2 Timothy 3:16-17
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,

17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Scripture rightly divided and interpreted is the ultimate source of doctrine and guidance. It provides everything needed for believers to be equipped for every good work.

In the first topic of this series, an analogy of a plant and a man was used. If a man, just strolling can easily pull a plant from it root, it is because the plant is not deeply rooted.

This can be likened to a believer not deeply rooted in the Word, quick to forget, enough to be tossed to and fro by wrong doctrine. Through this week, we have learnt that God’s will for us is to be deeply rooted. Being steadfast will not be complete till we learn to earnestly contend for the faith. It would not matter what we have heard or learned this week if we can not present it. If we cannot be the faithful disciples.

2 Timothy 2:2
New King James Version
2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also

Apostle Paul was writing to Timothy to commit these things he has heard from him to faithful men that would be able to teach others. The word ‘faithful’ is the Greek word pistois which means reliable. Apostle Paul was simply telling him to put it in the hands of people he can trust enough to carry on the message the same way it was given to them.

We are being taught to also teach others. But what we must teach is right doctrine. The same doctrine the disciples heard from Jesus, passed on to faithful men till it got to us.

So I ask, are you a faithful man? Can you be trusted to hold on and pass this same gospel to generations?

Jude 1:3
New King James Version
3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints

The Greek word for ‘contend’ there is epanigozomai which means to struggle; to strive as though you were in a competition, to fight fervently.

Your responsibility as a faithful disciple is to strive to keep everything you have received. Believers must treat sound doctrine as sacred because it matters what you are being taught.

1 Timothy 1:3-4
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.

Today, we see wrong doctrine unapologetically put in the face of people by the media. People who teach wrong doctrine are loud about it with enough people to support and back it up. In such a time, we must come out bold, speak up and defend the faith. Lies must not prevail over the truth because people fought and died preserving this truth.

Galatians 1:6-8
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.

In verse 9, Paul says anyone who teaches anything apart from sound doctrine should be accursed. That is, to be cursed. That is how much sound doctrine is valued in the Word. That is how serious sound doctrine should be upheld. The Bible is emphatic on the warnings of false doctrine.

The Word of God places value on sound doctrine and frowns against wrong doctrine. If doctrine is being taught, it must be sound. Being a faithful disciple is preaching to others the unperverted gospel of Christ. Believers are called to uphold and pass on sound doctrine.

This is a call to wake up if you have been sleeping, and be a faithful disciple. Are you going to back up your words with action?

Prayer Point
As I pray now, my heart is more aligned to being a faithful disciple. I communicate the right thing to people!