word are one. One cannot accept Christ and reject what he teaches.
John 7:16-17 Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.
Objection: You can be right in your doctrine and wrong in your spirit and that is not acceptable with God, or you could be wrong in your doctrine and right in your spirit and this is more acceptable with God.
Answer: God’s ideal is to be right in both attitude and doctrine; not one at the expense of the other.
Objection: Doctrine is dry, dull and dead and is useless for us today; we need practical teaching. Or Experienced is more important then doctrine.
Answer: If the presentation is dull and dry it’s the fault of the teacher!! The answer is not to get rid of the doctrine but fire up the teacher.
Answer: Doctrine can and will if followed, lead to life, from theory to practice,from being taught and learned to walking circumspectally .
Paul walked what He preached
2 Tim. 3:10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,
In this generation with no absolutes, it is vital for your generation to know that God does have eternal absolutes. Those absolutes are; God Himself, His Word, His Truth and His Law. These are all ETERNAL absolutes that never change or end.
V. THE CLASSIFICATION DOCTRINE
Doctrine is found from three sources – God, Man, Satan.
Matthew 16:13-23 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" 14So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" 16Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ. 21From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" 23But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
DOCTRINE OF GOD
Plentiful
Deut. 32:2 Let my teaching [doctrine] drop as the rain,
God’s doctrine is good
Proverbs 4:2 for I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.
You will learn and understand
Isaiah 29:24 these also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, and those who complained will learn doctrine."
We must act on God’s Doctrine so the Name of God is not blasphemed.
1 Tim. 6:1 let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.
God’s doctrine is in accord with godliness.
1 Tim. 6:3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,
We must wear the doctrine of our God.
Titus 2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
The Doctrines of Christ
Christ’s doctrine is elementary or where you start. If you don’t start in the lower grades you will never graduate.
Hebrew 6:1 therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles [doctrine] of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,
Jesus’ doctrine is understandable and will astonish you with its truth.
Matthew 7:28 and so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching [doctrine],
He taught them in parables or every day stories so it you have ears to hear you will hear.
Mark 4:2 Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching [doctrine]:
Can’t separate God and his Word; You can’t say one thing and act another.
2 John 1:9 whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.
You can only really fellowship and have relationship with those who are walking with God. Jesus’ doctrine is really from his Father.
2 John 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;
John 7:16 Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me.
John 7:17 If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.
The Doctrines of the Apostles
Acts 2:42 and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
Hebrews 6:1-2 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, 2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
The Doctrine of Repentance from Dead Works
The Doctrine of Faith Toward God
The Doctrine of Baptisms
The Doctrine of Laying on of Hands
The Doctrine of Resurrection from the Dead
The Doctrine of Eternal Judgement
The Doctrine of Perfection
DOCTRINE OF MEN
Matthew 15:9
And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' "
Mark 7:7-13
And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' 8"For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men--the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." 9He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition. 10For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother'; and, 'He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.' 11But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban"--' (that is, a gift to God), 12then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, 13making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do."
Ephes. 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
Hebrews 13:9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods, which have not, profited those who have been occupied with them.
Col. 2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
Be on the lookout and reject the doctrine of the Pharisees:
Matthew 16:12 then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Also certain doctrines found in the churches in Revelations are condemned by the Lord.
The doctrine of Balaam Rev 2:14; Jude 11; 2 Peter 2:15
The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans Rev 2:6,15
The doctrine of Jezebel Rev 2:20-24
DOCTRINE OF DEVILS
In later times there will arise doctrines of devils.
1 Tim. 4:1-3 … some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Men will deal deceitfully with the word and corrupt the word
2 Cor. 2:17 for we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God:
2 Cor. 4: 2 . . . nor handling the word of God deceitfully;
A warning against deception is noted in Matt 24.
Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders;
Men will try to carry you off course.
Ephes. 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men,
Peter speaks of those who are unlearned and unstable wresting the truth of the scriptures for their own destruction
2 Peter 3:14-16 . . .our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
A warning to any one who adds, subtracts of changes the word of God.
