Teach Sound Doctrine
The importance of teaching sound doctrine cannot be overemphasized. Assuming that we are part of a gospel-centered church where sound doctrine is preached from the pulpit by our pastors, what we teach the women, youth, or children in Bible studies, small groups, mentoring relationships, at the retreat, or various other settings must align.
Why Sound Doctrine Is Essential
Let me give you ten reasons why it’s important to teach sound doctrine.
(1) Sound doctrine teaches us to be God-centered, Christ-exalting, and Spirit-dependent. Sound doctrine is important because God is important. Without sound doctrine we become self-centered, self-exalting, and self-dependent.
(2) Sound doctrine teaches us to submit all of our ideas, desires, and plans to the revealed will of God. Without sound doctrine, we will make the Bible say what we want it to say instead of what it actually says.
(3) Sound doctrine teaches us the big story of Scripture—creation, fall, redemption, consummation, so that we can understand our smaller stories in light of God’s larger one, and help other women do the same. Without sound doctrine, we become the center of our stories, instead of recognizing that Christ is the center not only of the big story but also of our life stories.
(4) Sound doctrine reminds us of God’s gracious promises, leading to freedom. Without sound doctrine we embrace the world’s promises, leading to enslavement.
(5) Sound doctrine keeps the gospel ever before us, so that we don’t fall into licentiousness on the one hand or legalism on the other. Without sound doctrine we forget the gospel, relying on our own methods instead of Christ’s merit.
(6) Sound doctrine teaches us the importance of interdependence in the body of Christ. Without sound doctrine we embrace individualism and isolationism.
(7) Sound doctrine grounds us in the truth, so that our beliefs are built on a solid foundation. Without sound doctrine, we will shift our views according to the culture.
(8) Sound doctrine trains us to speak the truth in love. Without sound doctrine, we will either speak the truth without love, or we will love without speaking the truth.
(9) Sound doctrine instructs us to make disciples in accordance with the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20). Without sound doctrine, we will pursue our ministry plans in our own ways.
(10) Sound doctrine teaches us to view this world as a place of preparation for the holy city, the new Jerusalem, the new heaven and the new earth. Without sound doctrine we will make this world our home instead of eagerly anticipating the city to come.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Teaching sound doctrine is vital. Since all of life is a preparation for the day when we will finally behold our beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and since He deserves our highest worship and praise, we should give our utmost time and attention to understand the depths of the doctrines revealed to us in His word. Then we will know Him more deeply and bring higher praises before our Lord and King. In turn, we will tell the next generation who He is and all that He has done, that they too might deepen their worship and raise their voices in praise.
PRAYER
Father, please help me prioritize teaching sound doctrine. Help me give time and attention to understanding the depths of Your Word, so that I can tell the next generation who You are and what You’ve done, that they too might worship You. Amen.
Heart Matters: Teaching the Bible with Purity and Purpose by Sarah Ivill – PCA
Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) has been leading, teaching or writing women’s Bible studies since she was eighteen. She has served at the Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership, in Bible Study Fellowship, and as Director of Women’s Ministry in the local church, among other leadership positions. She is also a contributing blogger for enCourage (a blog of the PCA Women's Ministries), and has a regular blog, The Haven, with the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, and recently published Heart Matters: Teaching the Bible with Purity and Purpose. Sarah continues writing and teaching Reformed Bible studies for women, and speaking at women's retreats and conferences. A member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA), Sarah lives with her husband and four children in Matthews, North Carolina.
Are there other women in your life who could benefit from a daily dose of encouragement? Forward this email so they can click on this link to Subscribe to Daily Treasure to be better equipped to walk by faith on the pathway God has marked out for them.
Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.
