CENTRAL THOUGHT
The Christian that is out of tune with sound doctrine falls in tune with the doctrines of the devil.
HYMN: SING THEM OVER AGAIN TO ME.
TEXT: 1 Timothy 4:1-16
INTRODUCTION
As we approach the close of age, there are already several manifestations which indicate a subtle but steady and deadly person of the truths of God’s word. It is to be expected however, because this phenomenon is clearly an issue of biblical prophecy. (1 Tim. 4: 1-3) The irony of this situation is that prophesies are supposed to be “signposts” of warning to believers against possible dangers ahead, but most either refuse to read the “signpost” or fail to reconcile them to the times they live in. Many reasons could be adduced for this development, but the Bible in 2 Tim. 4:3 says that the time will come when men will not put up with the sound of the doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. The question is, why would they suddenly become inclined to their own desires instead of God’s desire? It can only be inferred that just as nature does not allow vacuum, so the absence of the good makes possible the entrance of the bad, even in spiritual matters.
Any wonder therefore why the word of God admonishes in Titus 2:1 thus, “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 1 Tim. 4:16 further admonishes, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you, you will save both yourself and hearers. This study discusses how to maintain sound doctrine to the saving of individual souls.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study are:
- To know what constitutes sound doctrine.
- To know how sound doctrine could be adulterated.
- To understand how to maintain sound doctrine.
- To appreciate individual roles in maintaining sound doctrine.
- To know that there are consequences for not maintaining sound doctrine.
BIBLE TRUTH
Q1. WHAT IS SOUND DOCTRINE?
If biblical doctrine remains a body of teachings or instructions or truth contained in the Bible, it follows that a sound doctrine must be one which is a true reflection of the intents and purposes of God who is the giver of the doctrine. Sound doctrine must be one which is unadulterated or uncorrupted. It must not be anything like it, but exactly it.
In Matt. 7:17-20, Jesus taught that “every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit”. In similar vein, it is only a sound doctrine that has the capability of nurturing a sound Christian. By sound doctrine to the various categories of people in his church for the wholesome development of the entire congregation (Titus 2:1-10)
Maintenance of uniformity, continuity and purity of the Christian faith can only be achieved when sound doctrine is strictly adhered to. In John 15:3 Christ says ye are clean
through the word which I have spoken unto you. Only the pure, undiluted word of God has such capability. When God called Abraham, he was confident that Abraham will command his children as well as his entire household after him and that they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment, that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he have spoken of him. (Gen. 18:19). In this scripture, based on God’s all-knowing ability, He could call out Abraham in order to establish a race through him. He was confident that Abraham shall not only pass on to his offspring’s God’s doctrine entrusted to him, but that they will have the ability to maintain purity of it in their generations until the coming of the promised Seed.
It is recorded about the early church in Acts 2:42-44 that those who received the word of God continued steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine (implying the doctrine also committed to the apostles).
Of course, the result that followed as recorded in subsequent verses of the chapter can only be attributable to strict adherence to sound doctrine.
Q2. WHAT ARE THE MOTIVATING FACTORS FOR THE PROPAGATION OF FALSE DOCTRINES? (1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 1:9-11)
Every good thing in nature has its counterfeit pair. As a matter of fact, this constitutes one major preoccupation of the devil in his desire to that people get confused about the faith in order to keep obeying him. He creates what looks like the real thing with all the relevant garbs and trappings, putting them side by side with the real. Satan finds ready tools in men of corrupt minds who once have associated with the Christian faith but are now fallen out of the faith. Such are used to the familiar motions of Christians and so can afford to remain pretentious even though they know that their intentions are wrong. They continue to do for as long there are some perceived gains.
