As a disciple who is being conformed to the image of Christ, we are called to KNOW and OBEY the Word.
Over the past few days, we’ve seen how this works itself out in practical obedience. But we also need to know the truth of Scriptures and to become strong in theology and doctrine.
It is very important that we not only obey the Scriptures, but that we know what we believe and why we believe it.
If you have been around Emmanuel long enough, you probably hear us talking a lot about sound doctrine. What exactly is “doctrine”? It basically means that we are vitally concerned that the authority and truth of God’s Word is not compromised and that everyone who is connected with Emmanuel knows what they believe and why as revealed in the Scriptures alone.
“No Christian can avoid theology. Every Christian has a theology. The issue then is not, do we want to have a theology. That’s a given. The real issue is, do we have a sound theology? Do we embrace true or false doctrine?”—R.C. Sproul
Let us explore five reasons why good theology or sound doctrine is important for your growth. One of the goals of a disciple-making small group is to teach sound doctrine so that we as a church can be faithful to the truth.
- Sound doctrine produces true and vigorous affections for God in our souls.
Read Psalm 1:2 Psalm 19:8 Psalm 119:
2. Sound doctrine produces stability in the Christian life
Read Ephesians 4:13-14.
3. Sound doctrine protects us against false doctrine
Read 1st Timothy 4:1
4. Sound doctrine produces in us true discernment
Read Philippians 1:9-10
5. Sound doctrine strengthens the overall church
Read Ephesians 4:15-16
You are a theologian whether you realize it or not. What kind are you?
Spend time in prayer asking God to give you a hunger and desire to know sound theology and to adhere to sound doctrine.
Father In heaven,
Your Word is truth without any mixture of error. I don’t want to believe false doctrine. I don’t want to have my itching ears tickled. I want to know what Your Word says. Please give me a mind and a heart to study, know, and obey your word and to guard sound doctrine in our church family.
For Christ’s Glory,
Amen
Emmanuel Baptist Church 