Enduring Doctrine

So I have been preaching about doctrine lately, because I really believe that many of the issues that are arising in the church today are the result of Christians not knowing good doctrine. The Apostle Paul says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” --2 Timothy 4:3-4.

There’s something I noticed in this passage, Paul says they will not ENDURE sound doctrine. And right there we see the problem; the church perceives doctrine as something to be endured. I don’t know about you but when I feel like something has to be endured I avoid it! Reminds me of peas, they may be good for you but when I eat them, I have to endure them, so I avoid them at all cost. And sadly, many believers feel the same way about doctrine.

But, we need to know church doctrine. Because without it we have no hope of living successfully as Christians. Did you know that the Bible was given to us for the express purpose of teaching us doctrine? Really! God sent us His Word so that we would know Him and know how to find the plan that He has for us! Here is something maybe you haven’t recognized about doctrine. Doctrine is the tool that we use to become the person God has created us to be. You will never find the will of God for your life outside of doctrine.

One last thing, Christianity is about relationship. And all relationships have rules or guidelines to be followed. So while we should be really focused on our relationship with God we should acknowledge the rules that come with that relationship. And doctrine helps us know those rules and helps us get closer to God and fulfill everything God has planned for us.

Ok, with all that said here is my commitment to you: As I teach and preach on doctrine I will try to find ways to make it exciting and not something to be endured! But know this every once in a while you have to eat your peas! (yuck)