There is another motivating factor today, particularly within the clergy, for the propagation of false doctrine among Christians. It is the sheer desire of presenting themselves as being more privileged to receive revelations from God which others may never receive. In their quest to present themselves as “super clergies”, they go into heinous errors that have subverted many from the faith. This is pride in manifestation although such individuals set out originally to receive inspiration from the word of God, but the excessive drive to excel in this, even when revelation seems slow at coming plunges them into a situation in which they jump into conclusions while the rules of biblical interpretation are thrown overboard. The result of this is that meanings other than intended are adduced to some seeming simple doctrinal issues. Two individuals who may fit into this description in the Bible are Hymenaeus and Philetus. (2 Tim. 2:14-18)
From the example above, it does seem that the two individuals mentioned may not have had any problems with other doctrinal issues except on the matter of resurrection alone. Nevertheless, the error is serious enough to warrant an overthrow of the faith of many. This is to be understood against the background that resurrection is so very central to the Christian faith that apostle Paul said, “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain and your faith is also vain. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished”. (1 Cor. 15:14, 18).
The danger with this case in point is that because the two individuals involved may have excelled in other doctrinal teachings, their error on the matter of resurrection may easily fall unnoticed, except by one who is a keen Bible student who like the Berean Christians subject every teaching to cross checks.
A time there was in our contemporary world when a sect of Christians led by one Franklin Hall queried the continued closure of eyes by Christians while praying. Their reasoning was that because Christians or the children of light and not of darkness, they ought to open their eyes, come to the throne of Grace with boldness and not “timidity”. This sounded very logical and many gave in the novel idea. But no sooner this truth was embedded then it was added that Christians by virtue of their relationship with Christ may never fall sick or die; that they may even physically smell Jesus and that they may never be bitten by insects etc. Many Christians who had only had the hook on their lips could not resist swallowing up the line as well as sinker of the new doctrines because of their appeal so the natural senses. Many were therefore led astray.
Q3. HOW CAN THE FOLLOWING HELP IN MAINTAINING SOUND DOCTRINE?
Personal Bible study in Hosea 4:6, God says “my people or destroyed for the lack of knowledge”. Against the background of this statement, it can be said that sound little cool doctrine can best be known and understood two prayerful personal Bible study rather than through some other persons. This is because it is very possible that’s some of the persons may have set out to teach personal opinions wear asking personal study it is your Bible the Holy Spirit and you. In personal study, one has the opportunity to carefully compare scripture with scripture and to get understanding based on, not the teacher’s persuasive ability but on personal conviction. (Act 17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15).
- Application of God’s Word.
Just as safe without work is dead being alone, so it could be said of learning. It is the application of what is studying that brings to manifestation, the life in it. 1 Tim. 4:16 implies that practical continuity in the doctrine learned brings about the final salvation of the individual practicing. James 1:22 indicates that one who does not practice the doctrine he believes is engaged in an exercise in self-deceit. It is the lesson that is learned and put into practice that requires less effort in remembering.
- Fellowship.
Fellowship provides an avenue for crosschecks and possible correction of any wrong opinion held by any Christian. As ideas or exchanged, it is then easy to know the position of one’s own ideas Vice versa the consensus idea as well as political opinion. While agreeing that consensus opinion may not necessarily always be the correct opinion, however, a basis for our arriving at the general opinion can easily be known in fellowships. No wonder Christians are admonished in Hebrews 10:25 not to forsake the opportunity for such assembly of believers. One advantage of this is seen in the message of Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. That is pointedly what takes place in fellowships.
- Witnessing.
In witnessing, a Christian actually leaves his conscious exposed to approval or condemnation buy what is being passed on to others by him. Romans 2:21-24 leaves the preacher with some pertinent questions thus. “Though therefore which teaches another, teaches not thyself? Though that preaches a man should not steal, does though steal? Though that says a man should not commit adultery, does though commit adultery? Anything said by a Christian witness not only leaves him more conscious of the demands of the statements but prompts him to actually make the word and imprint on his own life thereby preserving the purity of it as he lives it out.
- The Holy Spirit.
The Lord Jesus said in John 14:26, “but the comforter who is the holy goals Home to the father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever have said onto you”. The Christian that cooperates with and yields himself to the Holy Spirit is the one who would derive the best from the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit Knowles the mind of God and therefore is able to teach without error the doctrine given to the Church.
