Why Doctrine?
SCRIPTURES:
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction (tutorage, i.e. education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction:–chastening, chastisement, instruction, nurture.) in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Acts 2:42
42And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
What is Doctrine?
The word doctrine is mentioned 60 times in KJV Bible.
(Greek) didaskalos (di·dac·tic = intended for instruction) = instruction, teaching, learning (Latin) doceo = “doctor” which means to “teach(ing)” or “instruct(ion)”
Doctrine is the fundamental truths of the Bible arranged in a systematic form.
This is also what we call “Theology”:
- The study of God.
- A reasoned discourse about God
Religion (Latin) means “to bind”.
It represents those “activities” which bind a man to God in certain relationships.
- Theology is “knowledge” about God.
- Religion is the “practice” of that knowledge about God.
Thus bad theology produces bad religion! (Sow a thought, reap an action, sow an action reap a character, sow a character reap your destiny).
You can be religious without necessarily having a thorough systematic knowledge of doctrine.
Doctrine is God’s revelation of truth as found in the Scriptures.
Why do we need Doctrine?
- To assist humans in knowing the plan of their creator for their life’s journey from birth (time) into eternity (destination). è The human life is a journey not from birth to death but from time into eternity. Thus it is one that was “planned” by man’s maker, and directed towards a heavenly destination. (Jeremiah 29:11) Doctrine is that plan unfolded. God has the authority to provide doctrine.
- To provide the clear-cut convictions essential for a “fully developed” Christian Character. (Galatians Chapter 5) Strong beliefs make for strong character. And clear-cut beliefs make for clear-cut convictions.
- To safeguard against ERROR. (Proverbs 10:17). Sound Doctrine assists in the avoidance of ERROR. To “err” means to wander (particularly aimlessly).
- Doctrine will affect one’s quality of life decisions: (Proverbs 4:1-7)
- choice of life partner. (Proverbs 19:13-14: Ecclesiastes 2:26)
- career choice.
- how to raise children.
- character & ethics.
- relationships with people.
This Book deals with a division of theology called “Systematic Theology” which is the orderly arrangement into topics of doctrines concerning subjects such as the Scriptures, God, Man, Angels, Sin, etc.
What Is Doctrine Suppose To Do? (Luke 1:1-4)
1Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, 2Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; 3It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.- set forth (put together = message); (Report = ncv) in order = systematic teaching (of)
- a declaration = revelation (which builds)
- those things which are most surely believed = faith (which produces)
- know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed. = Religion è “activities which bind a man to God”
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