As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
1st Timothy 1:3
Doctrine is not popular element among many so-called Christian churches and organizations today. Many like to say, “doctrine divides.” Well, that statement is more correct than they probably realize. In fact, that is exactly what Paul is encouraging Timothy to do. Timothy is to charge false teachers to teach true doctrine or stop teaching altogether and go away.
Paul warned that false doctrines were going to become a problem as soon as he left the area. He even made a special trip through the area to charge the Elders at Ephesus and remind them to be watchful of these influences.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Acts 20:28-31
Most “churches” today give little or no time for the preaching of the Bible. The sermon is cut to 20 minutes or less while more and more entertainment is added to draw in a larger crowd. And when the pastor does speak, often times it is simply filled with man’s self help philosophies or feel-good messages to help the congregation ease their stinging conscience.
But the fact is, the Bible places a very high importance on teaching, and that teaching should be the doctrine of the Apostles, not fables, stories, or philosophies of men.
Paul further warned nearly 2,000 years ago that church would lose its focus. In his second letter to Timothy, he foretells that this is going to be a common problem.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2nd Timothy 4:3
As the people of God, we should expect more from church. Not more entertainment – more worship according to the beautiful doctrines of grace from the Bible. We should expect to see God glorified with more than a few simple catchy phrases.
We should demand that God be glorified the way He is by the Apostle Paul and others. We should demand our preachers give us the details because we ourselves have read and studied the details of God’s sovereign grace.
Lowrance Ministries 