Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.”
Luke 1:1-4
The purpose of doctrinal and theological studies is to set in systematic order those things that are “most surely believed” (KJV) among believers, instructing the believer that he/she may know the certainty of those truths.
Man, by himself, does not know what to believe. God has therefore laid it down in His Word. We are dependent upon the Spirit of Revelation to illuminate to our minds what He inspired, being careful to be open to new insight as God shines new light upon old truths.
The Source of Doctrine
“We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”
1John 4:6 NKJV
Ultimately all doctrine finds its source in two places: The Spirit of Truth or The Spirit of Error
The following diagram shows the progression of the two streams of doctrine.
| GOD | SATAN |
|---|---|
| The Spirit of Truth Light Doctrine of God Doctrine of Christ Doctrine of the Apostles Believing Life and liberty | The Spirit of Error Darkness Doctrine of Satan Doctrine of demons Doctrine of Man Deceiving Death and Bondage |
The Bible also reveals three sources of doctrine proceeding from either the Spirit of Truth or the Spirit of Error.
• The thought of man.
• The thought of God.
• The thought of Satan.
“When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. … From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”” Matthew 16:13-23, NKJV
Which category of thought would the following scriptures best describe?
- Deuteronomy 32:2
- Mark 7:7-13
- Matthew 15:9
- 1 Timothy 4:1-4
- John 7:16
- Acts 2:42
- Colossians 2:8
- Luke 12:1
- Genesis 3:1-5
- 2 Corinthians 11:14-15
- 2 Peter 2:1-3
- Galatians 1:6-8
The Symbols of Doctrine
Among other things, doctrine is symbolised in scripture in three ways, as yeast, rain and wind. Consider the following scriptures and describe briefly what you think the Holy Spirit may mean by these pictures he paints of the nature and work of doctrine in our lives:
- Doctrine is like leaven (yeast) (Matthew 16:5-12)
- Doctrine is like wind (Ephesians 4:14)
- Doctrine is like rain (Deuteronomy 32:2; Isaiah 55:10-11; Hebrews 6:1-9)
Characteristics of True Doctrine
From the following scriptures, write down at least five characteristics of true doctrine:
- Job 11:4
- Titus 2:1
- Romans 6:17
- 2 Timothy 3:14-17
- 2 John 9-11
- 1 John 4:15-16
- Titus 2:7-10
- 1 John 1:1-7
- Mark 16:15-16
