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Deuteronomy 4:1-10
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can also download our service at Baptist-Christian at iTunes. We don’t hear much about pure Biblical doctrine today. One reason is that people aren’t interested in it! They think it is boring, heavy, only for preachers, and complicated. On the other hand God is very interested in doctrine. Why? In 1 Timothy 1:10 and Titus 2:1 Paul speaks of sound and healthy doctrine as life giving. All Biblical doctrine is the foundation of not only what we believe as Christians, but why we believe it. Doctrinal study is often referred to as systematic theology. What’s that? Wayne Grudem gives a great answer. He says systematic theology is any study that answers the question ‘what does the whole Bible teach us today about any given topic?’” With that in mind let’s consider a couple things we need to know about doctrine itself.
- THE DEFINITION OF DOCTRINE! Doctrines teach in the widest sense of the word. The point, purpose, and plan of doctrine may be to (1) impart information as in Prov. 2:1-11 telling us how to understand and gain wisdom and knowledge. Doctrine may (2) pass on knowledge as Solomon does in the Book of Ecclesiastes. It may also (3) help us acquire skills as Jesus teaches us in the parables and other of His teachings. The ultimate goal of doctrine is personal character development in the true Christian. The concept of doctrine is also a means to demonstrate and prove as God does through miracles. Every true Christian is to be a student of Biblical doctrine. No one who claims to be a Christian can make that claim and at the same time not embrace all the doctrines of Scripture with their whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
- THE DEVELOPMENT OF DOCTRINE. Heb. 4:12 is one of the most amazing verses in Scripture. It tells us Scripture is living and powerful. Life implies power, activity, capability, and the ability to act and do. All doctrines of Scripture begin immediately to work in a redeemed heart. We don’t get to choose which ones work, or which ones we accept. By design all Biblical doctrine touches and permeates human life (1) intellectually with “thus saith the Lord.” There is an innate concern in all humans relating to Deity! It also touches human life (2) in volition or our will and desire. There is also a desire from within the human heart to please, seek and fellowship with Deity; or to completely reject the idea of Deity. Either way Deity is an awareness of humanity. Finally, doctrine touches and permeates human life emotionally. In the Beatitudes Jesus expresses the emotional part of human life. Paul addresses human emotion throughout his letters. One can’t read the Bible devoid of emotion. The power and life of Scripture will either draw a person closer to God or drive them from Him, but human life is always affected by Scripture. So how are you letting the doctrines of Scripture touch and permeate your personal life? No matter who you are or where you life, you are affected by the doctrines of Scripture. They are designed to draw you to God and a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ who redeems us from our sin. If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us a (574) 643-9419.