His ministry of teaching to the church is actually meant to achieve correctness of doctrine, purity, uniformity and continuity of the Christian faith. In this we find that he not only makes the church teachable but maintains the soundness of doctrine from generation to generation.
Q4. WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF THE FOLLOWING IN MAINTAINING DOCTRINAL SOUNDNESS?
- Christian Leaders.
There is no doubt how About, leadership role confers a responsibility on this group of people not only to teach but live as examples to goals they lead. The conscious effort to teach these things as well as live them out as examples not only perpetuates the doctrine but maintains the soundness of it. It is with all vehemence that the word of God commands leaders to speak what is in accord with sound doctrine. (Tit. 2:1, 15). The doctrine that is properly lived out in the lives of leaders has the ability to inspire emulation in members. The purity of the doctrine properly taught and embedded will purify and empower the people. “Ye are made clean by the words I have spoken to you”. (John. 15:3, 6:63)
- Individuals
It is the responsibility of every Christian to preserve whatever God has committed into their hands as there is a date of reckoning ahead. “It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). When an individual Christian dwells in the consciousness that someday he will be expected to give account of his stewardship to his Maker, he cannot but exercise himself not only to remain faithful in ensuring the purity and soundness of the doctrine, but in living true to it.
It is the duty of such faithful Christian to cooperate with his leaders to ensure that teaching he receives, falls on “good soil” and yields “good fruit”. The individual Christian can emulate the good virtues in his leader and endeavor to also leave them out.
Q5. WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT MAINTAINING SOUND DOCTRINE?
The consequences of not maintaining sound doctrine are much like the effects of lack of maintenance of good bodily health practices. The Christian that is guilty of this puts the wrong foot forward in virtually every step he takes. It must be understood first of all that sound doctrine is the “common oil” that maintains that interaction between brethren and hence the uniformity, continuity and purity of the practice of our faith. Lack of maintenance of it therefore will tend to leave the Christian hole rising with varied colors of beliefs, so irreconcilable that the meaning will tends to be lost in the state of confusion arising there from.
Perhaps if this had been the case (God forbids) since the days of the apostles, what we have today may already have assumed a name different from Christianity in order to reflect the character of its new professors. It would have been difficult for a Christian say it in Nigeria to rightly identify and have fellowship with one in Ghana or vice versa. The focus of adherents would have become earth-centered.
On individual basis, the consequences of one not maintaining sound doctrine can be as grave as not becoming a Christian at all. This is because the endpoints of both is the same eternal death. Meanwhile, wow here on earth, such individual (not maintaining sound doctrine) could have lost fellowship with the Lord, as the Lord is of purer eyes than to behold evil, and cannot look on iniquity (Hab 1:13). An implication of a loss of fellowship with the Lord is the absence of the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all walks of life. Such a life could then be best likened to a ship that loses its sale in a storm, whose end is destruction. (Phil 3:17-19)
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
We have to be very careful about the poisonings being published on the radio, TVs, newspapers, magazines etc. In our times, as new truths any man preaching any other gospel then that which we have received, rather he’s an angel or an apostle, let him be accursed (Gal 1:8,9). What God has revealed to us already in the Bible I’ll months to know the secret things belong onto the Lord our God. (Deut. 29:29)
Since heaven is the ultimate goal of every Christian, to make it we must not only know the doctrine of Christ, but practice and maintain it. Every contrary spirit must be tested in order to distinguish them from that of God usually the fruit of such spirits easily give them up as frauds. Such exercise will help us avoid error however disguised it may be. It is important to subject ourselves to self-examination from time to time using as parameters the lives of Christ, the apostles and other great men we know have lived on blemished lives in the past. A peep at one’s own past life could sometimes be helpful so long as we make the best of our sense of judgment it is not only important that we maintain sound doctrine for our ultimate salvation, but also for the continuity of the Christian prosperity if the Lord tarries.
MEMORY VERSE:
1 Tim. 4:16
“Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this, thou shall both save thyself, and them that hear thee. “