The Importance of Bible Doctrine

Written by Ken Reed (based upon the work of R. B. Thieme, Jr.)

edited and appended by Gary Kukis

These studies are designed for believers in Jesus Christ only. If you have exercised faith in Christ, then you are in the right place. If you have not, then you need to heed the words of our Lord, Who said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten [or, uniquely-born] Son, so that every [one] believing [or, trusting] in Him shall not perish, but shall be have eternal life! For God did not send His Son into the world so that He should judge the world, but so that the world shall be saved through Him. The one believing [or, trusting] in Him is not judged, but the one not believing has already been judged, because he has not believed in the Name of the only-begotten [or, uniquely-born] Son of God." (John 3:16–18). "I am the Way and the Truth and the Life! No one comes to the Father except through [or, by means of] Me!" (John 14:6).

Every study of the Word of God ought to be preceded by a naming of your sins to God. This restores you to fellowship with God (1John 1:8–10). If we acknowledge our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:9). If there are people around, you would name these sins silently. If there is no one around, then it does not matter if you name them silently or whether you speak aloud.

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Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines
We need to think as God thinks; we need to see things from God's view

Preface:	This is an unfinished doctrine. There is a lot here; but I also have a lot to do.

I.	Preliminary considerations

A.	From the exegesis and study of Scripture we arrive at categories of doctrine that are taught throughout the Word of God.

B.	The importance of Bible doctrine is clearly taught and emphasized throughout both the Old Testament and the New Testament (ex. Psa.119 is devoted largely to the importance of Bible doctrine).

C.	Since the completion of the canon of Scripture, God has chosen not to communicate to the human race, except through His Word. This means that there has been absolutely no extra-biblical revelation since 95/96 A.D when the canon was closed with the completion of Revelation.

D.	God's attitude concerning the importance of His written Word is expressed in the factual case of Lazarus and the rich man. Luk.16:19-31

1.	People that are looking for a special sign or revelation are not going to get it. They have the written word.

2.	If they will not listen to the Word of God, they will not be persuaded by a sign or even someone rising from the dead. Cp. Mat.12:38,39; 16:1-4; Luk.11:29,30

E.	Logically, therefore, the Church Age believer must be able to understand and acclimate to God based on His written Word.

F.	An understanding of Bible doctrine is imperative for the believer who hopes to understand the Plan of God and line up with the directive will of God.

G.	Under inspiration, the apostle John called our Lord Jesus Christ the Word/o` logoj ho logos. Joh.1:1-14

H.	So He is the living word of God who came in the flesh.

I.	Just as Jesus Christ is the perfect revelation of the Father in bodily form, the canon of Scripture is the perfect revelation of God in written form.

J.	Failure to understand and acclimate to the importance of Bible doctrine destines a believer for failure in the Christian way of life.

K.	The Doctrine of the Importance of Bible Doctrine is foundational to the Christian way of life. Without it the believer will be deluded into following ministries that appeal to the lust grid of the sinful trend of Adam/STA a.k.a. old sin nature/OSN (the old man, the flesh). 2Tim.4:1-4

L.	Absent Bible doctrine resident in a believer's soul, human spirit, and brain computer, he/she will become easy prey for the schemes and strategies of Satan. Eph.6:11-17 cp. 2Cor.2:11

M.	The importance of Bible doctrine can only be appreciated in light of the fact that all Scripture is inspired by God (literally, "God breathed"). This is also called the doctrine of verbal plenary inspiration (plenary = complete, absolute; verbal = every word). 2Tim.3:16,17; "All Scripture is God breathed and profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be mature, equipped for every good work ; 2Pet.1:20,21

N.	It is God's sovereign and directive will that all men come to a full knowledge (epignwsij/epignosis = full knowledge) of the entire realm of doctrine.

O.	Bible Doctrine is correctly perceived only by positive volition under the grace apparatus for perception (GAP). 1Cor.2:10-16 cp. Jam.1:5; Pro.8:17b, Those who diligently seek me will find me.

II.	Definition and Description:

A.	Bible Doctrine is the content of the canon of Scripture, contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, extracted by the grammatical historic hermeneutic through the gift of pastor-teacher, with emphasis on study, teaching, refutation of human viewpoint, rebuke, and exhortation.

1.	The command to study. 2Tim.2:15, "Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth".

2.	The charge to the pastor-teacher. 2Tim.4:2, "Proclaim the word; be ready in season and out of season; refute, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction".

