You See Dry Bones

This is part four of a four part series. You can see the other parts Here: part 1, part 2, part 3. Next week I will have all four parts available in a PDF for download. This last part has to do with that ugly “d” word, Doctrine. 

When studying the Bible, you will start to form a doctrine. This is where we separate the sheep and goats people. Today we are going to look at how we form a consistent doctrine from Scripture.

Doctrine is often despised

Before we begin, let me soften the word “doctrine” for you. Some believe doctrine is a system forced on you as a child so you obey your parents. Doctrine is simply a set of beliefs. If you believe doctrine is evil, that in and of itself is doctrine. If someone tells you solid doctrine not important, that is a solid doctrine and self-defeating. Catch my drift? Everyone has a doctrine, even if it is silly.

Because there is a lack of serious Bible study, and good Bible teachers, many Christians have belief systems that do not line up correctly with Scripture. Let me Give an example.

Joel Osteen

Guys like Osteen preach a false Gospel in which suffering is often eliminated from the lives of Christians. The more one suffers, the more one is “in sin.” This is radically inconsistent with what the Bible tells us (hover mouse over scriptures to read them):

• 2 Tim 1:8
• 1 Peter 4:12-13
• James 5:10

Many are deceived to think they are above hardship because they are Christians.  This is sad when more people are apt to think the proof texting (taking scriptures out of context to make them say what you want them too) of some is what the Bible actually says.

How do we form a good doctrine?

If you are trying to set up our beliefs , here is a series of quick “baby steps” to help form good doctrine through Bible study:

1. Pray before and during study for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
2. Make a statement of faith. It can be simple like “Jesus is Lord, and He suffered.” Keep it in mind while studying the life and works of Jesus.
3. Read everything in context. Do not pick one or two verses, read the entire chapter, book, or books to get the whole picture.
4. Write down your basic beliefs and see how they measure up against Scripture. You may be surprised to find out some things you believe are not biblical.
5. Make sure you understand the basics before going into the details. Another way to look at this is, “do not bite off more than you can chew.” Take it slow, it can take years to fine tune doctrinal beliefs. Aim for getting the basics and then diving into the details.
6. Submit to Jesus and the Scriptures humbly. If you really want to see your life change and experience spiritual growth, you will have to maintain a high view of Scripture. This means you are not shaping the Bible around your life to justify your sin. Instead, you are shaping your life around the Bible and it is helping you put your sin to death.

Finally, make time for study

To grow spiritually, you will have to put in time and effort. This means you will want to take every opportunity to study the Bible alone and with friends. Seek out a wise teacher or two who can help you. Put yourself under the authority of a pastor who will help guide you through things you may not understand. Turn off the TV and pick up your Bible. Put down the video games and study. Instead of investing your money and time into entertaining yourself, you will invest in growing knowledge of Jesus and the words he has for you.

This will lead to solid doctrine.

-Don-