Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach

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COMMENTS

This is an update from a post of January 2023, Why do Some Pastors Deliberately Avoid Teaching Doctrine? The simple answer is folks like easy believism, the vast majority of westerners go to church not to be convicted of sin but to get their feel good about god (note small “g” purposeful) tank topped off for the week. If anyone had doubts about where the Biblical clock was, read 2 Timothy 4:3 (AMP)

For the time will {has?} come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold,

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DEFINITIONS

Doctrine. The church’s teaching about God and the drama of *salvation as revealed in Scripture, appropriately informed but not ruled by *tradition, experience, and cultural context. In contrast with viewing doctrine as either prescribed propositions or described experiences, the Reformed tradition regards doctrine as belief about God, his *Word and his world arising out of and directing Christian *faith and life. These doctrines are typically organized according to themes and summarized in *confessions, which bind together different communities and provide boundaries for faithful belief and practice.

Kelly M. Kapic and Wesley Vander Lugt, Pocket Dictionary of the Reformed Tradition, The IVP Pocket Reference Series (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2013), 41–42.

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Doctrine. A theological formulation that attempts to provide a summary statement of the teaching of Scripture on a particular theological topic. Ideally, doctrine is formed by attempting to be faithful to Scripture while giving attention to the traditions of the church and the thought patterns of the day. Thus doctrine is stated in such a way that contemporary people can understand the teaching of the ancient Scriptures.

Stanley Grenz, David Guretzki, and Cherith Fee Nordling, Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 1999), 40.

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DOC̵´TRINAL, a. [See Doctrine.] Pertaining to doctrine; containing a doctrine or something taught; as a doctrinal observation; a doctrinal proposition.

Pertaining to the act or means of teaching.
The word of God serveth no otherwise, than in the nature of a doctrinal instrument. Hooker.
DOC̵´TRINAL, n. Something that is a part of doctrine. South.
DOC̵´TRINALLY, adv. In the form of doctrine or instruction; by way of teaching or positive direction. Ray.

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DOC̵´TRINE, n. [L. doctrine, from doceo, to teach.]

In a general sense, whatever is taught. Hence, a principle or position in any science; whatever is laid down as true by an instructor or master. The doctrines of the gospel are the principles or truths taught by Christ and his apostles. The doctrines of Plato are tins principles which he taught. Hence a doctrine may be true or false; it may be a mere tenet or opinion.

2. The act of teaching.
   He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in his doctrine. Mark 4.
3. Learning; knowledge.
   Whom shall he make to understand doctrine? Is. 28.
4. The truths of the gospel in general.
   That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Tit. 2.

Noah Webster, Noah Webster’s First Edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language. (Anaheim, CA: Foundation for American Christian Education, 2006).

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STUDY

There is no doctrine more hated by worldlings!

(Charles Spurgeon, “Divine Sovereignty” 1856)

“Our God is in Heaven; He does whatever pleases Him!” Psalm 115:3

There is no attribute of God more comforting to His children, than the doctrine of Divine Sovereignty.
Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe troubles-they believe . . .
  that Sovereignty has ordained their afflictions,
  that Sovereignty overrules them, and
  that Sovereignty will sanctify them all.

There is nothing for which the children of God ought more earnestly to contend, than . . .
  the dominion of their Master over all of His creation,
  the kingship of God over all the works of His own hands,
  the throne of God, and His right to sit upon that throne!

On the other hand, there is no doctrine more hated by worldlings, no truth of which they have made such a theological football to kick back and forth, as the great, stupendous, but yet most certain doctrine of the Sovereignty of the infinite Jehovah!

Men will allow God to be everywhere, except on His throne!

“The LORD does whatever pleases Him-in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths!” Psalm 135:6

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns!” Revelation 19:6

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Why do Some Pastors Deliberately Avoid Teaching Doctrine?

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Why Doctrinal Preaching Declines

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THEOLOGY FOR THE PEOPLE Biblical Doctrine, Plainly Stated By William S. Plumer, 1875

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MANUAL OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE Louis Berkhof, 1933

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SERMON

High Doctrine

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, June 3, 1860

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:18 From: New Park Street Pulpit Volume 6