THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCERNMENT OF A CHURCH'S DOCTRINE

During my forty-seven years as a believer in Jesus Christ, I could not even venture a guess how many times I have heard Christians say negative things about Bible doctrines.  Some view them as the foundation for pride, for debate, and for division.  Others actually delight in using them to berate, to belittle, and to demean those who hold to a different view than theirs; after all, they are right, you know!  As a result, whenever someone uses the word "doctrine" from the pulpit, half perk up to make sure the pastor is correct (holds the same view as they do), and the other half either cringe, or worse yet, head for the exits!  Let's look at what God's word has to say about doctrine.

"Doctrine" is διδαχή didachḗ in the Greek.  It is defined as "the process of teaching, or that which is being taught."  When the teaching is in harmony with the Spirit of God's Word, it is good; when it is false, or distorts the teaching of the Bible, it is evil.  Here are a few verses which show the difference:

THE GOOD

Matthew 7:28-29 - "And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine:  for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes."
Matthew 21:31-33 - "But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?  God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.  And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine."
John 7:16-17 - "Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me.  If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself."
Acts 2:41-42 - "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:  and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.  And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
1 Timothy 5:17 - "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the Word and doctrine."

THE BAD

Matthew 15:8-9 - "This people draw nigh unto Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips; but their heart is far from Me.  But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
Matthew 16:11-12 - "How is it that ye do not understand that I spoke it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?  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."
2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."

THE UGLY

Romans 16:17 - "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them."

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."

1 Timothy 4:1-3 - "Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth."

1 Timothy 6:3-5 - "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof come envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:  from such withdraw thyself."

THE BEST DEFENSE AGAINST FALSE DOCTRINE IS KNOW GOD'S WORD!

THE BEST REACTION TO FALSE DOCTRINE IS TO PRAY FOR WISDOM!

THE BEST RESPONSE TO FALSE DOCTRINE IS CONFRONT IT!