" Doctrine Divides "

 

1st.Timothy 4:13 "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."

2nd.Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is given by inspiration of GOD, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of GOD may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

     "Doctrine divides." "Doctrine is not important." "As long as we all love JESUS, let's just get along -- that is what matters." The first statement is definitely true: the second and third are not true. Doctrine does divide, and, in reality, it should. Paul warned Timothy that "the time [would] come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears:" 2nd.Timothy 4:3 pictured above)

     Sound (healthy) doctrine was of grave concern to the Apostle, and he warned about that which was the opposite of sound doctrine (1st.Timothy 1:10 pictured above). He challenged Titus with the necessity of holding on to the objectively truthful WORD of GOD in order to be able, by healthy doctrine, to exhort and convict the disputers (Titus 1:9 pictured below); Paul further admonished him to "speak. . .the things which become sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1 pictured below). Paul, Peter, Jude, and others spoke out against false, unhealthy doctrine and gave a clarion call to separate from false teachers.

     Doctrine is simply teaching, and GOD's inspired WORD "is profitable for doctrine [and] for instruction" (2nd.Timothy 3:16). Does it matter what we believe ? It certainly does ! Without the clear teaching of the WORD of GOD, we would not know the way of salvation in GOD's SON, JESUS. We would still be hopelessly lost, separated from a holy GOD. Furthermore, we could not possibly grow spiritually because the instruction of the WORD would not be available. Yes, it is critical that we know and grow through doctrine. It matters what we believe, for that is what directs how we live. Be thankful that doctrine divides the false from the true, and ardently lay hold of sound doctrine ! JED

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

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