“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…†II Timothy 4:3a
During our lifetimes, we have seen a progressive de-emphasis on the teaching of sound Biblical doctrines in our churches across this nation.  Sound Bible teaching has been replaced, in many churches, with entertaining sermonettes, provocative dialogues, or mystical experiences.  Doctrine is considered boring, or irrelevant.  The definition of doctrine is, in a general sense, simply whatever is being taught.  So, it is not an absence of doctrine that is being introduced, rather it is a change in doctrine;  a de-emphasis on sound Biblical doctrine and an emphasis on other doctrines.   This is not a surprise to the Bible reader, as we are told that this will happen in Paul’s second letter to Timothy (II Tim 4:3,4).  The question we will look at here is: Does sound doctrine really matter to God?
In the Book of Ephesians, we read that one of the benefits of being involved with fellow believers in a local church is so “that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.† (Eph 4:14)  God is telling us that there are crafty men, deceivers, whose purpose is to teach false doctrine, causing the Christian to be “tossed to and froâ€.  It is evidently important to our enemy, Satan, that false doctrine be taught.  God has given us a provision to fight against these false doctrines: fellowship with believers who are committed to sound doctrine.
God also has given us directions on what to do with people who teach false doctrine.  “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.† (Rom 16:17,18)  If anyone is in the business of deceiving others with false doctrine we are to “mark them…and avoid themâ€.  We also read that “He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed.† (II John 9b,10)  Evidently, the doctrine one espouses is very important to our Lord.  In fact, in the Book of Revelation, God speaks in no uncertain terms about the church in Pergamos, that held to false doctrine.  God said, “So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.†(Rev 2:15)  Does sound doctrine matter to God?  Yes. Â
Not only does sound doctrine matter to God, but sound living does also.  Holding to the correct doctrine is worthless if it is not lived by, in fact, it makes one a hypocrite.  Our Lord did not appreciate those that lived hypocritically, He repeatedly admonished those around Him to not live “as the hypocritesâ€.  We must learn, know, and believe sound doctrine and then live that sound doctrine out.  Our speech should fit with our doctrine (Titus 2:1).  Our doctrine should be easily seen by others when they observe our lives (II Tim 3:10).  The world should know that we are Christians by our conduct.
Let us not minimize the importance of sound doctrine.  May we each examine our doctrine to make sure it is “sound†Biblical doctrine, and not a doctrine that is conformed to our own desires.  (II Tim 4:3,4)  Then, may each of us, through God’s power, live a life worthy of the sound doctrine given to us by God . Pastor Lee Smith
