2Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2Timothy.3.16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
2Timothy 3.17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
The article of our faith is that Christ incarnated though, God incarnated. If you don't believe it, you don't know the articles of our faith. Of course, There are certain religion refused to believe that God christ come in the flesh, then died and was resurrected. Certain of them said that there is no resurrection. So, you must understand the articles of our faith, the things that made our faith thick, it is these things that established the pattern that it will take for man to be redeemed.
Are you with me? So, when they now did these things, Jesus did it and make sure it is established on letter basis meaning that anybody that wants to partake in it will not partake in it on arbitrary basis. If you say I wants to partake in it will not partake in it on arbitrary basis. If you say I want to be born again God cannot say no.
Doctrine to the church is what a foundation is to a building. it is the article of faith on which a believer's faith is anchored. A building with a weak foundation will collapse under intense unfavorable weather and environmental conditions, while a building with solid foundation will hold firm through storms (Matthew 7:24-27). A believer's steadfastness and stability in the Lord is dependent on a firm grasp of the truth revealed in the Bible (Ephesians 4:13,14).
Lack of knowledge of the truth leads to backsliding and destruction (Hosea 4:6). In a world of error and deceit engineered by Satan and his hosts (John 8:44), a believer needs to be well grounded in the truth in order to attack every lie inspired by Satan if he is to remain in faith (Matthew 4:3,4).
The early believers perfectly understood the need to be grounded in the doctrines of Christ. Both old and young engaged in spiritual activities that built up their Christian character and convictions.
They studied the doctrines, prayed, and celebrated the Lord's Supper (Acts 2:41-47). It should be observed that, the study of the doctrines took a place of preeminence in their ministry. These Spirit-directed activities the early saints led to the phenomenal growth of the early Church.
Apart from this, it brought about boldness, steadfastness, and growth (Daniel 11:32; Acts 4:19,20) to the extent that the whole of Jerusalem was filled with Christ's doctrine (Acts 5:28,29). Apostle Paul understood the centrality of Bible doctrines to Christian maturity.
Hence, he counseled the Ephesian Christians that spiritual gifts were endowed them in order to teach doctrines that will bring about Christ-like perfection (Ephesians. 4:11-14).
His counseling to Timothy, his son in the Lord was: "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" (1 Tim. 4:16).
Paul's counsel to Titus who was left in Crete to set things that are wanting in order was that he should hold "fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers" (Titus 1:9).
As believers, workers, preachers, missionaries and leaders like Paul, Timothy and Titus, our steadfastness to the end is dependent on the understanding of the doctrines (1 Tim. 4:16). Also, the salvation of our congregation depends on their understanding of the doctrines.
A thorough understanding of the doctrines then is indispensable to all members of the church. The strength or weakness of the church depends to a large extent on the members' attitude to the doctrines (1 Pet.3:15; 2 Tim.2:15; Col.3:16; John 5:39; Deut. 4:4-9).
The doctrines which the church stands upon are not mere dogmas or opinions of men. They are inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:14-16).
The Bible clearly teaches Repentance, Restitution, Marriage, New Heaven, and Hell among others.
These Bible doctrines explicitly reveal treasures that a Christian cannot do without. The reason and hope of our faith are embedded in these doctrines (1 Pet.3:15,16).
Every believer today, old, and young, needs to benefit from the doctrines of Christ. This can only come through the in-depth study, prayerful meditation, internalization of truths studied and a faithful practice of these teachings (2 Tim 2:15).
Neglect of doctrines and the pursuit of superficiality has done incalculable damage to the Church in our generation. Emphasis on activities with the attendant neglect of personal Bible study has ruined many lives. Thus, superficial Christian living, backsliding, lukewarmness, worldliness and entertainment of false teaching are rampant in Christendom (Hosea 4:6,7).
We are in the perilous times (2 Tim. 3:1-5). And to be able to hold our heads above the waters, we must earnestly contend for the faith. Believers are on the battlefield, and we must be violent with Satan and his hosts before we can have entrance into heaven (Matt.11:12).
Our chief weapon of warfare is the truth will be set us free from the lies of Satan and also guarantee our true freedom in Christ (John 8:32). In order to counteract Satan's strategies, we need to dig deep into the doctrines.
The mission of the Church as lights to the world (Matt.5:16) is only achievable with a grasp of the foundational truth of God's word. A church that is ignorant cannot teach the world, as the blind cannot lead the blind. Clearly stated, the unchanging mission of the Church is to evangelize and teach the world (Matt.28:18-20).
This responsibility fails on individual believer within the fold today. It is the aggregate that makes the whole; and without a well-informed congregation, the Church would be unable to fulfil the goal.
Knowledge of the basic foundational truths greatly helped the early Church to fulfill its mission. They were able to establish new converts, confront the errors of the Pharisees and Sadducees and endure the persecution of their opposers.
The time has come to accomplish Christ's mission to the world. But the battle for truth can only be fought by the enlightened believer. As individual members of the church, we ought to rise today and fill the gap left by saints of old.
Our mandates is to Preserving the faith of the Apostolic Generation.
Eniyekpemi Fidelis Oyinpreyebi.
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