“Doctrine Matters”

Sunday, January 22, 2017

In various times and in various places, it has been vogue to rebuff the very idea of “doctrine.” Claims are made that to emphasize doctrine is to inherently neglect a proper emphasis on Christ’s love and sacrifice. While of course this kind of neglect can happen, it is not an inherent outcome of a focus on doctrine. In fact, a proper focus on doctrine must also include an emphasis on Christ’s love and sacrifice.

This is illustrated by one verse from Titus. Paul warns Titus that while he is Crete’s preacher, there will be many people who cause him trouble. He calls them “insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers,” and he says “they profess to know God, but they deny him by their works.” As a response to this, Paul gives Titus one simple command: “As for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” (Titus 2:1)

What does that include? It includes everything from salvation by Christ’s grace to the necessary moral behavior of the people who are saved. And this is plainly outlined later in the same letter to Titus: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things.” (Titus 2:11-15)

Doctrine keeps us grounded in Christ in every way. This is why sound teaching matters for every Christian.

- Dan Lankford, minister

Share