Bible Study The Doctrine of Christ

[JLB]

Today, there are many things being taught to God’s children in churches, and online websites and Forums.


Yet, there is really one thing needed; The Truth; The words of Jesus Christ


Jesus Christ is the truth, and every word that proceeds out of His mouth is the Truth.

His Gospel
His Commandments (Law)
His Doctrine


I had hoped in this thread, we could discuss the subject of the doctrine or teachings, or sayings of Christ.

His Message
His Word


Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32


If we remain or continue in His word, we are His disciples indeed, and we ourselves shall know the truth, and by knowing the truth we shall be made free.


No wonder the enemy seeks to distract us from His doctrine.

• Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27

• Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God.

Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. 2 John 9-12



Sobering stuff.


Yet very necessary for each of us to grow up into Christ.




For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Hebrews 5:12-14



I believe the Lord would have us embrace some of the weightier things of His word, and lay aside our childish ideas about what He expects from the Church.



His doctrine, and commandments are summed up in this:

Loving God and loving people.


If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. 1 John 4:20-21



However, I believe we may have different ideas about what love is, from His perspective.



Hopefully we can discuss some of these things here in this thread.







JLB

 

[JLB]

In the natural, we need healthy food, such as meat, vegetables, and fish, as well as clean water to drink, if we expect to grow and develop a healthy functioning body.

However, we can develop a taste for certain things that we “like” to eat and drink, that “taste good”, but aren’t good for us.

I have found the more I draw near to Him, and spend time with Him, and study His word, the more I want to be like Him and embrace more of His truth.

Over the years, I have turned away from many things that are not conducive to spiritual growth and transformation, that I may follow Him in truth, loving Him and loving and serving His people.


...He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.


I have found through experience, that restoration and renewal are found in the ways or paths of righteousness.


His word, His doctrine, His truth are the ways of righteousness, peace and joy.


When we distort His ways of truth and love and righteousness, by distorting His teachings, we are not walking in truth and love.


Love is so much more than “acting nice” in public for a pretense.


I have known many who “act nice” and loving in Church, but won’t lift a finger to help anyone, and are deceitful in many ways.


“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. Matthew 7:1-6


If we continue in His teachings, His message, His word, then we are His disciples in deed.


Personally, because I know how much He loves us, I don’t dare teach anyone anything expect straight forward scripture.


That’s what “rightly dividing” the word of truth means.


Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:14-16


Rightly Divide - Strongs 3718 - orthotomeō

1. to cut straight, to cut straight ways
   1. to proceed on straight paths, hold a straight course, equiv. to doing right
2. to make straight and smooth, to handle aright, to teach the truth directly and correctly

JLB

 

[Rollo Tamasi]

In the natural, we need healthy food, such as meat, vegetables, and fish, as well as clean water to drink, if we expect to grow and develop a healthy functioning body.

However, we can develop a taste for certain things that we “like” to eat and drink, that “taste good”, but aren’t good for us.

I have found the more I draw near to Him, and spend time with Him, and study His word, the more I want to be like Him and embrace more of His truth.

Over the years, I have turned away from many things that are not conducive to spiritual growth and transformation, that I may follow Him in truth, loving Him and loving and serving His people.


...He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.


I have found through experience, that restoration and renewal are found in the ways or paths of righteousness.


His word, His doctrine, His truth are the ways of righteousness, peace and joy.


When we distort His ways of truth and love and righteousness, by distorting His teachings, we are not walking in truth and love.


Love is so much more than “acting nice” in public for a pretense.


I have known many who “act nice” and loving in Church, but won’t lift a finger to help anyone, and are deceitful in many ways.


“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
“Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. Matthew 7:1-6


If we continue in His teachings, His message, His word, then we are His disciples in deed.


Personally, because I know how much He loves us, I don’t dare teach anyone anything expect straight forward scripture.


That’s what “rightly dividing” the word of truth means.


Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 2 Timothy 2:14-16


Rightly Divide - Strongs 3718 - orthotomeō

1. to cut straight, to cut straight ways
   1. to proceed on straight paths, hold a straight course, equiv. to doing right
2. to make straight and smooth, to handle aright, to teach the truth directly and correctly

JLB

What are some of the things that prevent us from rightly dividing the Word of God?
I see a church that is mature in age, yet will take your scalp off if you don't stick to tradition.

 

[JLB]

What are some of the things that prevent us from rightly dividing the Word of God?
I see a church that is mature in age, yet will take your scalp off if you don't stick to tradition.

Good discussion point!


Key word is tradition.

• Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor your father and your mother’; and, He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 15:3-9


Tradition - Strongs G3862 - paradosis

1. giving up, giving over
   1. the act of giving up
   2. the surrender of cities
2. a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing, i.e. tradition by instruction, narrative, precept, etc.
   1. objectively, that which is delivered, the substance of a teaching
   2. of the body of precepts, esp. ritual, which in the opinion of the later Jews were orally delivered by Moses and orally transmitted in unbroken succession to subsequent generations, which precepts, both illustrating and expanding the written law, as they did were to be obeyed with equal reverence

A tradition of man is a teaching of man, and not from God.



This word in the original is closely related to another word that is used in scripture, and shares a similar definition.

Heresy.


Heresy - Strongs G139 - hairesis

1. act of taking, capture: e.g. storming a city
2. choosing, choice
3. that which is chosen
4. a body of men following their own tenets (sect or party)
   1. of the Sadducees
   2. of the Pharisees
   3. of the Christians
5. dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims

Similar Definition or Concept found in Tradition and Heresy -


Tradition -

giving up, giving over

1. the act of giving up
2. the surrender of cities

Heresy -

act of taking, capture: e.g. storming a city

• choosing, choice
• that which is chosen

Here is what I see here:

Heresy is meant to divide the Church through choosing of man made doctrines over the doctrine of Christ.


Heresies are false teachings and are one of the listed “works of the flesh” that Paul warns the Church about, in which those who practice these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.


Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21


JLB

 

[for_his_glory]

However, I believe we may have different ideas about what love is, from His perspective.

This above all else stood out to me as the perspective of love that is genuine is found in the first verse of 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 (read the whole chapter). Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal............................Love is charity that comes from a pure heart as this is what God's love is all about in how He loves us.

IMO if we did away with all the website teachings and man's doctrines that even come from the pulpits and actually picked up our Bible and truly learn how to hear what the Spirit of God that indwells us wants to teach us then will all truths be revealed to us.

The key word is "listen". Paul is a great example of listening to what Christ taught as he had not the teachings of the Disciples or the written Gospels to read, but Christ alone who taught him.

Galatians 1:1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead...........................6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel..................10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.............15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. (Read the whole chapter)

Why are we allowing flesh and blood to teach us is because we have not allowed Christ to be revealed in us.

We have been taught how to Spiritually discern that of what is being taught to us to know if it is truth or error. Those who deceive us with another gospel does not know God.

1 John 4:
1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

When we disagree with each other in what we teach then we have to go to our only source of learning and that is what has already been written and pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal all truths. Sometimes when we disagree with each other and actually go read that which is already written we hopefully will see that of what another is teaching us is truth.

All we need is that of Christ doctrines He taught the Disciples who were inspired of God to write down those teachings as letters to the Church which is the body of Christ. Scripture is not hard to understand, but man's twisted doctrines confuse the mind of those with little knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. 7 As they were increased, so they sinned against me: therefore will I change their glory into shame.

 

[for_his_glory]

One of my pet-peeves is when you show them in scripture and have them read it in front of you they will tell you right to your face, "Well that's not what my Pastor says so I will believe my Pastor". Really!!!

 

[ezrider]

Personally, because I know how much He loves us, I don’t dare teach anyone anything expect straight forward scripture.

