1 Timothy 4
What is Doctrine?
Doctrine is considered an instruction or teaching that can be learned or developed through experience. Doctrine is associated with a person’s beliefs; the way they ‘see,’ perceive, or relate to the world around them. Each person has a countless number of doctrines on the issues, people, and situations they experience on a daily basis. The number of doctrines a person has is countless and continues to be shaped and expanded throughout a person’s lifetime.
Within Christianity, sound biblical doctrine is based on the biblical teachings, experiences, pastors, ministers, and interactions with fellow brothers and sisters in the local church community. Within the context of this message, doctrine will encompass God’s Word. God’s Word is the foundation of good sound doctrine:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
After repentance, you often go through a season of strength and dedication. It’s a time when you must engage in proper ‘exercise:’
1 Timothy 4:7 – Exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
Exercising yourself unto godliness brings you closer to God’s character and less like the world’s (or your own sinful nature). If you see professional bodybuilders in the gym, you would realize that they did not grow large muscles overnight. It came with practice, concentration, dedication, commitment, and discipline. In the same manner, it will take the discipline our minds, words, and deeds in order to keep maintain a godly state.
Through the power and grace of God, you can live beyond the revolving sin that seeks to return to your life. You can be free. Trust in the Lord…pray…and commit your ways unto Him.
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Nathaniel Dodson
A disciple is a person that is conformed into the image of Jesus through careful study and obedience to His life example, commands, and guidance through the Spirit.
Jesus outlines what one must do to be a disciple, how a disciple is identified, and how they are to live. Below is a listing of scriptural references that further outline the preceding sentence. Disciples:
1. Are not forced to follow Jesus (John 6:43-71).
2. Are drawn by the Father (John 6:44).
3. Must hate their father, mother, wife, children, and their own life (Matthew 10:32-39; Luke 14:26-33).
1 Timothy 4:16 – Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Paul was instructing Timothy as he was to remain in Ephesus to charge the churches concerning doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3). In this first letter, Paul tells him to: take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
As a pastor and leader, the way for him to save his hearers is to first save himself.
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