Within first epistle to Timothy, Paul’s concern for the doctrine of Christ becomes a recurring theme. Consider the following passages:
1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 6:3-5
"If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself."
Timothy is to dedicate himself to studying the doctrine and being sure leadership (elders in particular) have a firm grasp on it as well. In a day when doctrinal issues are trivialized, congregational leaders and preachers would do well to devote themselves to the study of doctrinal issues. The salvation of our congregations and our own souls depend on our devotion to the word and its defense.
As Paul instructed young Timothy, if brethren refuse “the doctrine which accords with godliness” we must both individually and collectively withdraw ourselves. What we believe and teach matters. If we fail to uphold doctrine, we have wandered from the truth and there is not hope left within us.
May there always be brethren concerned for the doctrine of the church and dedicated to it propagation.
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 6:3-5
"If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself."
Timothy is to dedicate himself to studying the doctrine and being sure leadership (elders in particular) have a firm grasp on it as well. In a day when doctrinal issues are trivialized, congregational leaders and preachers would do well to devote themselves to the study of doctrinal issues. The salvation of our congregations and our own souls depend on our devotion to the word and its defense.
As Paul instructed young Timothy, if brethren refuse “the doctrine which accords with godliness” we must both individually and collectively withdraw ourselves. What we believe and teach matters. If we fail to uphold doctrine, we have wandered from the truth and there is not hope left within us.
May there always be brethren concerned for the doctrine of the church and dedicated to it propagation.
| To The Doctrine by Nathan Battey.pdf |
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