For some the seed fell amongst the stones, and the stones are what they know. The stones become their truth. And as for the doctrine of Christ, did he not say that man shall not live by bread alone? Yet some try to turn the stones into bread that they may eat.

He hath taken away the stoney heart, and hath given me a heart of flesh that I may express His Word in Faith rather than fear.

 

[JLB]

What are some of the things that prevent us from rightly dividing the Word of God?

To read the word of God through a preconceived idea, rather than what the straight forward word of God says.


Example:


A person is taught as a young Christian, the doctrine of the pretribulation rapture.


Then as he matures and begins to study on his own and possibly discuss this teaching with others, so he reads a particular scripture such as this to prove his point, because this is one of the scriptures that was used to teach him in this particular doctrine.

• Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10

So in this person’s mind, being kept “from the hour of trial” can only mean the rapture.


Never mind that this was an actual letter, written to an actual Church in the city of Philadelphia (Asia), from Jesus through the Apostle John, who was overseeing these churches.




JLB

 

[for_his_glory]

To read the word of God through a preconceived idea, rather than what the straight forward word of God says.


Example:


A person is taught as a young Christian, the doctrine of the pretribulation rapture.


Then as he matures and begins to study on his own and possibly discuss this teaching with others, so he reads a particular scripture such as this to prove his point, because this is one of the scriptures that was used to teach him in this particular doctrine.

• Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Revelation 3:10

So in this person’s mind, being kept “from the hour of trial” can only mean the rapture.


Never mind that this was an actual letter, written to an actual Church in the city of Philadelphia (Asia), from Jesus through the Apostle John, who was overseeing these churches.




JLB

I agree, but yet everything that Jesus gave the angel to show John and have him write it all down while he was on the isle of Patmos kept as a prisoner was not only for the seven Churches in Asia, but for all future generations that make up the true Church as being the body of Christ studying His doctrines.

I do not want to make this about pretrib so please no one go there as it will be deleted as I am only using this as an example.

Pretrib teachers use Rev 4:1 to prove their point of a pretribulation rapture of the Church, but it has nothing to do with any pre, mid or millennium rapture of the Church if you read the whole chapter. As you said, many read with a preconceived idea and I will go further with that idea planted in their mind as that is how many are taught through man's doctrines even though when they read that verse and can't see anything about a Rapture, but only agree with their Pastor.

I too fell into that trap when I had very little knowledge years ago as when I read that I thought maybe I just do not see it, but yet believed it because after all this person was a Pastor who I assumed knew what he was talking about.

 

[JLB]

I agree

Then we are in agreement.



JLB

 

[for_his_glory]

Then we are in agreement.



JLB

yes

 

[JLB]

Pretrib teachers use Rev 4:1 to prove their point of a pretribulation rapture of the Church, but it has nothing to do with any pre, mid or millennium rapture of the Church if you read the whole chapter.

It was John being caught up to be shown the future.


Because up until chapter 4, the subject and context was the letters to the seven Churches of that day.



JLB

 

[JLB]

I do not want to make this about pretrib so please no one go there as it will be deleted as I am only using this as an example.

If someone in this thread desires to ask questions about the rapture or resurrection or coming of the Lord, I will be glad to discuss it, by starting another thread.



JLB

 

[GodsGrace]

Good discussion point!


Key word is tradition.

• Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.

He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honor your father and your mother’; and, He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying:
‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth,
And honor Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
Matthew 15:3-9


Tradition - Strongs G3862 - paradosis

1. giving up, giving over
   1. the act of giving up
   2. the surrender of cities
2. a giving over which is done by word of mouth or in writing, i.e. tradition by instruction, narrative, precept, etc.
   1. objectively, that which is delivered, the substance of a teaching
   2. of the body of precepts, esp. ritual, which in the opinion of the later Jews were orally delivered by Moses and orally transmitted in unbroken succession to subsequent generations, which precepts, both illustrating and expanding the written law, as they did were to be obeyed with equal reverence

A tradition of man is a teaching of man, and not from God.



