Sound Doctrine
Gary Smalley
The New Testament word “doctrine” simply means “teaching.” Students of the Scriptures realize very quickly that therein are two very distinct types of “doctrine,” the “doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1) and the “sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6) whose originator is Christ (2 John 9). The “doctrines of demons” (“devils” in the KJV) are elsewhere in Scripture described as “varied and strange teachings” (Hebrews 13:9) and as having their origin in the “god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). The devil is of course the god of this world, whom the Lord described this way: “… a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44). And the devil’s followers will be doing the devil’s work relative to doctrine: “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; …” (2 Peter 2:1-3a).
Concerning the doctrine that is opposed by the devil and those who belong to him, the doctrine of Christ is “sound teaching” (1 Timothy 1:10), “sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4: 3; Titus 1:9; 2:1). To say that the doctrine is sound is to say that it is free from error, and thus totally reliable as truth. This teaching consisted of words selected by the Spirit of God, who searched the mind of God to reveal spiritual thoughts with spiritual words (1 Corinthians 2:10-13). These were the words that were taught by Christ and His apostles and prophets of the first century, inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 7:16-17; 14:24-26; 16:12-15; Acts 2:42).
All of these faithful teachers of God’s pure message (“accurately handling the word of truth” – 2 Timothy 2:15) highlighted the importance of adherence to sound doctrine (“continue in the things you have learned … knowing from whom you have learned them” – 2 Timothy 3:14). The truth was so precious in its purity that it was to be entrusted “to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:2). Not every man adheres; not every man is faithful. “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith,” (1 Timothy 4:1). Thus, the importance attached to Paul’s charge to Timothy, “preach the word.” (2 Timothy 4:2), for in time, there would arise some who “will not endure sound doctrine … and will turn away their ears from the truth” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Teaching sound doctrine is essential, being of prime importance among the true people of God. No hit-or-miss, slipshod, wishy-washy, careless approach when it comes to adhering to it will accomplish faithfulness. Paul further pointed out that the “good servant of Christ Jesus, [is] constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine …” (1 Timothy 4:6); the “good servant of Christ Jesus” points these things out to the brethren. Paul commanded, “Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:11), and Timothy was charged, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16).
How vitally important it is for every Christian to work toward mastering the doctrine of Christ; it is not solely a task for preachers. Neglecting this emphasis by all the saints will allow the doctrines of demons to creep in and destroy the faith of many. Brethren, think on these things!