Doctrine
Many are being led astray because they ignore doctrine and what the Bible really teaches
The word “doctrine” in its simplest form means “instruction”. When used in terms of the Bible, doctrine is the method by which God teaches us His will for our lives, and also gives us a glimpse into the future. (See The Doctrines of the Bible for a detailed breakdown of the fields of doctrine.) We are already in the time Paul describes to Timothy where people will not endure sound doctrine, because it does not conform to their own views:
3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Why is it that people who initially embraced the gospel of salvation with all their hearts, would now turn their ears away from the truth? It is simply this: they did not bother to study the Word of God and the doctrine it contains, but instead listened to teachers who teach what they wanted to hear, instead of what they should hear. The message sounded so good to them that they grabbed it with both hands. They have subsequently burnt more than their fingers.
The word “doctrine” appears 51 times in the King James Version of the Bible; "doctrines" appears five times. The first time it is used is in Deuteronomy:
2My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass. – Deuteronomy 32:2
This sets the tone for what follows in rest of the Bible. God’s teaching (doctrine) is given like rain, allowing the young believer to grow. Note that doctrine is defined here as either “small rain”, the basics of the Word, or showers, the bigger doctrinal issues. Paul refers to this as milk and meat (1 Corinthians 3:2). Unfortunately, today, too many Christians are going astray because they do not bother to study the Word, as Paul instructs Timothy:
15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. – 2 Timothy 2:15
Paul tells Timothy to study, not just read, the Word so that he can be deemed as approved by God as a minister; that he does not need to be ashamed in any way, because he can stand his ground, and most importantly, he will be able to properly analyse the Word. Many people fail with this today. But hang on, I am not a pastor, so why should I study the Word? Simply this: that you as a believer can identify false teaching. Jesus says this about doctrine:
16Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. 17If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. – John 7:16-17
Doctrinal standards are set by God. Who are we to defy them? Unfortunately, there are many false teachers who lead people astray because of the false doctrine they proclaim. Paul addresses this very firmly:
3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. – 1 Timothy 1:3-7
Paul warns Timothy of false doctrine infiltrating the church as early as the first century. Since then, the devil has had a lot of time twisting the truth. Note that he focuses on doctrine and tells Timothy to ensure that whoever he oversees, must teach sound doctrine. Some teachers have swerved away (suddenly change direction) from the truth. The horrible truth is that they desire to teach but understand nothing. So are many teachers today. Now you as a believer cannot prevent a false teacher from spewing his lies, but you can withstand it by applying sound doctrine yourself. This comes only by diligently studying the Bible, the themes contained therein, and through hermeneutics (the study of Bible texts and their meaning) and exegesis (explaining Bible text in context to others). You have two responsibilities: first, study it for yourself so that you understand it. Then, explain it to others.
Paul makes a damning statement in his second letter to Timothy:
1Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. – 1 Timothy 4:1-3
- Who says it? The Holy Spirit, not men.
- When will it happen? In the latter times. In Paul’s time reference it would occur in Timothy’s time already, and we see it happening so much more in our time.
- What will happen? Certain people will turn away from the true faith; listen to false spirits; and lean on the doctrine of devils.
- What will they do? They will lie to others and impose rules which God never ordained.
The sad thing is that these people could be your best friends, family, or members of your church, and you would not even know it at first. Why? Because they do not appear evil at all. They sound and look like the rest of the sheep in the flock, but in reality are wolves. See Matthew 7:15. You will have to protect yourself by evaluating what you hear and see first. If a false teacher does not say or do anything you can sense is dangerous, then there is probably nothing you can do. However, when you hear them say and see them do something that does not agree with the Word, whose voice are you going to listen to, theirs, or the Word’s? (A more detailed study of Paul’s warning is found here.)
Conclusion
The times we are living in are evil and you have to do everything you can to protect yourself against the devil’s attacks. Take heed of 2 Timothy 3:16. Read the Word (Hebrews 4:12); study the Word (Psalm 1:2); preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2); study hermeneutics and exegesis; and maybe study basic Greek to see how our translations often deviate from the original source. Whatever you do, do not be ensnared by the devil’s lies, often sent in the form of those you trusted the most. You will have to account for your actions, not theirs.