This word in the original is closely related to another word that is used in scripture, and shares a similar definition.

Heresy.


Heresy - Strongs G139 - hairesis

1. act of taking, capture: e.g. storming a city
2. choosing, choice
3. that which is chosen
4. a body of men following their own tenets (sect or party)
   1. of the Sadducees
   2. of the Pharisees
   3. of the Christians
5. dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims

Similar Definition or Concept found in Tradition and Heresy -


Tradition -

giving up, giving over

1. the act of giving up
2. the surrender of cities

Heresy -

act of taking, capture: e.g. storming a city

• choosing, choice
• that which is chosen

Here is what I see here:

Heresy is meant to divide the Church through choosing of man made doctrines over the doctrine of Christ.


Heresies are false teachings and are one of the listed “works of the flesh” that Paul warns the Church about, in which those who practice these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.


Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21


JLB

I do believe tradition is getting a bad reputation by the church today.

The N.T. also says that we are to continue in the tradition...

2 Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

A tradition is just something that is passed down through the generations. The above verse was in reference to what the Apostles were teaching other...the word tradition can also mean teaching.

What I'm referring to would be helpful to letting our children become more involved in church. Where there is tradition, there is strength.

It's good to have the tradition of going to church as a family, for example. Making a Christmas tree is a tradition that could teach kids about our faith.

Children tend to remember what they do that is out of the ordinary. If a family lights candles at Easter time, or puts a special cross in the home...this will be remembered by children when they grow up.

I have come to believe that liturgy and tradition are very important for the young generation.

 

[JLB]

The N.T. also says that we are to continue in the tradition...

2 Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

Of course, if they are the teachings and commandments that the Apostles taught to the Church, which came from Christ.


Tradition means teaching or commandment.





JLB

 

[for_his_glory]

It was John being caught up to be shown the future.


Because up until chapter 4, the subject and context was the letters to the seven Churches of that day.



JLB

Well of course it was only for the seven church's in John's day as these were the only churches at that time in Asia that John was in charge of to teach the doctrines of Christ and make disciples of others. But yet all the faults that God had with these seven churches are the same faults found in many Churches today, especially with the spirit of Jezebel behind many pulpits spreading her false doctrines as we still need to be heeding those warnings from God so we remain that pure body of Christ that is pleasing to the Lord.

 

[for_his_glory]

I do believe tradition is getting a bad reputation by the church today.

The N.T. also says that we are to continue in the tradition...

2 Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

A tradition is just something that is passed down through the generations. The above verse was in reference to what the Apostles were teaching other...the word tradition can also mean teaching.

What I'm referring to would be helpful to letting our children become more involved in church. Where there is tradition, there is strength.

It's good to have the tradition of going to church as a family, for example. Making a Christmas tree is a tradition that could teach kids about our faith.

Children tend to remember what they do that is out of the ordinary. If a family lights candles at Easter time, or puts a special cross in the home...this will be remembered by children when they grow up.

I have come to believe that liturgy and tradition are very important for the young generation.

Those traditions would be the doctrines of Christ first taught to the Disciples by Christ in whom God inspired the disciples to write down as letters as they sent them to the various churches, not religions. Anything apart from what has already been written is a false gospel being preached.

1 Timothy 6: 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

 

[for_his_glory]

If someone in this thread desires to ask questions about the rapture or resurrection or coming of the Lord, I will be glad to discuss it, by starting another thread.



JLB

If you do can you please start it in the End Times forum, thank you.

 

[JLB]

But yet all the faults that God had with these seven churches are the same faults found in many Churches today,

This would fall under the heading of -



All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16





JLB

 

[JLB]

If you do can you please start it in the End Times forum, thank you.

Of course.

That reminds me, can you delete the conversation that started in the biblical words and terms thread.


I would like to add some more, and was hoping to keep it clean.



Thanks JLB