Practice Spiritual Discipline: Learn Doctrine

The word doctrine can put some Christians off. But you should not be intimidated by the word.

Doctrine is not too difficult or complicated for an ordinary Christian, nor is it reserved for professional theologians or Bible scholars. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, learning doctrine should be part of your spiritual discipline.

What Is Doctrine?

Doctrine simply means teachings.

In the Old Testament, the word is derived from the Hebrew word leqach, which means what is received (Deuteronomy 32:2; Proverbs 4:2).

In the New Testament, the word is derived from the Greek word didaskalia, which refers to teaching or instruction (1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 3:10).

Doctrine, therefore, simply refers to the teachings of the Bible that Christians believe, practise, and teach to others. These beliefs are formed through the study of the Old and New Testament Scriptures.

The Early Disciples Learned Doctrine

After Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and dwelt in them, just as Jesus had promised (Acts 2:1–4).

After receiving the Holy Spirit, the early disciples devoted themselves to certain practices that helped them grow in their faith. One of these disciplines was learning doctrine.

The Bible says:

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

-- Acts 2:42 NKJV

Notice that the early disciples devoted themselves to the apostles’ doctrine. They gave themselves to learning what the apostles had been taught by Jesus.

This shows us that learning doctrine is an important discipline of a disciple of Jesus Christ. If we are going to follow Jesus, we need to know what He taught and understand the truth that He entrusted to His apostles.

The Apostles Taught Doctrine

Jesus entrusted the work of teaching to His apostles because He had trained them. What He taught them, they were to teach to others, who would in turn teach others also.

We have these teachings preserved for us in the Scriptures through the writings of apostles such as Peter, John, and James. Then there is Paul, who was later appointed as an apostle by the resurrected Jesus. Paul also taught what he had received from the Lord (Galatians 1:11–12; 1 Corinthians 11:23).

The teachings of the apostles were not their own opinions. They taught what they had received from Jesus, and their teaching is consistent with what the Old Testament Scriptures reveal about the will of God for humanity.

There is therefore a consistent picture throughout the Scriptures. From Genesis to Revelation, the sixty-six books of the Bible tell one unfolding story and present a consistent revelation of God's intention for humanity.

Learn Doctrine from the Bible

Friend, what you need as a Christian to form your beliefs is found in the consistent teachings of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation.

The Bible says:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

-- 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

This means you need to give yourself to the study of Scripture. Take time to understand what the Bible teaches and allow its teachings to shape what you believe, how you live, and what you teach others.

Look at what is taught in the Old Testament, what Jesus taught during His earthly ministry, and what the apostles taught after His resurrection. As you study these teachings together, what you consistently see should form your beliefs.

It is also beneficial to learn alongside other believers who are on the same journey.

Share what you have learned, listen to what others have learned, ask questions, and grow together in your understanding of God's Word.

This kind of fellowship can help you remain grounded as you continue to learn.

Friend, do not be intimidated by the word doctrine.

You can learn the teachings of the Bible. Give yourself to Scripture, study it carefully, and allow the truth of God's Word to shape your faith.

Practice the discipline of learning doctrine as a disciple of Jesus Christ.