The next time you read 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, underline the word “doctrine.” You will notice how frequently the word appears and the importance Paul gives the subject. “Doctrine” simply means “teaching.” It was an activity the early church engaged in consistently. Acts 2:42 states: “They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine….”
Here are some observations about doctrine and why the early believers wholeheartedly embraced it.
1. It was part of the progressive revelation of God, understood to have equal authority with the Old Testament prophets (2 Pet. 3:2, 15-18) and the Lord. (Acts 20:35; 1 Tim. 6:3). The spoken ministry of the Lord was incomplete according to His own statements (Jn. 16:7, 12) and He continued His revelation to Peter (Acts 10:13-15) and to Paul (1 Cor. 15:8; Gal. 1:2; Acts 22:6-10, 14).
2. It was the final revelation of God. The Lord stated this (Jn. 16:12-13, “all truth”). The application of the apostles’ doctrine was intended for the church right up to the Lord’s return (1 Cor. 11:26; 15:51-58). In 2,000 years of church history there has never been serious acceptance of divine revelation and authority other than the New Testament.
3. The apostles’ doctrine would be attacked, counterfeited, and confused (intentionally or unintentionally) from the very beginning to the present day. The gospel itself would be twisted (Gal. 1:6-7). Christians would be called to return to the law as a means of living a godly life (Gal. refutes that). On the other extreme, Christians would be led to think that the grace of God allows any kind of behavior, living without regard to God’s moral law (1 Cor. deals with this). The Person of Christ would be attacked (see Phil., Col., and John’s epistles). False teaching would arise not only from outside the church but from within (see 1 & 2 Tim. and Titus). Jude warns us the presence of evil men among us.
4. The apostles’ doctrine was intended to be understood, taught, and obeyed by believers in the generations following the apostles. For instance, an understanding and ability to teach the Word would be an essential quality of an elder (1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:9). Timothy was exhorted to “commit…to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). The apostles’ doctrine was not to be taught only by the apostles, but by succeeding generations. Although the apostles were the last to receive direct, authoritative revelation from God, they were not the last to teach that doctrine. The apostles’ doctrine was to be lived out in practical obedience. Our attitude at work is connected to this (1 Tim. 6:1; Titus 2:10).
5. The apostles’ doctrine would be the means of preserving the church from corruption until the Lord returns. Good doctrine, according to Paul, would be a continuation of the ministry of the Lord Himself (1 Tim. 4:6). He is still building His church. Paul saw teaching as necessary to preserve us (1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 20:32). Sound doctrine refutes false teaching (Titus 1:9) and inoculates us against error.
What do we need to do to promote sound teaching of the Word of God in our assembly?
1. Some must give themselves to consistent Bible study. This will take time and sacrifice. Timothy was exhorted to “give attendance to…doctrine” (1 Tim. 4:13).
2. Many assemblies arrange frequent weekend Bible studies for consecutive Bible teaching. These are usually well attended. A gifted teacher can be invited. Time is devoted to several hours of good teaching. This gives the assembly consecutive teaching without a single brother taking an unreasonable number of regular meetings, quenching the development of gift in others.
3. Weekly prayer meeting can be a good time to take up a subject or book in the Bible. Some assemblies successfully have open discussion led by a capable brother. Others have one brother give a series of messages.
Make sound Bible teaching a characteristic of your assembly. It will attract like-minded believers and feed those in fellowship–God’s way of keeping us healthy.