Leadership Priorities

March 20, 2011

Background Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:6 – 16
Lesson Passage: 1 Timothy 4:6 – 16

Doctrine. Doctrine. Doctrine. Three times in this passage of scripture Paul warns Timothy to be careful with doctrine. What does he mean by doctrine? Doctrine essentially covers two things. Doctrine speaks of the specifics of what is taught and it also speaks of the entire system by which it is taught. Christian doctrine includes the basic tenets or beliefs of the Christian faith. These basic beliefs did not come about because of fables or tales that were made up over time and passed from one generation to another. The basic beliefs of Christianity were first presented by Jesus during his earthly ministry with his apostles. Those beliefs in many cases clashed with various practices within Judaism although they were based on the writings of the Old Testament which formed the basis of Jewish doctrine. Jesus’ interpretation of the Old Testament scriptures became the foundation for the doctrine of the New Testament church. Jesus often affirmed that his mission was not to destroy or do away with the Old Testament but he came as a fulfillment of the prophecies of it. His teaching shed new light on very old scriptures such that even the simple and unlearned understood for the first time some of the ways of God revealed in the scriptures that were once obscure to them. Jesus’ teaching also separated religious practices from true worship and devotion to God. After his death, burial, resurrection, and prior to his ascension, Jesus charged his apostles to complete the doctrinal foundation of the church under the guidance of the Holy Ghost after his departure. With so much doctrinal confusion between Jesus’ teachings and the practices of God’s covenant people, there is no wonder that there was so much concern about doctrinal teaching within the church. Misinformation often creates a larger problem than lack of information. Satan uses misinformation to confound doctrine and lead people astray. Church leaders must always be vigilant to ensure sound Christian doctrine is being taught. Doctrinal teaching must rely on the only two sources of Christian doctrine available to the church; namely, the teachings of Jesus according to the gospel writers and the apostles’ doctrine as conveyed to the church through the remaining New Testament writings. Since Timothy had the advantage of being taught directly by the apostles, his studies would have included the Old Testament scriptures and the letters written by the apostles. He was warned to avoid the old wives’ tales that apparently were making their way through some of the local congregations. Timothy was admonished to be an example of a Christian through his speech, lifestyle, love, devotion and character. This touches on the second aspect of doctrine, i.e., practicing the principles. All methods of teaching, including by example, must be consistent in order to have sound doctrine. Practice must be in agreement with proclamation and teaching. Above all, Paul’s advice to Timothy is a reminder to church leaders today that of all of the responsibilities that Christian leaders have, the teaching of sound doctrine is the first priority.


Robert C. Hudson
March 8, 2011