Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. ~ 1 Timothy 5:17

Doctrine has become one of those words that people associate with bondage, legalism, and having a religions spirit. Yet Paul told Timothy that those who labor in word and doctrine are to be counted worthy of double honor.

Doctrine is a God ordained thing not to be despised. Sound doctrine keeps us from the spiritual errors that would eventually lead us away from the Lord.

In scripture, Paul speaks of adoring the doctrine of God, and of the doctrine of godliness, and Paul instructs Timothy concerning what to teach so that the name of God and his doctrine will not be blasphemed.

Did you know that God’s doctrine can be blasphemed?

Many have heard the expression “doctrines of demons.” This expression comes from 2 Timothy 4:1 where Paul says, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils (demons)…”

Within the context of this statement, Paul gives Timothy advice as to how to counter certain doctrines of demons, and tells Timothy, “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.” (v.6)

A few verses later Paul told Timothy: “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.”  And… “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.” (v.13, 16)

Doctrine is so crucial for a healthy Christian walk.

In 2 Timothy 3 Paul warns of perilous times that are to come, and of those who would indulge in ungodliness, even stating that some will have a form of godliness and deny the power thereof from such turn away. 

Paul then says the following:

For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. (v. 6- 8)

Paul then says this:

9.But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their’s (Jannes and Jambres who withstood Moses) also was.

10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. 

14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. ~ 2 Timothy 3:9 -16