In religion today, people often say:
“Doctrine doesn’t matter. Just love Jesus.”
That may sound appealing.
But is that how the New Testament treats doctrine?
The word “doctrine” simply refers to teaching.
So the real question is:
DOES IT MATTER WHAT WE TEACH AND BELIEVE ABOUT CHRIST AND HIS WORD?
JESUS WARNED ABOUT FALSE DOCTRINE
Jesus said:
“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
(Matthew 15:9, KJV)
Notice:
THEY WORSHIPPED CHRIST
↓
THEY TAUGHT RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE
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BUT THEIR DOCTRINE CAME FROM MEN
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JESUS CALLED THEIR WORSHIP VAIN
Therefore, sincerity cannot make false teaching true.
THE FIRST CHRISTIANS CONTINUED IN THE APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE
After approximately three thousand people obeyed the gospel on Pentecost:
“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
(Acts 2:42, KJV)
They did not treat doctrine as optional.
They continued steadfastly in it.
Why?
Because the apostles were teaching what Christ had authorized them to teach.
PAUL WARNED ABOUT A DIFFERENT GOSPEL
Paul told the Galatians:
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:”
(Galatians 1:6, KJV)
He continued:
“Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.”
(Galatians 1:7, KJV)
Then Paul gave a severe warning:
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
(Galatians 1:8, KJV)
If doctrine did not matter, a different gospel would not matter.
But Paul said it does.
WE MUST ABIDE IN THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
John wrote:
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God…”
(2 John 9, KJV)
Then:
“He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”
(2 John 9, KJV)
That is strong language.
Doctrine is not a minor issue when the doctrine determines whether we are abiding in Christ’s teaching.
TIMOTHY WAS TOLD TO WATCH HIS DOCTRINE
Paul told Timothy:
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them…”
(1 Timothy 4:16, KJV)
Why would Timothy need to take heed to doctrine if doctrine did not matter?
Because what Christians teach matters.
What Christians believe matters.
What Christians practice matters.
THE STANDARD IS GOD’S WORD
Paul told Timothy:
“Preach the word…”
(2 Timothy 4:2, KJV)
Why?
Because a time would come when people:
“…will not endure sound doctrine…”
(2 Timothy 4:3, KJV)
Instead:
“…after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”
(2 Timothy 4:3, KJV)
That danger still exists.
People can search for teachers who tell them what they want to hear.
But truth is not determined by what we want to hear.
THE BIBLICAL PATTERN
CHRIST HAS ALL AUTHORITY
Matthew 28:18
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THE APOSTLES TAUGHT CHRIST’S WORD
John 16:13
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THE CHURCH CONTINUED IN THE APOSTLES’ DOCTRINE
Acts 2:42
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A DIFFERENT GOSPEL IS CONDEMNED
Galatians 1:6–9
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WE MUST ABIDE IN THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST
2 John 9
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PREACHERS MUST PREACH THE WORD
2 Timothy 4:2
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CHRISTIANS MUST CONTINUE IN SOUND DOCTRINE
1 Timothy 4:16
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THEREFORE:
DOCTRINE MATTERS.
The question is not:
“DOES THIS TEACHING MAKE ME FEEL GOOD?”
The question is:
“IS THIS WHAT THE WORD OF GOD TEACHES?”
The question is not:
“DOES MY CHURCH BELIEVE IT?”
The question is:
“CAN I FIND IT IN SCRIPTURE?”
The question is not:
“HAS THIS BEEN TAUGHT FOR GENERATIONS?”
The question is:
“DID CHRIST AND HIS APOSTLES TEACH IT?”
Truth does not become error because it is unpopular.
Error does not become truth because it is widely accepted.
God’s Word remains the standard.
Don’t accept that conclusion merely because it is written here.
Open your Bible.
Read Matthew 15.
Read Acts 2.
Read Galatians 1.
Read 1 Timothy 4.
Read 2 Timothy 4.
Read 2 John.
Compare what you have been taught with what Scripture actually says.
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV)
ALLOW SCRIPTURE TO INTERPRET SCRIPTURE.
The Biblical Pattern
Biblical Studies & Books by Kevin L. Walker
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The Biblical Pattern 