There are two things to notice from this word study on doctrine and the believer. First is that when doctrine as applied to a believer is spoken of it is always in singular number. Real sound Bible teaching is never endless chains of unconnected teaching, but is a1ways one single line of doctrine connected to Our Savior it must be and always should be Christ centered.In all cases where the plural is used it is in reference to the doctrines of men. The believer is invoked to never follow the teachings of men, but always to place his trust in God’s unchanging truth.
In six instances the singular is used, but does not refer to the truth of God, those instances are all found in Revelation 2. Again in I Corinthians 14:26 the use of the word doctrine is non specific used in the sense of a teaching not related to being Christ centered. It is also used in Ephesians 4:14 speaking of every wind of doctrine in the sense of the wind not always going in a straight direction. This again was doctrine not specifically related to being Christ centered.
Seventeen times this word is used in the Pastoral Epistles I and II Timothy and Titus, in all instances this is referring to sound teaching that has Christ at its center. The thing that is interesting here is that it is in these 3 books and used to the point of how the Pastor was supposed to function. He is not to be teaching his own ideas, but only the form of sound doctrine that has Christ at the center. We have lost a lot when our Pastors stop teaching sound doctrine and the result is churches that have no idea about the truth of God. What about what God says to our Pastors, when are they going to start obeying God? How can we have churches that are in obedience, when the man behind the pulpit is not right with God? If you are not doing what it says here, then it is impossible for you to be right with God.
Read through these verses and then come back to II Timothy 3:16. This is the heart of this study on doctrine; Paul through inspiration tells us that the Word of God is profitable for doctrine. Sound teaching can only be found in God’s Word anything else is subject to error and is not Christ centered. Sound doctrine does not tickle the ears of the congregation, but warns them of danger. The Godly pastor will always be quick to teaching and expounding the Word of Life while always pointing us to Christ.
1. Acts 2:42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:41-43 (in Context) Acts 2 (Whole Chapter)
The early believers meeting in Jerusalem stuck to a spiritual regimen consisting of the teachings of the apostles, fellowship and spent time together around the table. They spent there time in prayer and the results of being steadfast in God’s Word, because that is what the apostles doctrine was, a revival that has not been duplicated ever. 3,000 decisions for Christ in one day a message that was so thoroughly spread around that “the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” Acts 2:47 They had a revival and it was of such an impact that it came to the attention of the religious leaders.
2. Acts 5:28
Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
Acts 5:27-29 (in Context) Acts 5 (Whole Chapter)
The doctrine was so thoroughly spread that it had filled the city of Jerusalem. It had become so thoroughly spread that it was heard on every street corner. It was heard at every house and at every Inn. Later it would be said that this thing had not happened in secret. This is not brand new information, this is real and it needs to be spread about America, that the Bible is true and trustworthy. This also brings up another issue, the Jews of Jesus day were only corporately responsible for the crucifixion. The real responsible parties were the leaders of the Sanhedrin the ruling counsel of the Jews. Additionally the Roman government at Jerusalem was also responsible. What man meant for evil, God meant for good.
3. Acts 13:12
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Acts 13:11-13 (in Context) Acts 13 (Whole Chapter)
This was a resident representative of the Roman government. The message of the gospel had become so widely spread, that it had reached outside of the confines of the land of Judea and Galilee. This was prophesized by our Lord that the gospel message would go beyond their immediate borders. Sergius Paulus had seen the miracle performed by Paul (He had struck Bar-Jesus blind to the point he was looking for healing) and was “astonished at the Doctrine of the Lord”.
4. Acts 17:19
And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
Acts 17:18-20 (in Context) Acts 17 (Whole Chapter)
In this incident the Apostle Paul was not on trial in any real sence rather this was a gathering of philosophers who were interested in knowing more about what Paul meant by his remarks. To them this was a new doctrine, but even they recognized that this doctrine concerned the person of Jesus Christ. The gospel had spread about the whole of the known Greek and Roman world. This was done in a few very short years. To them this was a new idea, that Christ could die and be raised again for the eternal salvation of the believer was unheard of by these philosophers. We should not be afraid to take the gospel into the halls of our academic institutions. Paul declares in Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Paul practices what he preaches he was not afraid to declare the gospel to the philosophers and academics of his day. There is a marked difference between what Christians believe and what comes from anti-Christs of our day. The Christian message is one of forgiveness and grace it is in short a message of reconciliation to God. There is little wonder that it came to the attention of these men.
