S.S.S. Study Biblical Apostleship Lesson 2

Family School at Faith Baptist Church

S.S.S. Study Biblical Apostleship

Week 2: Biblical Doctrine

Doctrine defined: In a general sense, whatever is taught. Hence, a principle or position in any science; whatever is laid down as true by an instructor or master. The doctrines of the gospel are the principles or truths taught by Christ and his apostles.

The question we face in our walk with God is simple, are the doctrines that we believe, Scriptural, or unscriptural?

As Christians, specifically as independent fundamental Bible believing baptists, we run a great risk of being too confident in our current knowledge of Bible doctrine. We believe that we are stable enough in the Word of God that "we could never be fooled into some heretical doctrine!" 

Pick any sound bible teaching church and if you interview every single member you will most likely find many differences in beliefs concerning things like, The inherency of God's word, Eternal Security, Heaven, Hell, Baptism, Tithing, Pastoral duties, Woman's roles, Mens roles, Sodomy, Proper worship, etc, etc, etc.

Why is this so?

Why are churches which teach Bible doctrine often filled with those who believe false doctrine?

Six reasons I believe many Christians struggle with spotting, avoiding, and eliminating false doctrine.

Lack of Effort towards Godliness

Psalm 119:10-11    "With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.11    Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

When we half heartedly seek God we will never whole heartedly obey His word.

The only way to be one hundred percent impervious to the cunning of false doctrine and it's promoters, is to be constantly adding to and refreshing our knowledge of the truth which comes only by studying the scriptures. Psalm 119:99, 119:105, Joshua 1:8.

Lack of Importance placed on Truth

2nd Timothy 1:13    "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."

When we diminish the value of sound doctrine in our lives we are apt to let it slip from our lives.

This is most often seen in canal "Christians" who live by the Bible doctrines that they deem "important" and ignore doctrines like proper worship, modesty, or separation, whichever doctrines most inconvenience their fleshly desires will be deemed "less important" and ignored.

The forsaking of God's Word (without necessarily forsaking fellowship with His people)

Proverbs 4:2    "For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law."

For the individual who has been taught the doctrines of God, it requires a willful decision to forsake His law in order to follow false doctrine. (If Gods word were a rope fastening you to sound doctrine, you must first loose the rope and cast it aside in order to follow after a false doctrine).

This is evident in the fact that every false doctrine ever conceived, requires the believer to ignore portions of scripture which do not agree with the false doctrine. Example: the false doctrine/practice of Praying to saints requires the believer to ignore 1st Timothy 2:5, John 14:6, etc. 

The Including of foreign sources (public opinion, carnal "Christian" leaders, cousin bob, etc)

2nd Timothy 3:16    "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"

Bible Doctrine comes from (shocker) the Bible! (Mind blown!) when a doctrine cannot be %100  supported by scripture it is a false, man/satan made doctrine. 

This is what Ephesians 4:14 (and many other verses) warns us about.

The fear of conflict

Acts 7:54   "When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth."

Sticking to Bible truth causes division from carnal "Christians" so solid bible believing Christians often never rebuke others within the church who hold to false doctrine, for fear of strife.

There is no value to be placed on truth, truth, like God, does not change with circumstances or feelings, it does not "evolve" with culture, it is the same today as it always has been and you and I need to believe it, and preach it no matter what. Following the truths in God's word is worth giving up any carnal benefit, or enduring any hardship.

Homework: Write/type a study guide explaining (from the Bible) a doctrine you believe, convincing (from the Bible) others to believe it as well.