Doctrine
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DOCTRINE. Doctrine simply
means teaching, but the biblical usage refers to sound teaching based on
the Word of God. The two Greek words translated "doctrine",
didaskalia and didache, are also translated "teacheth" (Ro.
12:7) and "learning" (Ro. 15:4). These words are used more
than 140 times in the N.T., which shows how important doctrine is before
God. Other terms which refer to doctrine are "truth" (1 Ti.
2:4), "the faith" (1 Ti. 3:9; 2 Ti. 3:8; Tit. 1:13),
"wholesome words" (1 Ti. 6:3), and "sound words" (2
Ti. 1:13). Doctrine (and its companion terms) is referred to 59 times in
the Pastoral Epistles alone. "The truth" is referred to 10
times in 2 and 3 John alone.
Bible facts about doctrine. We can know right doctrine (Jn. 7:17). We
are to continue in the Apostles' doctrine (Ac. 2:42). The Apostles
filled Jerusalem with doctrine (Ac. 5:28). We are saved by believing the
right doctrine (Ro. 6:17; 1 Jn. 5:20; 2 Jn. 9). We are to separate from
those who teach false doctrine (Ro. 16:17). We must be careful of winds
of false doctrine (Ep. 4:14). No false doctrine is to be allowed (1 Ti.
1:3). Sound doctrine is good (1 Ti. 4:6). The preacher is to give
himself to doctrine (1 Ti. 4:13). The preacher is to take heed to the
doctrine (1 Ti. 4:16). Preachers who labor in doctrine are to be
rewarded (1 Ti. 5:17). Sound doctrine is to be adorned with godly living
(1 Ti. 6:1,3; Tit. 2:1). The Bible is given for doctrine (2 Ti. 3:16).
The Bible is to be preached with doctrine (2 Ti. 4:2). The last days is
characterized by a turning from sound doctrine (2 Ti. 4:3). The preacher
must be able to use doctrine to edify and protect the church (Tit. 1:9).
Our doctrine is to be uncorrupt (Tit. 2:10). We abide in Christ by sound
doctrine (1 Jn. 2:24-27). True Christian love is grounded in truth (2 Jn.
1; 3 Jn. 1). The Apostles had no greater joy than to see the Christians
walking in the truth (3 Jn. 3-4). Those who abide not in sound doctrine
are not of God and are not be to received (2 Jn. 9-10).
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