5. Romans 6:17
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 6:16-18 (in Context) Romans 6 (Whole Chapter)
In addition to the word doctrine in this passage we see two other words that have an impact on the meaning of this passage. The first of these words is obeyed and the second is the word delivered. However, before I get into that tid bit in this passage a little something about the statement that they “were the servants of sin”, what this means is that were in every sense of the word enslaved to sin. Their relationship to sin as being slavery is a very descriptive way of saying it had permeated their existence. Now about the word obeyed, this was a single moment in time when they believed. It is not a start of an action but the point in time at which they believed. Paul says that obedience does not come from the head alone, but it comes from the heart. He repeats this point in Romans 10:9 that belief comes from the heart and not from the head. This is another way of saying that belief in the gospel is a mater of conviction. Confession on the other hand comes from the mouth and expresses what is going on in the heart as well as the head. What was delivered (form of doctrine) to the Romans did not come to them as something they started or even something they participated in other then being the reciepitants of the doctrine of Christ. Paul defines what the form of doctrine is in I Corinthians 15, in fact in I Corinthians 15:3 he again uses the word deliver, but in this insistence it is active as opposed to being passive. The point is that the form of doctrine that he is talking about is the gospel and the gospel is actual what doctrine is all about. Doctrine is about Christ and placing Him at the center of our lives. Doctrine is a mater of conviction more then anything else.
6. Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Romans 16:16-18 (in Context) Romans 16 (Whole Chapter)
7. 1 Corinthians 14:6
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?
1 Corinthians 14:5-7 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 14 (Whole Chapter)
8. 1 Corinthians 14:26
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:25-27 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 14 (Whole Chapter)
9. Ephesians 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;
Ephesians 4:13-15 (in Context) Ephesians 4 (Whole Chapter)
10. Colossians 2:22
Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Colossians 2:21-23 (in Context) Colossians 2 (Whole Chapter)
11. 1 Timothy 1:3
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
1 Timothy 1:2-4 (in Context) 1 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter)
12. 1 Timothy 1:10
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
1 Timothy 1:9-11 (in Context) 1 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter)
13. 1 Timothy 4:1
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;
1 Timothy 4:1-3 (in Context) 1 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)
14. 1 Timothy 4:6
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, whereunto thou hast attained.
1 Timothy 4:5-7 (in Context) 1 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)
15. 1 Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:12-14 (in Context) 1 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)
16. 1 Timothy 4:16
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 Timothy 4:15-16 (in Context) 1 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)
17. 1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 5:16-18 (in Context) 1 Timothy 5 (Whole Chapter)
18. 1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1 Timothy 6:1-3 (in Context) 1 Timothy 6 (Whole Chapter)
19. 1 Timothy 6:3
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
1 Timothy 6:2-4 (in Context) 1 Timothy 6 (Whole Chapter)
20. 2 Timothy 3:10
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 Timothy 3:9-11 (in Context) 2 Timothy 3 (Whole Chapter)
21. 2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:15-17 (in Context) 2 Timothy 3 (Whole Chapter)
22. 2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:1-3 (in Context) 2 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)
23. 2 Timothy 4:3
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;
2 Timothy 4:2-4 (in Context) 2 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)
24. Titus 1:9
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.
Titus 1:8-10 (in Context) Titus 1 (Whole Chapter)
25. Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Titus 2:1-3 (in Context) Titus 2 (Whole Chapter)
26. Titus 2:7
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:6-8 (in Context) Titus 2 (Whole Chapter)
27. Titus 2:10
Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Titus 2:9-11 (in Context) Titus 2 (Whole Chapter)
28. Hebrews 6:1
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,
Hebrews 6:1-3 (in Context) Hebrews 6 (Whole Chapter)
29. Hebrews 6:2
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Hebrews 6:1-3 (in Context) Hebrews 6 (Whole Chapter)
30. Hebrews 13:9
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Hebrews 13:8-10 (in Context) Hebrews 13 (Whole Chapter)
31. 2 John 1:9
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.
2 John 1:8-10 (in Context) 2 John 1 (Whole Chapter)
32. 2 John 1:10
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2 John 1:9-11 (in Context) 2 John 1 (Whole Chapter)
33. Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Revelation 2:13-15 (in Context) Revelation 2 (Whole Chapter)
34. Revelation 2:15
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
Revelation 2:14-16 (in Context) Revelation 2 (Whole Chapter)
35. Revelation 2:24
But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Revelation 2:23-25 (in Context) Revelation 2 (Whole Chapter)
