Dangers of Sound Doctrine 2

In the original Dangers of Sound Doctrine post I stirred up some controversy  So I thought perhaps I should clarify.

First, let me say I believe that it is vital to have sound doctrine.  I am not at all saying that we should settle for less than sound doctrine.  I am aware of the mess post modernism has caused in Christianity.

I believe biblical truth is vital and must be both sought and taught.  I believe a very important part of being freed from this life of sin and death is a correct understanding of the beautiful truths taught in Scripture.   But in all the heated discussion about truth that comes from conservative circles these days, I think we are in grave danger of missing something equally as vital.  Paul did not tell Timothy to just watch his doctrine closely.  He said to watch his life and doctrine closely.   (1 Tim 4:16)

In short, what I am trying to say is that we should not stop at sound doctrine and somehow feel we have arrived.   Sound Doctrine does not insulate us from grave error.  In Paul washer’s video (in the above mentioned post) he said,

“. . to grasp things intellectually is one thing, for them to become realities in our live is another . . you sum up all of correct doctrine as it is revealed in scripture, you still do not have Jesus.  This is pointing us to Jesus, showing us who Jesus is.  But it still doesn’t equate to a relationship, a living relationship with the risen Christ.  And that must be cultivated.  We ought to study deep.  We ought to pray long.”

Some would disagree with my statement (in the comment section of the original post) that

“The ones Jesus opposed most vehemently when he was here actually had pretty sound doctrine.”

I am not saying they had it all right.  Let me emphasize the word “pretty'” in the above quote.  Sure they had some things wrong.  But I think they probably had as many of the details right as many of us do.

Jesus said this about their teaching:
“Matthew 23:1-3 RSV
(1) Then said Jesus to the crowds and to his disciples,
(2) “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat;
(3) so practice and observe whatever they tell you, but not what they do; for they preach, but do not practice.”

In summary:

I am not saying about sound doctrine “Don’t go there, it’s dangerous”  What I am saying is, “Don’t settle for that, there is more! – don’t stop there.”

You can have the teaching right, and the life wrong.  In my opinion that is worse than having the teaching wrong.  Because the wrong life inoculates others from the truth.  This makes them twice the sons of hell.

I am not advocating sloppy study or incorrect teaching.  I am advocating getting more than just the teaching right.  The demons believe in God, and probably have a clearer understanding of correct theology than most seminary graduates from XYZ Bible School.  But the correct theology didn’t do them any good because they didn’t act upon it.

Just my thoughts.  I welcome yours.

Craig