3.	The Word of God is alive, and is a critic of the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Heb.4:12, The Word of God is alive and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a critic of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

B.	Bible doctrine is God's viewpoint on every subject (politics, government, economics, ethics, religion, alcohol, drugs, dancing, lying, business, spiritual growth, sex, marriage, the training and discipline of children, etc.)

C.	His viewpoint existed eternally with Him. Pro.8:22-31

D.	Bible Doctrine will continue to exist eternally, even after the dissolution of the present heaven and earth. Mat.5:18; Isa.40:8; 1Pet.1:24,25

E.	Bible doctrine (God's wisdom) contains no error or distortion whatsoever. Pro.8:6-9

F.	The supreme importance of Bible doctrine is seen in the fact that God has exalted His word above His very name. Psa.138:2, "I will bow down before your holy temple, and give thanks to your name for your loyalty and your veracity; For you have magnified (Hiphil Perfect of ld;G" gadal = to make great) Your word above (l[; - al = above) Your name."

1.	God's name is absolutely holy. Lev.22:32; 1Chr.16:10,29; Eze.36:20,21; 39:7,25; Luk.1:49

2.	The fact that He has exalted His Word above His own name indicates the supreme importance that God places upon His Word.

a.	God is bound by His word.

b.	God's reputation is the carrying out of His word; His very righteousness depends upon His veracity, just as His veracity arises from His righteousness. Psa.89:14; 111:7,8 cp. Exodus.34:6

c.	The mature believer rejoices in God carrying out His Word.

III.	Bible doctrine is only understood by positive volition and then only under the system that God has established.

A.	The Lord Jesus Christ taught that the truth of His Word is only understood by those who are positive. Joh.7:17 cp. 17:13-17

B.	Individuals that are positive are called "seekers", since they are not satisfied until they learn the truth. Act.17:27 cp. Psa.119:1-16; Act.17:10-12

C.	Even the most positive believer will not arrive at the knowledge of the truth apart from the grace system that God has instituted.

D.	GAP stands for the grace apparatus for perception, which is the basis for understanding the Word of God.

1.	Internally this apparatus consists of:

a.	The indwelling Holy Spirit, Who under the condition of filling is the ultimate teacher of doctrine.

b.	The human spirit, which is used by God the Holy Spirit to override the STA (the flesh).

2.	The stages of GAP necessary for inculcation of Bible doctrine:

a.	The local church, which is the environment that God has ordained for face to face teaching. Heb.10:25

b.	A properly trained pastor-teacher using the correct hermeneutic (ICE: Isagogics, Categories, and Exegesis). 2Pet.3:16; 2Tim.2:2

c.	A pastor-teacher committed to verse by verse teaching.

d.	A pastor-teacher that teaches via monologue to believers under enforced humility. The pastor is responsible for the decorum of the local church and is to see that good manners and poise are maintained. Cp. Jam.1:21

e.	Each believer is to be intellectually honest and give the information a fair hearing under the filling of God the Holy Spirit; this constitutes true humility. Jam.1:19-21

f.	This system requires self-discipline, concentration, and consistent attendance in Bible class.

g.	Operation epignosis.

h.	Operation application.

3.	The idea that you can grow up spiritually by taking in Bible doctrine, but not applying it, is a myth. Luk.11:27,28

4.	The doctrine that you inhale will be tested to see if you will apply (exhale). 1Pet.1:7

E.	Bible doctrine is called the mind or thinking of Jesus Christ. 1Cor.2:16

1.	The objective of the indwelling Holy Spirit is to reprogram the brain computer with the thinking of Christ. 1Cor.2:12,13; Rom.12:2; Isa.55:6-11

2.	This is accomplished only by the GAP system under the filling of God the Holy Spirit. Eph.5:17,18

3.	The mind of Christ in the soul, human spirit, and brain computer constitutes the indwelling of Christ. Joh.15:4,7; Gal.4:19; Eph.3:14-19

IV.	The gathering of manna by the Jews in the desert illustrates the daily function of GAP. Exo.16 cp. Deu.8:16; 1Cor.10:1-4

A.	Initially the Jews didn't know what the white coriander-like substance was, even though Moses had briefed them prior to their first encounter with it. Exodus.16:6-8

B.	Their response to it was "What is it?", which became it's permanent name. (Hebrew h; !m' man hu = what is it?).

C.	This humorously illustrates negative volition's response to a doctrinally oriented ministry. (What is it?)

D.	The Jews had to gather it before the sun melted it, showing there is a prescribed time and place to take in doctrine.

E.	They were to gather only what they could eat, or it would spoil, illustrating that you need a certain amount of doctrinal teaching. You then need time to digest the information, reflect, pray and make the appropriate applications.

