We Must Preach the Doctrine According to Godliness
One of Satan’s great tricks is to get men to despise doctrine. Many erroneously think that doctrine implies some kind of sanctimony or mere show of devotion. The truth is just the opposite. Those who observe doctrine are the ones who are sincere and faithful. The English word doctrine comes from the Latin word doctrina, which means “teaching.” The Greek word didaskalia means teaching, instruction, or training. Christianity is a religion of doctrine, and the doctrine must be observed. This is why one of the first things mentioned about the behavior of new Christians is: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ teaching (doctrine) and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).
Preaching with little to no doctrinal content is not preaching, but pandering to the whims of fickle humans who enjoy a good story more than they do the truth of the gospel. Consider Paul’s description of those who do not consent to doctrine: “If any man teacheth a different doctrine, and consenteth not to sound words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is puffed up, knowing nothing, but doting about questionings and disputes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, wranglings of men corrupted in mind and bereft of the truth, supposing that godliness is a way of gain” (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
To forsake doctrine is to be proud and to know nothing. Those who do so give rise to envy, strife, and wranglings. In other words, they create divisions. These, says Paul, are corrupt in mind and empty of the truth. Do not let the preacher, or anyone for that matter, withhold the doctrine that is according to godliness. Remind him that his job is to uphold the sound doctrine of Jesus Christ.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley