Abed_nego2
Servant of the Lord
1 Timothy 4:16, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers”
Titus 2:1, “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine”
__________
Charles and Patricia had moved from Los Angeles, California to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Because they were Christians, they were eager to begin fellow shipping with like believers in Jesus Christ. In the neighborhood where they moved was an active church and growing congregation. They liked the people, were thrilled by the music, and responded positively to the informality.
However, as time went on they both began to feel unsatisfied. As they began to analyze what was bothering them, they identified the problem. Although their church had a vigorous program and seemed to be reaching people, it was weak in teaching basic Bible doctrines. Those who attended were left to believe whatever they wanted. Moreover, the leaders seemed to promote a tolerance of lifestyles that were contrary to biblical standards.
When Charles and Patricia realized this important deficiency, they decided to look for another church. Without realizing it, this couple had been caught in a subtle trap facing many believers in Christ today. They were not growing spiritually because sound doctrine and the dangers of worldly lifestyles were being minimized. The instruction the apostle Paul gave to Timothy and Titus in the above Scriptures is relevant for us today. We need to give careful attention to what we believe and how we live. Right or sound doctrine, which is the basis for right living, will keep us and others from serious error.
__________
Further reflection:
The main reason sound doctrine is important is that God directed us to teach it. However, there are other, secondary, reasons such as the fact that our faith is centered on a specific message. The Bible defines this message explicitly: "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures … he was buried … [and] he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). My beloved, this is the clear-cut news we are to share. Paul says it is "of first importance." Change the message, and the basis of faith crumbles. Jesus warned us to build our lives on the immovable rock of His teaching, not on the shifting sands of man's philosophy (Matthew 7:24-27). Some important doctrines along with Scripture are:
(1) The Doctrine of the Scriptures - (2 Tim. 3:16‑17; Deut. 18:18; 2 Peter 1:19‑21; Prov. 30:5; John 17:17; Deut. 32:4; Acts 5:29)
(2) The Doctrine of God - (Ex. 20:2‑3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11; Deut. 6:4; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 147:5; Gen. 1:1; Matt. 3:16,17; Matt. 28:19,20; 2 Cor. 13:14; Matt. 19:26; Dan. 4:35; Jer. 32:17; Gen. 18:14; Isa. 40:14,28; Isa. 46:9,10; Job. 42:2; Psalm 147:5; Psalm 9:7-12; Jer. 23:23,24; Acts 17:27; Matt. 5:48; James 1:17; John 1:3; Heb. 1:1-3; Col. 1:17; Heb. 3:4)
(3) The Doctrine of the Father - (James 1:17; John 4:23, 24; John 5:37; John 10:30; John 14:9, 16, 17; Phil. 2:10, 11)
(4) The Doctrine of Jesus Christ - (Eph. 2:8; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3; 24‑25; John 3:16; Phil 2:7‑8; Col. 3:1; Heb. 2:14‑17; Isa. 53:4‑7; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21; 2 Pet. 2:24; John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16‑17; 2 Thess. 2:6‑8; Acts 3:16; Acts 4:12; John 1:11; John 10:30; Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Phil. 2:6; Matt. 1:20-25; Luke 1:24, 35; Isa. 7:14; Heb. 4:15; Luke 23:4; 1 John 3:5; 1 Pet. 2:24; Col. 1:20; Matt. 28:5; Luke 24:6; Mark 16:6; John 20:8,9; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20; Mark 16:19; Heb. 7:25; Acts 1:9; Heb. 9:24; Heb. 10:12)
(5) The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit - (John 3:5‑8; Eph. 1:13‑14; Mark 1:8; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; Luke 1:35; Matt. 28:19; John 16:7‑14; John 14:26; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 14:16‑17; Rom. 8: 14‑27; 1 Cor. 12:13; Heb. 9:14; Gen. 1:1‑3; Acts 5:30‑32; Acts 5:3; Eph. 4:30; 1 Cor. 2:11; Job 26:13; John 15:26; John 16:13-15; 1 Cor. 12:4‑11; Matt. 18:19,20; 2 Thess. 2:7; Heb. 2:4; 1 Cor. 13:8‑10; 1 Cor. 12:12; 1 Cor. 3:16; John 17:19; 1 Peter 1:2)
(6) The Doctrine of Creation - (Col. 1:16‑17; Gen. 1:2; John 1:3)
