An aged apostle of the faith, nearing his last section of the marathon for eternal life, instructed his “son,” “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16 NKJV). Amazingly, and quite sadly, is the fact that we live in a world where the truth has been decimated and facts have been resigned to a person’s own feelings or what one perceives as true. This lethal philosophy is known as postmodernism. Postmodernism is a late 20th Century movement characterized by broad skepticism, subjectivism and relativism. In other words, whatever you feel is truth becomes truth whether it is truth or not. This has plagued our world in general and in religion in particular. However, God does not subscribe to such! Paul, guided by the Spirit of Truth, reminded young Timothy that doctrine (teaching) must be obeyed and taught. By implication, we see that there is a definite doctrine concerning spiritual things, and that doctrine can be known. Furthermore, that doctrine must be shared in order for both the sharer and the student to be saved. Let us note more carefully about this doctrine of which Paul wrote.
The Definition
The two words most commonly translated “doctrine” in the New Testament are didaskalia and didache. Didache, translated as the word doctrine, is used some 29 times in the New Covenant. These words all center around the idea of teaching. In Holy Writ, doctrine is the body of truth that is taught. Therefore, for anyone to minimize the importance of doctrine is to minimize the importance of teaching. “If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed” (1 Timothy 4:6). Doctrine, yes teaching, was so important that it was what Timothy was to watch carefully and in which to continue for salvation. “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Timothy 4:16).
The Derivation
Sometimes, due to the postmodernist mindset, people will resist doctrine because they do not believe in absolutes. Common phrases heard today are “That is just your truth” or “That is just what your church teaches.” If religious truth derived itself from man, then I, too, would be quite skeptical of such. However, when it comes to the spiritual realm, mankind has nothing to do with the derivation or origin of the Truth. Jesus was clear about the source of truth. “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16). Truth, religiously, comes from the power of God. “As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3). The Spirit of Truth guided the apostles and the prophets to write down the doctrine that derives itself from Heaven’s authoritative throne (2 Peter 1:20–21; 2 Timothy 3:16–17). The church is not the source of Divine truth but simply the “pillar and ground” of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). In other words, the church is simply those who love, obey, uphold and defend God’s truth! So, when the Lord’s church says anything religiously or spiritually, we are simply speaking “the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). “…Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
The Duty
Religion in many places (sadly, this includes some churches of Christ) has simply become a social organization where ears are tickled and preferences are the pinnacle. In some places, it is no longer, “What does the Lord say?” but rather, what do we like to hear. God reminded the ancient prophet Ezekiel that his duty was to simply warn and speak what came from God. If Ezekiel failed to uphold, defend and speak the truth to all, then his soul would be in jeopardy (Ezekiel 3:18–21). It is not our choice what we teach but God’s choice! Our duty is like Micaiah’s duty of old, “…As the LORD lives, whatever my God says, that I will speak” (2 Chronicles 18:13). In fact, our duty is so outlined, that “…If anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:9).
The Bible is a doctrinal Book of instruction and teaching that shows a person how to become a faithful child of God and how to remain as such. The doctrine therein is Divine, and therefore, it is pure and absolute. Timothy was to watch closely the doctrine and continue in it to be saved. The same charge applies to each of us today. Continue in them!
