Doctrine

• Protect sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1: 13-14)-Even though I used to scoff at the name of Christ.  I hunted down his people, harming them in every way I could.  But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief.  Oh, how kind and gracious the Lord was!  He filled me completely with faith and the love of Christ Jesus.  Apostle Paul was someone who not only did not believe in Christ, he persecuted, hurt, and killed Christians at that time.  It was God's amazing power that changed and transformed him to be the servant that he became.  He came to be one of the most sound Christian believers-and Apostle.  His focus was not only to preach the gospel, but, to lead the Church into sound doctrine.  A teacher.  To correct them when they had gone astray.  To bring them back to soundness.  That is who Apostle Paul became.  A very zealous preacher and teacher.  God's glory has no boundaries..no end.  God's power is limitless!  There is nothing that God cannot do.  There is not a person in the world that God cannot change or transform.  His doctrine is to be protected.  His teachings are to be preserved.  His walk is to be imitated.  His way is to be lived.  His instruction to be followed.  His name will be glorified!  To God be the glory forever!  Amen.
•   Doctrine comes from the Bible (2 Timothy 3: 16)-All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.  It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.  Doctrine corrects us when we are in error.  It brings us from darkness into the light.  It corrects our daily living and brings us to a place where we are in harmony with our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.  That is why it's so important to look to Jesus as the example on how to live our lives.  We cannot continue to live in error as some do.  There are many beliefs and theories on the correct doctrine to live by; but, if we study scripture and see his commands, and his examples, we know what sort of way we should be living.  If you continue to read 2 Timothy 3: 17 it reads: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.  There is a level of perfection that believers can reach.  With the Holy Spirit guiding us we can attain that level of perfection we talked about earlier in this blog.  The Holy Spirit is the LORD with us.  He guides us down the right path.  He teaches us the difference between right and wrong.  We must submit to the Holy Spirit in order to reach that level of perfection that many say does not exist, or is not possible.  If we continue to read and study scripture, we can find more about how Jesus really wants us to live.
• Leaders in the church must have sound doctrine (Titus 1: 6-9)-An elder must be well thought of for his good life.  He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who are not wild or rebellious.  An elder must live a blameless life because he is God's minister.  He must not be arrogant, or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money.  He must enjoy having guests in his home, and must love all that is good.  He must live wisely, and be fair. He must live a devout and disciplined life.  He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he has taught; then he will be able to encourage others with the right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.  A church Leader must live in a way that is exemplary.  He must live so that he would be good example to follow.  He/she must be faithful.  Not only to God, but, to his wife and family.  His children cannot be wild and rebellious like the world.  He/she must be blameless before God.  They cannot be arrogant-(thinking they are more important than everyone else), must not be easily angered, cannot be a drunkard, cannot be violent-cannot love to fight, or love discord, or be greedy for money.  He/she must be hospitable, and love everything that is good.  They must be genuinely honest, loving, caring, charitable, and faithful.  That is the only way that they can lead by example.
• Christians should teach correct beliefs (Titus 2: 1)-But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching.  Further in scripture it says Titus 2: 2 and on; Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely.  They must have strong faith and be filled with love and patience.  Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that is appropriate for someone serving the LORD.  They must not go around speaking evil of others and must not be heavy drinkers.  Instead, they should teach others what is good.  These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to take care of their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands.  Then they will not bring shame in the word of God.  This is the correct way that Jesus taught his disciples.  He taught them to live in a way that was balanced, righteous, respectful and wise.  Strong faith is important as is love and patience.  The spirit of the LORD helps us to live in this sort of way.   It is a way that is appropriate before they eyes of the LORD.  They should not feel comfortable speaking evil about others, and cannot be heavy drinkers.  They should be teaching others what is good.  They should be loving one another and submitting to their husbands.  That way they will not bring shame to God, His word, or the Church.  

This brief study is on spiritual doctrine of the Church, and serves as an awesome reminder of the way the Church should live, and how we can be a light to others. More can be learned on spiritual doctrine by further studies in scripture, and we encourage you to get your Bible and study for yourself!  You will be amazed at what you can learn when you dig further into scripture.  We bless you in the name of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ!  Until the next study, have a blessed week!  Amen.