(7) The Doctrine of Angels - (Psalm 148:2,5; Col. 1:16; Rev. 22:8,9; Psalm 8:4,5; Heb. 1:6,14)
(8) The Doctrine of the Devil, Satan - (Rev. 20:10; 2 Cor. 4:4; Ezek. 18:11-19; Isa. 14:12-17; Rev. 12:9, 10; Jude, verse 6; Gen. 3:1-15; Matt. 4:1-11; John 14:30; Eph. 2:2; Matt. 12:24; Heb. 2:14; Matt. 25:41; 2 Pet. 2:4)
(9) The Doctrine of Man - (Rom. 1:18,20,32; Rom. 5:1‑19; Gen. 3; Gen. 1:26,27; Gen. 2:7; Rom. 3:10-19,23; Rom. 2:2)
(10) The Doctrine of Grace and Salvation - (John 3:5-8; Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5,6; Rom. 8:1, 3; John 5:24; Phil. 2:7,8; 2 Cor. 5:17, 19, 21; Isa. 53:5,6; Col. 1:20; John 3:16; John 1:12; Rom. 10:13; Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:11,12,22; John 10:27, 28; Heb. 9:12; Eph. 1:13; Rom. 8:38,39; John 3:3; 1 John 5:1; Acts 16:30‑33; 2 Pet. 1:4; Rom, 6:23; Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13; 2 Cor. 6:17)
__________
Closing thoughts:
My beloved, false doctrine cannot teach a person the right way to enter in God’s heavenly kingdom. Only sound doctrine can accomplish such a task. The wrong address will not guide you to the right destination! Doctrine # 4 listed above is Jesus Christ, the only one, who can erase mankind’s sin. Some pretty good people have founded religions over the centuries. One religious leader spent a good portion of his life trying to find truth, an admirable quest. Another religious leader was a teacher and a civil servant who drew up an honor code for his people, a respectable venture. No matter how good any originators of world religions may have been, they cannot in any way compare with, the found of Christianity. The major reason is simply this: They are all in the category of “good men,” while Jesus Christ is in a category all by Himself, the God-man.
Jesus alone is Emmanuel (God with us; Matthew 1:23), the Living Word (John 1:14), the Savior (Luke 2:11), and the Messiah (John 1:41). Only Jesus Christ could truthfully assert His equality with His heavenly Father. “I and my Father are one,” He said (John 10:30). Only Jesus’ words are divine. His life was the only perfect one and only Jesus’ death and resurrection provides life everlasting. Jesus is unique in all the world. He along is worthy of our worship, adoration, and awe. He alone is the perfect Man. The divine One. The provider of salvation. So, my brethren, don’t settle for anything, or anyone else, but Jesus Christ for Salvation. Remember that false doctrine only teaches error regarding salvation. We must uphold sound doctrine because this doctrine is the only one that can show people the right way into heaven. May the Lord help us to always uphold sound doctrine in our lives!
__________
Better to know the truth and beware than to believe a lie and not care.
Titus 2:1, “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine”
__________
Charles and Patricia had moved from Los Angeles, California to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Because they were Christians, they were eager to begin fellow shipping with like believers in Jesus Christ. In the neighborhood where they moved was an active church and growing congregation. They liked the people, were thrilled by the music, and responded positively to the informality.
However, as time went on they both began to feel unsatisfied. As they began to analyze what was bothering them, they identified the problem. Although their church had a vigorous program and seemed to be reaching people, it was weak in teaching basic Bible doctrines. Those who attended were left to believe whatever they wanted. Moreover, the leaders seemed to promote a tolerance of lifestyles that were contrary to biblical standards.
When Charles and Patricia realized this important deficiency, they decided to look for another church. Without realizing it, this couple had been caught in a subtle trap facing many believers in Christ today. They were not growing spiritually because sound doctrine and the dangers of worldly lifestyles were being minimized. The instruction the apostle Paul gave to Timothy and Titus in the above Scriptures is relevant for us today. We need to give careful attention to what we believe and how we live. Right or sound doctrine, which is the basis for right living, will keep us and others from serious error.
