Is it Biblical? - Doctrine Matters!

Some churches have a flash solund system but they lack sound doctrine. Sound doctrine is faithful Bible teaching. It helps us to stand firm in our faith, strong and settled.

God warns us of false teachings. Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine…

Satan puts evil in pretty packages. 2 Timothy 4:3 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. Some people will listen to all kinds of teachers.

We must expose false doctrine. We must follow what is true.

Why does a preacher warn? Heresies can hurt the faith of believers. They're like a spreading cancer. 2 Timothy 2:16-17 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker... Heresies can spread, like a virus, infecting and bringing confusion.

Peter calls such teachings damnable heresies (2 Peter 2:1).

1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

These are serious matters. Spiritual deception is toxic, devilish.

Satan has a church. Rev 2:9 …the synagogue of Satan. He is behind false religion. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

2 Thess 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Before the Antichrist comes we are told to expect deception; a falling away.

It’s important that we label things correctly. There is such a thing as sound doctrine and such a thing as false doctrine.

Some preachers are teaching the health, wealth, prosperity gospel. That it is always God’s will to heal. That is not Biblical. We have churches that baptise babies. That is not Biblical. Some people believe in a Pope, or calling people father. But the Bible is clearly against such things.

Some churches teach you have to do good works to be saved. But the Bible is clear how we are to be saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Some people teach that salvation can be lost, but our Lord Jesus says, John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
Jude calls us to contend earnestly for the faith. Jude 1:3 …ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

So warning is Biblical. False doctrine is not OK. False doctrine is sin. The devil is a liar and the father of lies.

How are we to avoid heresy? Study and know the Bible. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Fill up your mind with His wisdom and truth. The Bible is the ultimate source of sound doctrine. It is the inspired word of God.

The Bible reveals everything we need to know about God, and His plan for us. 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Test every teaching against the truth of Scripture. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…

The Bible contrasts the spirit of truth with the spirit of error, 1 John 4:6.

Sound doctrine helps us to grow in our knowledge of God. It produces good fruit in our lives. It's practical. It’s lived out truth. We put our faith in Christ, and this affects our whole way of thinking and living. James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only... Sound doctrine leads us to a fruitfulness and righteousness in our daily walk with God. Sound doctrine helps us to live lives that honour God. It leads us to holy living. Sound doctrine protects us from error.

We have to be on the alert to deception and guard ourselves from it. Learn how to discern between what’s false and what is true.

Heresies distort the truth: they present a distorted version of the gospel. Heresies can lead to spiritual deception.

Knowing the truth of the Bible is the best defense against heresies. As honest Bible students we have to ask ourselves: If it’s not Biblical, then why are we doing it? Why are we teaching it?
Commit to a Biblical church and determine to study the Bible. Ground yourself in solid Biblical teaching.