F.	On Friday they were to gather a double portion; we do that on Sunday.

G.	The Exodus Generation complained about their diet for 40 years illustrating negative volition. Anything missing here?

V.	The great believers of the Old Testament paid tribute to the importance of Bible doctrine:

A.	Job understood this issue. Job 28

1.	He contrasts mankind's effort to exploit earth's hidden resources with their neglect of doctrine. Vss.1-13

2.	He details the lengths to which men will go for something they perceive to be of value. Vss.3,4, 9-11

3.	Physical wealth cannot procure Bible doctrine. Vss.15-17

4.	God alone is its source. Vss.23-27

5.	Positive volition (fear of the Lord) is the beginning of wisdom. Vss.23-28

B.	Moses in his parting address to Israel made it clear that attitude towards doctrine determined both national and personal blessing. Deu.28

1.	Positive volition brings blessing. Vss.1-14

2.	Negative volition brings cursing. Vss.15-68

3.	Israel's ups and downs as a race is a history of their attitude towards Bible doctrine. Deu.30:1-10; 32:1-43

4.	The issue is simply stated in Deu.30:11-20 and 32:44-47.

C.	Joshua, one of only two adults of the Exodus generation that made it to the land of promise, was given the importance of Bible doctrine. Josh.1:1-7; Joshua personally embraced it and it was the subject of his parting address to Israel. Josh.23:6-16; 24:25-28

D.	David paid tribute to the importance of Bible doctrine. Psa.1:1-3; 19:7-11

E.	The author of Psalm 119 details at length the excellencies of the written Word of God.

1.	It is the source of blessing. Vss.1,2

2.	It is the secret to victory over the STA/OSN. Vs.11

3.	Rejection of Bible doctrine typifies those that are arrogant. Vs.21

4.	The Word of God produces occupation with Christ. Vs.38

5.	It is the source of true liberty. Vs.45

6.	It is the source of comfort. Vs.49-52

7.	It is a basis for separation from negative volition. Vs.53

8.	It provides discernment. Vss.65,66

9.	It is more valuable than gold and silver. Vs.72

10.	It is the basis for true confidence. Vs.80

11.	God's word is immutable. Vs.89

12.	It produces true wisdom. Vss.98-100

13.	It gives guidance and direction. Vs.105

14.	It is the source of inner peace. Vs.165

15.	It is the basis for true worship. Vss.170-172

F.	Solomon dealt with the importance of Bible doctrine in Proverbs.

1.	Positive volition (fear of the Lord) is the beginning of wisdom. Pro.1:7; 9:10; 15:33

2.	The prologue emphasizes spiritual growth. Pro.1:1-6

3.	Bible doctrine is the source of all spiritual and physical blessing. Pro.3:1-26; 24:3,4

4.	The sin unto death is the lot of all who reject sound doctrine.

5.	Positive volition prolongs life. Pro.3:1,2; 4:10

6.	Those that are negative are called fools. Pro.1:7,22

7.	A beautiful woman without Divine viewpoint is like a gold ring in a pig's nose. Pro.11:22

8.	Parents are personally responsible to teach their children Bible doctrine to protect them from:

a.	A life of crime. Pro.1:8-19

b.	The promiscuous woman. Pro.2:16-19; 5:1-23; 6:23-35; 7:1-27

9.	Solomon's conclusion regarding Bible doctrine is stated in Pro.4:5-7 cp. to Ecc.12:13.

VI.	Jesus Christ taught the importance of doctrine during His incarnation.

A.	He emphasized the importance of doctrine in His responses to Satan. Mat.4:4,7,10

B.	He taught this doctrine in the parable of the sower. Mar.4:1-20

1.	The inculcation and understanding of this parable is foundational to understanding all parables. Vs.13

2.	This parable and its interpretation gives the correct approach to the interpretation of all parables. Each detail in a parable is important. Each detail corresponds to a spiritual truth or doctrinal observation. (This refutes the idea that just getting the big idea is the proper approach to parables).