__________
Further reflection:
The main reason sound doctrine is important is that God directed us to teach it. However, there are other, secondary, reasons such as the fact that our faith is centered on a specific message. The Bible defines this message explicitly: "Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures … he was buried … [and] he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). My beloved, this is the clear-cut news we are to share. Paul says it is "of first importance." Change the message, and the basis of faith crumbles. Jesus warned us to build our lives on the immovable rock of His teaching, not on the shifting sands of man's philosophy (Matthew 7:24-27). Some important doctrines along with Scripture are:
(1) The Doctrine of the Scriptures - (2 Tim. 3:16‑17; Deut. 18:18; 2 Peter 1:19‑21; Prov. 30:5; John 17:17; Deut. 32:4; Acts 5:29)
(2) The Doctrine of God - (Ex. 20:2‑3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Rev. 4:11; Deut. 6:4; 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 147:5; Gen. 1:1; Matt. 3:16,17; Matt. 28:19,20; 2 Cor. 13:14; Matt. 19:26; Dan. 4:35; Jer. 32:17; Gen. 18:14; Isa. 40:14,28; Isa. 46:9,10; Job. 42:2; Psalm 147:5; Psalm 9:7-12; Jer. 23:23,24; Acts 17:27; Matt. 5:48; James 1:17; John 1:3; Heb. 1:1-3; Col. 1:17; Heb. 3:4)
(3) The Doctrine of the Father - (James 1:17; John 4:23, 24; John 5:37; John 10:30; John 14:9, 16, 17; Phil. 2:10, 11)
(4) The Doctrine of Jesus Christ - (Eph. 2:8; Acts 15:11; Rom. 3; 24‑25; John 3:16; Phil 2:7‑8; Col. 3:1; Heb. 2:14‑17; Isa. 53:4‑7; 1 John 4:10; 1 Cor. 15:3; 2 Cor. 5:21; 2 Pet. 2:24; John 14:3; 1 Thess. 4:16‑17; 2 Thess. 2:6‑8; Acts 3:16; Acts 4:12; John 1:11; John 10:30; Col. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16; Phil. 2:6; Matt. 1:20-25; Luke 1:24, 35; Isa. 7:14; Heb. 4:15; Luke 23:4; 1 John 3:5; 1 Pet. 2:24; Col. 1:20; Matt. 28:5; Luke 24:6; Mark 16:6; John 20:8,9; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20; Mark 16:19; Heb. 7:25; Acts 1:9; Heb. 9:24; Heb. 10:12)
(5) The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit - (John 3:5‑8; Eph. 1:13‑14; Mark 1:8; John 1:33; Acts 11:16; Luke 24:49; Luke 1:35; Matt. 28:19; John 16:7‑14; John 14:26; 2 Cor. 13:14; John 14:16‑17; Rom. 8: 14‑27; 1 Cor. 12:13; Heb. 9:14; Gen. 1:1‑3; Acts 5:30‑32; Acts 5:3; Eph. 4:30; 1 Cor. 2:11; Job 26:13; John 15:26; John 16:13-15; 1 Cor. 12:4‑11; Matt. 18:19,20; 2 Thess. 2:7; Heb. 2:4; 1 Cor. 13:8‑10; 1 Cor. 12:12; 1 Cor. 3:16; John 17:19; 1 Peter 1:2)
(6) The Doctrine of Creation - (Col. 1:16‑17; Gen. 1:2; John 1:3)
(7) The Doctrine of Angels - (Psalm 148:2,5; Col. 1:16; Rev. 22:8,9; Psalm 8:4,5; Heb. 1:6,14)
(8) The Doctrine of the Devil, Satan - (Rev. 20:10; 2 Cor. 4:4; Ezek. 18:11-19; Isa. 14:12-17; Rev. 12:9, 10; Jude, verse 6; Gen. 3:1-15; Matt. 4:1-11; John 14:30; Eph. 2:2; Matt. 12:24; Heb. 2:14; Matt. 25:41; 2 Pet. 2:4)
(9) The Doctrine of Man - (Rom. 1:18,20,32; Rom. 5:1‑19; Gen. 3; Gen. 1:26,27; Gen. 2:7; Rom. 3:10-19,23; Rom. 2:2)
(10) The Doctrine of Grace and Salvation - (John 3:5-8; Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5,6; Rom. 8:1, 3; John 5:24; Phil. 2:7,8; 2 Cor. 5:17, 19, 21; Isa. 53:5,6; Col. 1:20; John 3:16; John 1:12; Rom. 10:13; Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:11,12,22; John 10:27, 28; Heb. 9:12; Eph. 1:13; Rom. 8:38,39; John 3:3; 1 John 5:1; Acts 16:30‑33; 2 Pet. 1:4; Rom, 6:23; Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13; 2 Cor. 6:17)
__________
Closing thoughts:
My beloved, false doctrine cannot teach a person the right way to enter in God’s heavenly kingdom. Only sound doctrine can accomplish such a task. The wrong address will not guide you to the right destination! Doctrine # 4 listed above is Jesus Christ, the only one, who can erase mankind’s sin. Some pretty good people have founded religions over the centuries. One religious leader spent a good portion of his life trying to find truth, an admirable quest. Another religious leader was a teacher and a civil servant who drew up an honor code for his people, a respectable venture. No matter how good any originators of world religions may have been, they cannot in any way compare with, the found of Christianity. The major reason is simply this: They are all in the category of “good men,” while Jesus Christ is in a category all by Himself, the God-man.
Jesus alone is Emmanuel (God with us; Matthew 1:23), the Living Word (John 1:14), the Savior (Luke 2:11), and the Messiah (John 1:41). Only Jesus Christ could truthfully assert His equality with His heavenly Father. “I and my Father are one,” He said (John 10:30). Only Jesus’ words are divine. His life was the only perfect one and only Jesus’ death and resurrection provides life everlasting. Jesus is unique in all the world. He along is worthy of our worship, adoration, and awe. He alone is the perfect Man. The divine One. The provider of salvation. So, my brethren, don’t settle for anything, or anyone else, but Jesus Christ for Salvation. Remember that false doctrine only teaches error regarding salvation. We must uphold sound doctrine because this doctrine is the only one that can show people the right way into heaven. May the Lord help us to always uphold sound doctrine in our lives!
__________
Better to know the truth and beware than to believe a lie and not care.
