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The greatest pursuit in life is or should be the Knowledge of the Lord. This quest is found in the study of Theology. The suffix “ology” means “the study of” and the prefix “Theo” means “God.” Put them jointly and we find “The Study of God” and therefore implied from the Study of the Scriptures.
Doctrine is a set of accepted beliefs held by a group. In religion, it is the set of true beliefs that define the details of that belief system. Hence, there is true doctrine and false doctrine compared to each belief set.
In Christianity, for example, a true biblical doctrine is that there is only one God in all existence (Isaiah 43:10, 44:6-8). A false doctrine is that there is more than one God in all existence. “in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:9)
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3–4)
The body of teachings of the Christian faith about its central beliefs is called its doctrine. It is well grounded in Scripture and aims to maintain the truth of Christianity by distinguishing it from non-Christian or other religious beliefs. Doctrine is of vital importance in Christian preaching and teaching in that it equips the people of God for effective and faithful service in his world.
Does this sound familiar? Yes, so many false doctrines are being preached today.
Satan does not hide anymore today. He does not have to as he first crept in hiding himself in sheep’s clothing, but now openly and blatantly shows himself to all. Micah and the other prophets recognized it as in the following.
The Enemies of the Lord Tell Micah What Not to Preach (2:6–11)
Like Jeremiah after him, Micah has to deal with false prophets as well. Their message is a simple one: Micah, stop preaching. There is no judgment of God heading our way; “disgrace will not overtake us.” But the true word of the Lord does good to those who walk uprightly. The false prophets can spin a good yarn on wine and spirits, but they fail to communicate God’s word faithfully.[1]
“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.” (1 Timothy 6:3–5)
“preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:2–4)
Here at Lighthouse Bible Church, we endeavor to expose the truth as found in the Scriptures. “Scripture interprets Scripture.” Pastor Ted Dudak and the Bible Study teachers take our responsibilities seriously and therefore carefully examine the Bible through “Exegetical Theology.”
So, to answer the question; Yes – Doctrine does matter!
[1] Mangum, D., ed. (2020). Lexham Context Commentary: Old Testament (Mic 2:6–11). Lexham Press.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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