3.	The sower is the communicator and the seed is Bible doctrine. Vs.14

4.	The four kinds of soil represent four kinds of volitional responses to Bible doctrine (the Word of God):

a.	The negative unbeliever that composes the bulk of humanity. Vs.15

b.	The believer that will not handle the pressure of opposition and rejection by friends, family or society. Vss.16,17

c.	The believer that flunks the living grace test or who, under the lust grid of the STA, places the pursuit of the details and pleasures of life over the pursuit of Bible doctrine. Vss.18,19

d.	The believer that lets the pressure (worries) of life keep him from doctrine. Vs.19

e.	Positive believers that produce a harvest of SG3 (eternal reward). Vs.20 cp. Heb.11:26

f.	The majority of mankind falls under point a; the majority of believers under b,c and d.

C.	The importance of Bible doctrine is taught in the parable of the vine and the branches. Joh.15:1-8

D.	Jesus stressed the doctrine of the importance of Bible doctrine in His discussion of what constitutes true love. Joh.14:15,21-24

1.	The believer's love for Christ is not related to his emotions but to the intake and application of doctrine (hear My words and do them).

2.	The pastor-teacher's love for Christ is determined by his commitment to the teaching of Bible doctrine. Joh.21:15-17

E.	The intake and application of doctrine is the link between salvation and spiritual maturity. It is the issue of Ph2 (this life).

F.	It results in sanctification. Joh.8:31,32; 17:17

G.	The Lord taught that the pastor-teacher was expected to be providing food for the other slaves in the household at His return. Mat.24:45-51

VII.	The commands to the pastor-teacher to communicate the Word of God, make it quite clear what the thrust of the local church should be.

A.	The pastor-teacher is to communicate doctrine. 1Tim.4:13-16; 2Tim.4:1-4; Tit.1:9

B.	He is to teach the entire realm of doctrine. Act.20:20,26,27

C.	A careful study of Acts also reveals what the emphasis of the local church should be. Act.2:42; 6:1-7; 11:19-26; 14:21-23; 18:11 cp. 1Cor.4:17

D.	The adjusted pastor prays for the doctrinal excellence of his congregation. Act.6:4; Eph.3:14-19

E.	The adjusted pastor contends earnestly for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. Jude 3

1.	He is to deal with deviations from sound doctrine quickly and decisively. 1Tim.1:3,20; 4:1-6; Tit.1:10-14; 3:9-11

2.	He is to warn those under his charge to avoid those that do not hold to sound doctrine. Rom.16:17,18; 2The.3:6-15

3.	Failure to deal with false doctrine and misapplication will ultimately do in a ministry. 1Cor.5:1-13

F.	We live in the period of church history known as the Laodicean era.

1.	This period is characterized by an unprecedented attack on the truth and by defection from the faith. 2Tim.3:1-9; 4:3,4

2.	The Lord says that the pure refined gold of Bible doctrine will be available even during this apostate age. Rev.3:18

3.	This period is similar to the first generation of the church age in that doctrine is available in a very pure form for the few that desire it.

4.	James teaches this under the concept of the early and latter rains. Jam.5:7

5.	Failure to hold fast to sound doctrine can cause forfeiture of one's wreath. Rev.3:11

G.	Faithful communication is the basis for the pastor's SG3. Act.20:32; 2Tim.4:7,8; 1Pet.5:1-4

VIII.	Various Scriptural analogies to Bible doctrine illustrate its supreme importance.

A.	Physical food. Luk.4:4 where Jesus quotes a portion of Deu.8:3.

B.	Water. Eph.5:26

C.	Light. Psa.119:105,130

D.	Precious metals and gems. Psa.19:7-10 cp. Pro.16:16; 1Cor.3:12

IX.	It must be recognized that there are systems of doctrine that are false and that are, therefore, antagonistic to the unity of the faith. False doctrine is sponsored by Satan as the Angel of light. 2Cor.11:14

A.	There is one correct form of doctrine; obviously there are many incorrect forms. Rom.6:17

B.	These distortions are called darkness, evil and apostasy and are descriptive of that which is called human viewpoint.

C.	They are classified as doctrines of demons. 1Tim.4:1

D.	They are STA/OSN distortions of the truth. Jam.3:14,16

E.	Men that at one time embraced sound doctrine and then have repudiated the truth often propagate them. 1Tim.4:1

F.	The purpose of these "winds of doctrine" is to blow believers off course, causing spiritual shipwreck. Eph.4:14,15; 1Tim.1:18-20

G.	We live in the end times when most people will not endure sound doctrine.

1.	The straight and narrow of sound doctrine begins to bore certain believers, so they seek that which entertains, stirs the emotions, and is pleasant to the ears.

