Studying and Teaching Doctrines

Studying and Teaching Doctrines

Introduction

Doctrine is a system of teaching relating to a particular subject. Even though we talk about the same subject with the same source there is a wide range of differences in our thoughts and opinions. The doctrinal deviations between Christian people have indeed led astray the faith of many. So, doctrines must be sound and understood by each of us, as our foundational beliefs are set on it.

Paul writes to Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Paul writes to Titus that he must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9).

1.0. Necessity of Sound Doctrine/ Consequences of False Doctrine

Through the sound Doctrine, we can redeem ourselves first and then the people, to whom we preach or teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ through words or actions. When we blindly believe some doctrine because we follow it through the instruction of someone and or not give open thought to what the Bible actually says about it, it would make us less fruitful or not fruitful at all. It could even spoil our salvation or hinder others’ salvation.

There are many rebellious people, mere talkers, and deceivers who ruin whole households for dishonest gain. They are corrupted in their minds and consciences (Titus 1: 10-16). The sound doctrine can redeem us.

False Doctrines raise Controversies. (1Timothy 1:3,4).  A sound doctrine alone can demote the controversies.

Because of the false doctrines, quarrels that result in envy, strife, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of corrupt minds occur. Men will be robbed of the truth and think Godliness is a means of financial gain (1 Timothy 6:3-5). The true doctrine alone can give a solution to all.

2.0. Foundational Vs Elementary Doctrines:

Foundational doctrines are teachings that are very essential for a reasonable faith. Whereas the Elementary doctrines are teachings that deal with superficial issues or practices and are not very significant but could deviate when they are held on with higher value.

2.1. Minor Doctrinal deviations: There are variations in understanding of the minor doctrines that led to a large number of denominations among the Christians. Groups claim things from particular Bible passages and accentuate that whatever they follow is alone right, that’s where the problem arises and denominations are formed. Our God is very wondrous and He through His amazing grace works unique among each of us according to our needs and circumstances, we fail to admit several things as we are sometimes conceited to understand the Lord’s work and purpose. All of these problems arise when we hold on to the Elementary teachings. The writer of Hebrews quotes “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about baptism, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment” (Hebrews 6:1-2). Though minor doctrinal differences exist amongst us, it should not cause a gap in relationships, when it is within any of the acceptable contexts of the bible. Each one of us should be very careful not to judge the other person based on our own perceptions, but always examine whether the other person’s teaching or ideologies are based on the bible (Act 17: 11).

James writes “Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?” (James 4: 11,12).

2.2. Major Doctrinal deviations: Various people claim to be Christians but yet demolish the authority of Christ. Various groups claim Jesus Christ as the first created being, The prophet (a great man), An angel, An angel and a man, A man who became God, Same as God the Father, Only son of God and not God, One of the Avatar of God and so on. This is done in various ways and strategies of the groups such as taking verses out of their context, The claim of founders that God has revealed the unwritten biblical accounts to them, Following the written accounts of various people in addition to the Word of God, and even some of them had translated the Word of God in their specific versions to strengthen their conceit Doctrines or ideologies.

But Revelation 22:18,19 says, “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him His share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”

Also, some groups teach that the Holy Spirit is Active force, Power, Angel and so on. Let us remember one of the warnings given by God Jesus in Luke 12:8-10

“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.”

Any Group that demotes the authority of Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Word of God could be considered a Cult and we have to be very careful with such people. The Major Doctrinal deviations lead us away from the true God and forbid us from enjoying His amazing grace, guidance and goodness.

3.0. How to Study

The Inductive Bible Study should be driving our doctrinal study, and it can always be used to study any verses, passages, chapters or books.

Some methods that could be used to study doctrines are as follows, though they may not give the complete biblical view of the doctrine, but comprehend some of the crucial aspects of it.

