Does Doctrine Really Matter? When we realize that doctrine and teaching are the same thing, the answer is Yes, doctrine really does matter.

Introduction Doctrine and teaching are the same thing because they both give instruction in the law and both give instruction in what is right before God. Most versions use both terms interchangeably. In Isaiah 28:9 the word is translated to teach knowledge. In Isaiah 29:24 the word is translated as that which is to be learned: “they will know the truth”, “they will accept instruction”. In Jeremiah 10:8, the word reads: “their discipline of delusion”

So we have the words: doctrine, teaching, instruction, truth, knowledge, discipline. In Matthew 7:28, it says “the people were astonished at His doctrine, because He spoke as one having authority”. Matthew 22:33 reads: “And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching”. Doctrine and teaching are the same thing, and what is taught is important. Jesus warned of those who would teach the doctrines and precepts of men in Matthew 15:9. Jesus called it “vain worship”.

Doctrine Acts 2:42 says they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine. That means they followed the teaching that the apostles taught. Remember that the apostles were led and guided by the Holy Spirit. In Acts 5:17-28 the high priest and the Sadducees beat the apostles and commanded they not teach this new doctrine. But they continued to teach this doctrine. They continued in their teaching the name of Jesus.

Sometimes the doctrine and teaching was accompanied by miracles from the Holy Spirit as in the case of Paul confronting Elymas the magician. Those in the audience believed the doctrine of the Lord because of what they saw. The people on Mars hill wanted to know what this new doctrine (teaching) was which Paul was preaching (Acts 17:16-19). Romans 6:17, Paul declares that the new Christians had obeyed that form of doctrine that comes from God, and produces salvation.

In Romans 16:17 the warning is to watch out for those who teach things contrary to the teaching that they originally received from the apostles. Paul emphasizes that doctrine is very important. Timothy is admonished to speak against anything that is contrary to sound teaching (1 Timothy 1:10). True doctrine that is not corrupted is sound (without flaw) in doctrine. In 1 Timothy 4:13 we read: “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching (doctrine)”.

1 Timothy 4:16 reads: “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching (doctrine); persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you”. The sound Bible teaching will lead one towards salvation. Remember that salvation is conditional upon faithful obedience. There is a warning that the Christians behavior can affect the perception of our doctrine as we read in 1 Timothy 6:1.

1 Timothy 6:3 warns of anyone advocating a different doctrine, and as such is teaching a doctrine that does not agree with sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness. All scripture is inspired of God and is profitable for teaching (doctrine), reproof, correction, training (instruction) in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). 2 Timothy 4:2 reads: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction (doctrine).

Titus 2:6-8 “Likewise, urge (instruct) the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us”. 2 John 9 “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching (doctrine) of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son”.

1 Timothy 4:6 “In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following”. In the song of Moses he says this about God’s teaching: “Let my doctrine drop as the rain” (Deuteronomy 32:2). Jesus said: “My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16). What Jesus taught as doctrine actually originated from God, and it is spoken to us through His word.

There is a warning from the Holy Spirit in 1 Timothy 4:1 “but the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons”. The Hebrew writer warns us to not be carried away by varied and strange teachings (doctrine)… (Hebrews 13:9).

Conclusion What we teach is doctrine. Our responsibility is to teach only that doctrine which comes from God’s word. If it is not found in God’s word, it is not sound and offers no profit towards salvation. Many people teach that doctrine does not matter. Well, the Bible teaches that it really does matter. What doctrine are you following?