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Mark 10:28-31
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. Last week we learned that the study of Biblical doctrines helps us know what God says throughout His entire Word about any given subject. Once we have a general knowledge of the definition and development of God’s Word then we can also get a handle on the
III. DESIGN OF BIBLICAL DOCTRINE! God has designed His doctrines so they (1) declare the will of God and their demands. Read Ps. 94:10-15. Through His doctrines God tells us how we are to behave toward Him and all other people. God begins with the Ten Commandments and continues through the laws of worship (how we interact with God); and the moral laws which teach us how to interact with people. God has designed His doctrines to (2) direct His people to do His will. Read Eccl. 12:12, 13, then Mark 10:28-31. When God directs us He often begins with “thou shall or shall not.” In the NT Jesus further explains “thou shall or shall not” in His Sermon on the Mount and His parables teaching us how to do God’s will! God also designed His doctrines to (2) develop God’s people by subjecting them to His revealed will so they become what He intends for them to become. Read Deut. 4 and Matt. 5- 7. Notice how the doctrines of God lay claim to the whole person, not just parts! When we begin to pick and choose what parts of us God gets it is both blasphemous and heretical because we are acting contrary to God’s revealed will. When we act contrary to His will, we also arrest His plan for us. However, when we submit fully to His design, we experience
IV. THE DIVIDENDS OF BIBLICAL DOCTRINE! In one way we might say the development and design are the “what” of Biblical doctrine. The dividends are the “so what,” or as some might say, the “what’s in it for me” of doctrine. When we obey God’s perfect plan, He provides (1) prosperity. Scripture tells us we must obey, be strong, be consistent, and totally devoted to God to prosper. God always gives us very clear instructions so we can do as He commands, and enjoy the prosperity He wants to provide. Another dividend of doctrine is (2) production. In Matt. 13:8; John 12:42 and a host of other verses, God tells us we must be ready to receive what God says, the way He says it-without any editing, rewording, or censoring in any way. Jesus says we must “die to ourselves” to prosper. Finally, doctrine brings (3) prolonged life. Read Ps. 1:3 and Prov. 12:38 for starters. God is continually telling us that His desire is to “prosper us, not to harm us…” We can only receive the prosperity if we are obedient to all God commands. The wonderful truth about all this is that God never asks us to do anything we can’t!! It may at times be hard, but it’s never impossible for us to do our part. As one allows the Holy Spirit to lead them through the doctrines of Scripture, He opens our minds to see how beneficent and personal our God really is. IF you have never committed to a study of Biblical doctrine, I trust you will go before God and ask Him to help you do so now. Then study with us as we learn about the Great God that called us to Himself in redemption. If we can help you answer your spiritual questions, call us at (574) 643-9419.
