In these days of false unity (ecumenism) and fake “love”, doctrine has become a dirty word. This is going on throughout the strata of Christianity, even in main-line, fundamental, evangelical, born-again, charismatic, “tele” and “mega” churches. By faith we believe that, as always, God has a remnant, or “little arks”. It is our hope that this remnant still believes as we do that without “sound doctrine” the people will be deceived.

With this in mind, I was urged to check every time the word doctrine is used in the most reliable translation the King James Version. As always, Strong’s Concordance was invaluable. In the Hebrew the King James translates the word, Leh-kakh, as doctrine. It can also mean instruction or learning. In the Greek a number of words are translated doctrine but they all can be traced back to the root word didasko which comes from the prime verb, dao, meaning “to learn”. Doctrine, therefore, has to do with teaching and being taught, instructing and learning. God’s Word is largely designed to teach and instruct us in the ways of the Lord and warn us against false teachings and erroneous ways, to direct us in the paths of the Truth.

Going back to the Old Testament, in Deuteronomy 32:1-5 we find this promise from “The Song of Moses”.

“Give ear O ye heavens, and I will speak; And hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
   My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distill as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
   Because I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God.
   He is the Rock, His work is perfect: for all His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.
   They have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of His children: they are a perverse and crooked generation.”  

Yet the last verse of chapter 29 leaves us with this promise; “They also that erred in spirit shall come to understand and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.” In Philippians 22:14-15, Paul exhorts us to: “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world:” What a wonderful goal for all of us! We should not fear to learn right doctrine.

God’s Word tells us about doctrine, we discover this admonition from Paul; “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 1Timothy 4:3-4 I believe these last two verses are being fulfilled before our eyes and ears.

Therefore let us get hold of Paul’s charge to remember doctrine in our zeal to bring others into His kingdom! “I charge therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the Word: be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:1-2 And I must add this: “…and so much more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb 10:25

Scripture is for Doctrine
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 The Bible tells us that many were astonished at Jesus’ doctrine. Jesus preached; “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in thy Name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23… “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine. For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” Vs 28,29 On another occasion Jesus answered and said to them, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. …God is not the God of the dead but the living. And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine.” Matthew 22:29,30 and 32 Also, “And He taught, saying unto them;’Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but you have made it a den of thieves! And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy Him, for they feared Him, because all the people was astonished at His doctrine.” Mark 11:17-18

The perfect conclusion to this section is from John chapter 7. In verses 15-18 Jesus gives a wonderful summary explaining His ‘doctrine’ which we can apply to ourselves, today, if we follow His instructions. “And the Jews marveled, saying, ‘How knoweth this man letters, having never learned? Jesus answered them, and said, ‘My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his glory: but he that seeketh His glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.”

Good Doctrine vs. Bad Doctrine
“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.”  Prov 4:1-2 As I researched the word doctrine I found that definite lines are drawn in Holy Scripture between good doctrine and doctrine of which we should beware.

Good Doctrine
The two epistles addressed to Timothy use the word doctrine thirteen times. Paul is writing to ‘his own son in the faith’. “Till I come, give attendance, to exhortation, to doctrine. …Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” 1 Tim 4:13-16 “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine”, where unto thou hast attained. But refuse old wives fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.” 1 Tim 4:6-7 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor especially they who labor in the Word and doctrine.” 1 Tim 5:17

All too often, in these next two verses, the emphasis is placed on “tongues”, and frequently the subject provokes an argument. I have had a few debates myself. I see these verses rather as a pattern now, for when we come together to worship the Lord and edify one another. 1 Cor chapter 14, verse 6 instructs us; “Now brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?” In verse 26 Paul asks; “How is it then brethren? when ye come together everyone of you hath a Psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.” In the book of Acts we find this example for our fellowshipping and gathering together. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul; And many signs were done by the apostles.” Acts 4:42-43 

Warnings About False Doctrine
Here we will review the warnings given us about false doctrines. Then we will end on a positive note with those doctrines we can strive to live by and to teach. The word doctrine was seldom used in the Old Testament, only six times, two of which we have used. The third one is from Jeremiah; “But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.” Jer 10:8

The readers must know, by now, that we are convinced the times in which we are living are the “last days”. Soon all Bible prophecy that speaks of those times will be fulfilled. With that in mind I will list some of the Scriptures that warn us of those times. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils: Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;” 1 Tim 4:1 -2. “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines.” Heb 13:8 The world today is filled with every imaginable false doctrine, contrary to God’s doctrine. The world’s answer to that is;” Everybody has a right to his own belief.”  We are warned to grow up and focus on searching for the truth in Eph 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, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.” Jesus has this to warn us about. In Mark 12:38 we see; “And He said unto them in His doctrine. ‘BEWARE of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the market places.'” “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. but in vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Mat­t 15: 8- 9 

Once more in His letters to the churches in Revelation we find this. “But this thou hast that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.” Rev 2:6 “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate. Rev 2:15  In verse 14 Jesus also expresses His displeasure with those who hold the doctrine of Balaam. (The account of Balaam can be found in Numbers 6:22-24) Bringing these warnings to a close, let us ponder these verses. Starting with 1 Timothy 1:9 -10 we are cautioned about things contrary to sound doctrine. “Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murders of mothers, for manslayers, For whore mongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind (sodomites), for men­stealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.”And this, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 And this, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and AVOID THEM. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18

I close these warnings with this from 2 John 1:9-11; “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God! He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him Godspeed. For he that biddeth him God Speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”

Now I present some Scriptures from Titus to help us do as Paul proclaimed he was doing when he said: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you.” Philippians 3:14-15 What a comfort to know our Father will show us all we need to know, if we seek Him and trust Him. Titus 1:9 exhorts us; “Holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.” (Those who speak against) In chapter 2 of Titus we find these gems; “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” Verse 7; “In all things showing ourselves a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity (honesty) sincerity.” Verse 10; Not purloining, (keeping back for oneself i.e. stealing), but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”

Hebrews 6:1-3 encourages us thusly; “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. Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.”

I present this Scripture as what I believe God’s goal is in insisting through His Word that we learn and obey SOUND DOCTRINE!

“And He gave some apostles; And some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers;
   For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
   Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.
   But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head even Christ:
   From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Eph. 4:11-13 & 15-16 

God’s goal is to have a glorious bride for His Son, and sound doctrine is like a road map to get us to that destination. I want to follow that road. Do you?

I hope the reader will understand what the word doctrine is really all about. I must confess that during and since I have done this search and writing, with the faithful guidance of the Holy Ghost, I understand much better. I once heard a preacher say, what he preached came back on him. Praise God I’m glad that happened to me, with God’s doctrine.

PRESS TOWARD THE MARK OF THE PRIZE!