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REFORMING BEHAVIOR
The Importance of Doctrinei
by Jean LeStourgeon
In our culture we often hear that it is not really important what you believe, as long as you are sincere. Even amongst Christians we often hear, "I don't care about doctrine, I just love Jesus and that's all that matters." R.C. Sproulii said, "Exchanging the truth of God for a lie is the essence of idolatry." Nowadays we create idols with our minds; we don't chisel them from a block of wood. Without sound teaching and sound doctrine we are apt to be guilty of worshiping a false god, one created in our mind and fashioned from our own opinions. As Sproul says, "We must be careful to worship God as He has been revealed to us (in the Bible)."
Webster's 1828 dictionary defines doctrine as:
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 the principles, which he taught. Hence a doctrine may be true or false; it may be a mere tenet or opinion.
Your doctrine is the underlying principles of what you believe. As Webster's says they can be true or false. Whether you think doctrine is important or not, don't be deceived, everyone has doctrine. Sound doctrine enables us to worship God in spirit and in truth, but since our beliefs also generate our thoughts, emotions and ultimately our actions, Biblical doctrine aids us in godly behavior and attitudes as well.
Martin Luther taught that doctrine has to be right first if we are to experience true reformation of behavior. And although sound doctrine does not guarantee righteous behavior, R.C. Sprouliii says, "it is hard for us to grow to full maturity in Christ if our understanding of the things of God are not right in the first place." He further explains that this is how Paul wrote his epistles. First Paul discusses doctrine (For example in the first 11 chapters of Romans he teaches about the doctrines of election, justification, reconciliation, sanctification and adoption) then he teaches the practical and ethical application of these doctrines (Romans 12-16).
Proverbs 23:7 says, as he thinks in his heart so is he (NKJV). Out of our heart flows our words and actions. We are the sum total of what we believe and from our beliefs flow our worship of God and actions towards our fellow man. That is why Paul taught us to, be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). When our precepts and principles change we change. Elsewhere the Bible says, the precepts of the Lord are right giving joy to the heart (Psalm 19:8) and that God desires truth in the inner parts. (Psalm 51:6)
When we agree with God's word about who God is and the reality of what Christ has done for us it will change how we think, feel and act towards others and ourselves. It will also change the relationship we have with God and with His people. When Biblical doctrines become part of our daily experience, as image bearers of the invisible God, we will become more effective conduits for God's love and grace in this foreign land.
iThis article was inspired by RC Sproul's Ligonier tape of the month February 2004.
iiLigonier tape of the month February 2004.
iiiLigonier tape of the month February 2004.
Copyright © 2004 Alan and Jean LeStourgeon
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Jean has nine years of counseling experience and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in her own private practice in Palm Bay, Florida. You may contact Jean at (321) 720-8878 for more information about her counseling services and speaking engagements.
