Yesterday we started by examining why it is important to study the scripture and what they are for.

2 Timothy 3:16

New King James Version

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

We saw that it is important for a believer to recognize that the Word of God is our standard of doctrine, reproof, correction, and growth.

Today we will be examining doctrine closely because it is how we know what to believe and unfortunately in our world today many have tried to pervert the doctrine of the Christian faith. When it comes to doctrine, we ought not to be sentimental, but we must take it seriously and study the scriptures objectively to arrive at God’s truth.

Galatians 1:6-9

New King James Version

6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel,

7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ.

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.

9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

Apostle Paul was emphatic in warning the Galatians against false doctrines that had quickly gained popularity amongst them. He emphatically said even if he or an angel came with another doctrine, ”let him be accursed”.

He further emphasized his message in:

Galatians 3:1-3

New King James Version

1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?

2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

This already shows you that there is something definite about our faith and false doctrine is therefore any knowledge contrary to that definite doctrine of the scriptures. A good student of the word must learn to discover it.

Warnings against false doctrine is emphatic in scripture because it damages our idea of God and his word and our discovery of who we are from scriptures. Even Jesus warned against it.

Matthew 7:15

New King James Version

15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 

Similarly, Apostle Paul in:

1 Timothy 1:3-7

New King James Version

3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.

5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,

6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk,

7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

He warns them about false doctrine, instructing them that they teach no other doctrine. He says that some would stray from what is right and would want to speak like they’re teachers of the law but they do not understand the law because they are given to idle talk.

The scriptures above show us that while false doctrine have in fact existed since the days of the early church, the Apostle and Jesus withstood them because the Word of God remains our standard.

It is imperative that we are able to identify what false doctrine is. We have thousands of sects and denominations in Christianity that all claim to have different revelations of God while following different doctrines. Do we then say that everyone is right? Or do we say that every special revelation of Jesus Christ outside the word is valid? No.

That is why we started out by saying that doctrine is definite. It is called “The Gospel” for a reason so anything apart from what the scriptures say is wrong.

Things to note about false doctrine:

1. False doctrine breeds pride and rebellion in the heart.

   1 Timothy 6:3-5

   New King James Version

   3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,

   4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,

   5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

   There’s a rebelliousness that comes with following wrong doctrines where one esteems their knowledge or their pastor’s above the scriptures, making them hard-hearted and unwilling to receive the truth.

2. False doctrines never resonates with the teachings of Christ.

1 John 4:2

New King James Version

2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God

How do you test a doctrine? By what they believe about Jesus. Do they believe in His lordship, in his sufferings, death, an resurrection? Or do they think Jesus is an angel or that he is just a good guy.

3. False doctrines are either wrong on the doctrine of salvation, money as taught in scriptures or evangelism. Any doctrine that teaches you anything different from the saving grace of Christ for salvation, is wrong. Any ideology on money asides from what is taught in scriptures, is wrong. Any doctrine that teaches you that salvation is not for everybody and talks down on evangelism, is wrong.

So what do we do when we face of false doctrine? Challenge it! Don’t sit back and do nothing. But challenge it with meekness.

1 Peter 3:15

New King James Version

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

When you see a believer say things in error, don’t just call them out harshly. It is better to have a private discussion and correct with scriptures just like Aquila and Priscilla did with Apollos.

We seek to correct false doctrines to protect the minds of people, and preserve the integrity of the Word, so that others will not be deceived. Paul told Timothy to keep teaching the same gospel because it is safety to those who hear him. Sound doctrine is safety and you can do your part in helping others stay true to the Word.

We have spoken a lot about false doctrine and a bit on what it is but for you to adequately challenge it, you must be a diligent student of the Word. You must be an apt teacher like Paul says. You must take time to fill your heart with the Word of God richly so you would not be deceived and so you can grow appropriately.

Prayer Point:

Lord Jesus, I commit myself today to fill my heart with your work. Help me to be steadfast in the study of your Word, that I may grow effectively, be able to teach others and defend the faith with meekness.