October 19, 2025 - PM

Importance of Doctrine #

1 Tim 3:14-1Tim 4:15

Introduction I’m planning on in this series, covering the doctrine of the church. There are the things we believe, and stick to.

The word ‘doctrine’ used more frequently in this chapter than any other chapter in the Bible. It is a topic which shows the importance of Doctrine.

By way of introduction, These last few verses of chapter 3 really help set the stage that is about to be filled with doctrine. We notice he has written so the behavior in the church is to take place. He has covered the qualifications of the people to hold the office of Pastor (1Tim3.1) and Deacon (1Tim3.8), he is about to cover what should be taught in the church. • Vs 15 – “the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” ◦ The church is responsible for guarding, and maintaining truth! ◦ That is why there are many different churches, they don’t all have the same droctine ◦ That is why labels are important… what doctrine do they teach? – ▪ Church of God, I can tell you some of the differences of doctrine. Presbyterian, Lutheran, etc… it isn’t hard to find and know.
▪ Baptist, we know what they believe. (Difference between Independent, Southern, American).
▪ When you start to have churches pop up today, Faith Family, Rivertree, and all these churches who call them selves non-denominational have no idea what they believe… and I don’t think some of them know what they believe.
▪ Christian is an ambiguous label. – It literally doesn’t mean anything these days.

Doctrine - 1. In a general sense, whatever is taught. 2. The act of teaching. 3. Learning; knowledge. 4. The truths of the gospel in general. 5. Instruction and confirmation in the truths of the gospel

I. Bad Doctrine (1*-5) #

A. Doctrine of devils #

i. The Devil doesn’t want pure doctrine! #

2 Cor 11:13–15 —13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

ii. He convinces men to do wrong… #

Revelation 2:14–15 —14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

B. Doctrine of Men (Pharisees) #

Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. ◦ The Pharisees elevated their words of God’s Word! - Mark 7:7–8 —7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. • Bad doctrine come from nice looking, good men, that are driven by something other than God. • The Pharisee’s looked very good religiously.

II. Good Doctrine (1 Tim 4:6) #

A. Jesus Doctrine #

Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power. • Jesus is God, so he never taught incorrectly • Jesus is the Word of God • Jesus Doctrine is God’s! John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

B. Apostles Doctrine #

Acts 2:42 —And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. • Where did the apostles get their doctrine? They spent 3.5 years with Christ! • Paul was an “apostle” born out of due time… who spent time with the Lord, and was taught by God!

C. Remind of Good doctrine! #

i. Forget the ‘old wives’ fables’ #

• We prioritize, and spend time in the Bible! Why? That is where the doctrine is!

ii. ‘bodily exercise’ profiteth little… it is comparative to spiritual things! #

1 Timothy 4:11 —11 These things command and teach.

III. Attendance (1 Tim 4:12-13*) #

A. Reading (the Word of God) #

B. Exhortation – preaching #

C. Doctrine – what is taught! #

• Take responsibility for teaching, putting forth God’s doctrine from His Word.

IV. Continue in Doctrine (1 Tim 4:15-16*) #

A. Peer pressure #

• In the early days of Christianity there was peer pressure!
• The Christians in Jerusalem, continued to abide by the OT law, and were teaching gentiles to live by the OT law…
    ◦ Paul, goes to Jerusalem and meets with Peter and the pastors at Jerusalem… 
• Preachers always are pulling preachings in one direction or another… there is pressure.
• A strong dedication to the Word of God “attendance to reading” is crucial to staying true

B. Continue, not swayed, or carried away! #

Ephesians 4:14 — That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

i. We should not be swayed by others! #

ii. God’s Word clearly defines doctrine for us! #

C. Be faithful to God! #

• “thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.”
• We are not and should not be crowd seekers, but seek to please God, and maintain doctrinal purity! – people may come and go, but doctrine should not!