CHURCH DOCTRINE

DOCTRINE.

WHERE DOES A CHRISTIAN LEARN THE BASICS OF CHRISTIANITY?

BIBLE READING: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

KEY BIBLE VERSE: 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. (2 Timothy 3:16)

CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE COMES FROM THE BIBLE.

The whole Bible is God's inspired Word. Because it is inspired and trustworthy, we should read it and apply it to our life. The Bible is our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teaching and our source of guidance for how we should live. It is our only source of knowledge about how we can be saved. God wants to show you what is true and equip you to live for him. How much time do you spend in God's Word? Read it regularly to discover God's truth and to become confident in your life and faith. Develop a plan for reading the whole Bible, not just the familiar passages.

You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others. (2 Timothy 2:2)

BIBLICAL DOCTRINES ARE PASSED FROM BELIEVER TO BELIEVER.

If the body of Christ were to consistently follow this advice, the church would expand as well-taught believers would teach others and commission them, in turn, to teach still others. Disciples need to be equipped to pass on their faith; our work is not done until new believers are able to make disciples of others (see Ephesians 4:12-13).

My goal is that they will be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have full confidence because they have complete understanding of God's secret plan, which is Christ himself. (Colossians 2:2)

BIBLICAL TEACHINGS WILL ALWAYS BE UNDER ATTACK.

The problem that Paul was combating in the Colossian church was similar to Gnosticism (from the Greek word for knowledge). This heresy (a teaching contrary to Biblical doctrine) undermined Christianity in several basic ways:

(1) It insisted that important secret knowledge was hidden from most believers; Paul, however, said that Christ provides all the knowledge we need.

(2) It taught that the body was evil; Paul countered that God himself dwelt in a body-that is, he was embodied in Jesus Christ.

(3) It contended that Christ only seemed to be human, but was not; Paul insisted that Jesus is fully human and fully God.

Gnosticism became fashionable in the second century. But even in Paul's day, these ideas sounded attractive to many and they could easily seduce a church that didn't know Christian doctrine well. Similar teachings still pose significant problems for many in the church today. We combat heresy by becoming thoroughly acquainted with God's Word through personal study and sound Bible teaching.

Hold on to the pattern of right teaching you learned from me. And remember to live in the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:13-14)

THE TRUTH OF THE BIBLE CAN BE GUARDED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT'S HELP.

Timothy was in a time of transition. He had been Paul's bright young helper; soon he would be on his own as leader of a church in a difficult environment. Although his responsibilities were changing, Timothy was not without help. He had everything he needed to face the future if he would hold on tightly to it. He even had the Holy Spirit's help for hanging on. When you are facing difficult transitions, it is good to follow Paul's advice to Timothy and look back at your experience. Who is the foundation of your faith? How can you build on that foundation? What gifts has the Holy Spirit given you? Use the gifts you have already been given.