·         Studying the doctrine based on the assumptions or presumptions

·         Studying some specific verses or passages that teach the specific doctrine primarily

·         Studying the Book that emphasizes the specific doctrine

·         Studying the perspective of different authors / biblical personalities about the specific doctrine

In addition to the Inductive Bible Study, we shall use some principles of the Thematic Bible study and Topical Bible Study which comprises the principles of the methods of studying doctrines altogether, while studying the specific doctrines.

 

The following process shall be adopted while studying the doctrines.

 

4.0. Considerations while studying Doctrines:

Some of the following practices or attitudes would be helpful to know and understand the doctrines correctly without any deviations.

1.      Read the bible regularly to understand the whole purpose of the bible and the purpose of the particular authors of the biblical books.

2.      Study the biblical phrases, verses, passages, or chapters inductively before using them deductively.

3.      Be teachable with the biblical basis, by considering the whole of the Bible.

4.      Don’t get stuck because of your family background, cultural background, linguistic background, social background, economic background or other backgrounds.

5.      Don’t get stuck with preconceptions and misconceptions.

6.      Use technology and resources (Ex. Websites, Software, Audio-Visuals, etc.) that help in the effectiveness of your study. But always check whether the resources align with biblical truths.

 

5.0. Considerations while teaching Doctrines:

Some of the following practices or attitudes would be helpful to teach the doctrines effectively to others without any deviations.  

1.      Put your best efforts into studying the doctrines completely, from the whole of the Bible, rather than just taking some specific portions that raise controversies.

2.      Don’t get influenced by others’ family background, cultural background, linguistic background, social background, economic background or other backgrounds.

3.      Understand the perceptions and misconceptions of others. Be open to learn from others and accept something that you don’t know.

4.      Use technology and resources (Ex. PowerPoint. Software, Audio-Visuals, activities, etc.) that help in the presentation of your study better, interactive and engaging.

5.      Clearly communicate your study in a flow, using simple words, and be connected.

6.      Don’t degrade any individual or group for wrong understandings which teaching.

7.      Present your learnings with love, respect, and concern, by avoiding arguments. Adress everything politely and sometimes firmly. And also address some questions or thoughts individually and not altogether, whenever it does not apply to the entire group.

 

Conclusion:

We have to accept the fact that we cannot comprehend the infinite God completely with our Finite minds though He has revealed Himself to us. We are fallen ones with imperfect weaker souls. But God is gracious and faithful enough to give much knowledge about Him through every means around us. We should learn to show the same Love and Grace that God has given us to everyone i.e. even those who have subjected themselves to False Doctrines. Even Jesus said that it is not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick. Everyone who believes in a subject/ doctrine does it with a reason, but the reason would be sometimes right or sometimes wrong. We shall see many people around us following instructions without analysing the facts. Most of the time we as knowledgeable Christians fail to show the Love of Christ by hurting people in an attempt to not accept their false thoughts. Instead how great it would be if we try to provide the facts for the right things, to those who oppose it. We all have the responsibility to equip ourselves and then entrust it to others. We should never forget and compromise the Greatest commandment that God has given us by any means.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

We shall remind ourselves 1Timothy 4:16 again, which says that,

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

On our part, Sound Doctrine with faith alone is not essential for Salvation but our lifestyle with good deeds, speech, thoughts and behaviours is equally important. Sound Doctrine surely guides our actions, in addition to our faith.

We may be much wiser and know many things but if we don’t have Love, we would be nothing as Paul quotes in 1 Corinthians 13. May God’s love reside in us.

And finally, never stop pursuing your search for answers though may have many questions and doubts, Seek and you will find them.

References:

https://eternalcall.com/how-to-study-the-bible/doctrine-study/

https://biblestudy.tips/topical-study/

https://wisdomfromheaven.net/how-to-do-a-thematic-bible-study/

https://uesi.in/doctrinal-basis

Notes of UESI-TN-TTD-Bible Seminar 2023 by Mr. Athma Soruban