The Bible is our ultimate source for sound doctrine or teaching. It is the standard by which we should evaluate all other claims. Some believers think we make too much fuss about doctrine. But sound biblical teachings are not an option but a must if we want to be healthy Christians. Or if the church is to be strong and dominant in the earth as God intended her to be.
Paul the apostle writes to Titus, “Speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1, NASB). The key phrase here is “sound doctrine,” which refers to sound or healthy biblical teachings. Not all church teaching is healthy. Some of it is not good for you but harmful. Moreover, unhealthy teachings will produce unhealthy Christians.
But although we need sound doctrine; oftentimes, that’s not what many churchgoers crave. It’s kind of like our natural diet. We need foods that are healthy for us. But oftentimes, that’s not what we want. The unhealthy choices may taste good to us, but they don’t do us good. The same thing is true about bad doctrine. It may sound good, but it does us more harm than good.
Finding a Good Local Church
When someone searches for a local church to unite with, the soundness of biblical teachings or the lack thereof is not always the most important factor considered. Some church seekers choose a local church because of the charisma of the pastor. Or the size of the congregation. Or the popularity of the church in the city. Or the excellence of the church’s music ministry. But a local church void of sound doctrine is not a good place to be.
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he warns of a sad day for the church:
“The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itchy ears.”
2 Timothy 4:3, KJV
I believe we are there already. Today’s churches are drifting increasingly further from preaching and teaching sound biblical doctrine. That means churchgoers must become more discerning about what they listen to in the pulpit these days.
Again, sound biblical teachings is not an option; it’s a must. In this spiritually dark world, the people of God need a place where they can come and receive the light of God’s Word. In a society of lies and deception and partisan rhetoric, the church must remain the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15).
For instance, we live in a world where traditional family values are attacked on every side. The house of God must be the place where Christian families can come together and be fortified by truth by the One who created the family.
Adherence to sound biblical teachings is essential to Christian discipleship. Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine” (John 8:31, NASB).
How important is sound doctrine to you?
Copyright © 2023 by Frank King. All rights reserved.