2.	They repudiate their right pastor-teacher and right local church and opt for a plurality of teachers via travel, books, tapes, television, videos, etc.

3.	These teachers are not sound in the faith, but are chosen based on the STA trends of those defecting from sound doctrine.

4.	The inevitable result is that these believers are adversely influenced by the "ear ticklers" and no longer desire to listen to a sound ministry.

5.	They opt for clever illustrations and stories (myths) which have no value in living the Christian way of life or making the maturity adjustment to the justice of God. (This is often caused by mental laziness, the failure to discipline one's self to the concentration that is required to assimilate sound doctrine.)

X.	Pursuit of Bible doctrine by the positive believer results in great blessings, including:

A.	The Divine viewpoint of life. 2Cor.10:5

B.	Identification of STA/OSN activity. Rom.7:7

C.	Isolation of and victory over the STA/OSN. Psa.51:5,6; 119:11; Rom.6:12-18

D.	Discernment. Pro.2:5,9

E.	Legitimate prosperity. Pro.3:16-18; Mar.10:29-31

F.	Confidence. Heb.10:35; 2Tim.1:7; Pro.3:24-26

G.	Inner happiness. Pro.3:13-18; 1Joh.1:4

H.	Inner peace. Psa.119:165; Pro.3:2,17; Phi.4:7

I.	Divine guidance. Rom.12:2

J.	Ph2 deliverance. 1Tim.4:16 cp. Phi.2:12,13

K.	True fellowship with God the Father and God the Son. Joh.14:21

L.	True capacity for life. Job 1:22; 2:9,10

M.	Eternal reward. 1Cor.3:12-14; Col.1:3-5

N.	Principle: God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Heb.11:6

XI.	The rapture generation is commanded to intensify its intake of Bible doctrine. Heb.10:25

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Addendum

From Exodus 5, the Basic Exegesis of Exodus (HTML) (PDF) (WPD); lesson #50.

We need to think as God thinks; we need to see things from God's view: As believers in Jesus Christ, we can see things from His viewpoint or from our own. "My thoughts are not your thoughts, and My ways are not your ways," declares the LORD (Isa. 55:8). We want to think with God's thoughts. We want to perceive the world as God, its Creator, sees it. In fact, that is what God wants for us.

Many times, Paul urges the believer to think with divine viewpoint. Therefore, all who are mature should think this way [as Paul has been teaching]. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this to you also [through the continued teaching of Bible doctrine] (Philip. 3:15). Keep thinking objectively about things above [divine viewpoint] and not about things on the earth [human viewpoint] (Col. 3:2).

There is only one way that we can see things from God's viewpoint and that is for us to learn and understand and believe God's view of things. If only we knew someone who has the mind of Christ. But the unregenerate man of the highest intellectual attainments is not given access to the things of the Spirit of God, for to him they are folly, and he is not able to come to know them because they are understood in a spiritual realm. But the spiritual man investigates indeed all things, but he himself is not being probed by anyone. For who has come to know experientially the Lord's mind, he who will instruct Him? But as for us, we have the mind of Christ (1Cor. 2:12–13). You see? We know someone who knows the mind of Christ. Having the mind of Christ is divine viewpoint, and the apostles were able to teach divine viewpoint. We look to the epistles of Paul (and others), for in them is the mind of Christ.

Paul did not teach worldly wisdom; he did not teach some form of human viewpoint. He taught God's way of thinking. My language and the message I preached were not adorned with pleasing words of worldly wisdom, but they were attended with proof and power given by the Spirit, so that your faith might not be in men's wisdom, but in God's power (1Cor. 2:4–5).

To be clear, this is an order from God. God does not simply tell us, "You know, it'd be a nice idea for you to make your mind conformed to Mine." God orders us to do that: Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renovation of your thinking, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. For I say through the grace which has been given to me to every one who is among you, stop thinking of yourself in terms of arrogance beyond what you ought to think, but think in terms of sanity for the purpose of being rational without illusion as God has assigned to each one of us a standard of thinking from [Bible] doctrine. (Rom. 12:2–3).

None of this happens overnight. It comes from consistent exposure to the word of God, where you choose to believe in His Words.

Moses is not there yet. However, surprisingly enough, Moses will move in that direction in a relatively short period of time.

The Abbreviated Doctrine of
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Bibliography
Overall doctrine from Ken Reed, Lake Eerie Bible Church.

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