Rev. 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev. 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Galatians 1:6-8 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that, which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
2 Cor. 11:14 and no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
All doctrine comes from either the Spirit of Truth or the Spirit of Error. The only sure and infallible test of all doctrine is testing it by the entire body of the scripture.
Isaiah 8:19 and when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? 20 to the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
VI. Symbols of Doctrine
A. Leaven:
Matthew 16:5-12 Now when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." 7And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have taken no bread." 8But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? 9Do you not yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 10Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many large baskets you took up? 11How is it you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread?--but to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 12Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
B. Wind:
Ephes. 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
C. Rain:
Deut. 32:2 Let my teaching [Doctrine] drop as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, As raindrops on the tender herb, And as showers on the grass.
Isaiah 55:10-11 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word [Doctrine] be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Hebrews 6:1-9 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles [Doctrine] of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3And this we will do if God permits. 4For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. 7For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; 8but if it bears thorns and briars, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. 9But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.
VII. The nature of Doctrine
A. Doctrine must be Sound:
1 Tim. 4:6 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.
B. Doctrine must be Pure:
Job 11:4 For you have said, 'My doctrine is pure, And I am clean in your eyes.' A doctrine will be proven pure or impure by the fruit it produces.
C. Doctrine Must be Scriptural:
2 Tim. 3:14-17 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Titus 2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
D. Doctrine must be obeyed:
Romans 6:17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.
John 7:16-17 Jesus answered them and said, "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.
Jesus warned us to beware of the doctrine of the Pharisee. The problem with this group of men was they handled is such a way it became truth apart from experience. If you preach it and practice it you become a Pharisee. Paul said you know my doctrine my manner of life His life also preached his doctrine and so must ours.
(2 Tim. 3:10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,)
E. Doctrine Determines Character:
What a person believes greatly affects what he is. If we follow sound doctrine it will bring about the development of a divine nature and the character of Christ in us.
1 Tim. 4:6 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. 4:13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Tim. 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
F. Doctrine affects fellowship:
There can be no fellowship unless both parties are walking in the light.
1 John 1:1-7 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-- 2the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us-- 3that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. 5This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness; we lie and do not practice the truth. 7But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
The first converts continue steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine and in fellowship.
The doctrine of those with whom you have fellowship is very important. We must not fellowship with those who propagate false doctrine.
2 John 1:9-10 whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;
G. Doctrine Determines Destiny:
It doesn’t matter what a person believes as long as they are sincere is preposterous. This is exemplified in the cults both inside and out side of Christendom. And many are zealous and sincere.
2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless: 15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation--as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
We must answer the question “what will you do with this one who is called the Christ?”
Matthew 27:22 Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?" They all said to him, "Let Him be crucified!"
H. Doctrine and Love:
If we have not Love we are nothing!
1 Cor. 13:1-6 though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love it profits me nothing. 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
1 John 4:16 and we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
VIII. The progress of Doctrine
Isaiah 28:9-13 (NASB)
9 "To whom would He teach knowledge, And to whom would He interpret the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just taken from the breast?
10 "For He says, 'Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there.'"
11 Indeed, He will speak to this people Through stammering lips and a foreign tongue,
12 He who said to them, "Here is rest, give rest to the weary," And, "Here is repose," but they would not listen.
13 So the word of the Lord to them will be, "Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there," That they may go and stumble backward, be broken, snared and taken captive.
9 "To whom would He teach knowledge, And to whom would He interpret the message? Those just weaned from milk? Those just taken from the breast?
10 "For He says, 'Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there.'"
11 Indeed, He will speak to this people Through stammering lips and a foreign tongue,
12 He who said to them, "Here is rest, give rest to the weary," And, "Here is repose," but they would not listen.
13 So the word of the Lord to them will be, "Order on order, order on order, Line on line, line on line, A little here, a little there," That they may go and stumble backward, be broken, snared and taken captive.
Note the question: Whom shall He teach knowledge? Whom shall He make to understand?
Answer: them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breast.
The Method: Precept upon Precept; Line upon line; here a little there a little.
