Know What You Believe

[Christ4Ever]

holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:9 NKJV

It’s probably safe to say that most Christians today aren’t terribly excited when they hear the word doctrine—and probably less excited about knowing what it is and what it should mean to them. The word simply refers to teaching or to a system of beliefs, and that’s important for all Christians.

Sound biblical doctrine is important because it is central to living the Christlike life and to explaining your faith to others. After all, you can’t very well follow instructions and live by truths you don’t understand, and you certainly can’t explain them to others if you don’t know enough about what you believe.

If you want to understand good doctrine, and that’s a great goal for any believer, go straight to the source: God’s Word. The Bible contains everything you need in order to come to the faith, understand the faith, and share the faith with others.

Learning good doctrine is well worth your time. Ultimately, it helps you to know and love God more deeply.

Prayer: God of wisdom, You’ve given me Your written Word so that I can know what I believe and why I believe it. Help me hold to sound teaching so that I may encourage others with the message You want me to share with others.

 

[SeekerofTruth]

Thank you very much for sharing this.


1 Peter 2:2-3

2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. (NLT)


2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV)


Sometimes I find it helpful to look at other translations:

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (NLT)


Its good to be reminded of the blessings there are in persevering in the reading of, meditation of and the study of scripture.

I am also reminded of the Israelites being fed manna in the wilderness and think of how much our growth as Gods children is helped and enabled as we too can meet with God each day to receive from Him. We can choose wisely by prayerfully turning to scripture -some people find a reading plan helps with this.

 

[B-A-C]

Eph 4:14; As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

Heb 13:9; Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

1Tim 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.

1Tim 6:3; If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,
1Tim 6:4; he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,

2Tim 4:3; For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
2Tim 4:4; and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

2Tim 2:15; Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Jas 1:21; Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

Php 1:16; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;

1Tim 1:3; As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines,
1Tim 1:4; nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.

1Tim 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,
1Tim 4:2; by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,
1Tim 4:3; men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.

Heb 4:12; For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Eph 6:17; And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Anyone who has been here on TalkJesus for very long, has seen all of the above. In the last 10 years or so, there have been many different doctrines put forth here.
But there is only ONE truth. All other doctrines are false doctrines. As @Christ4Ever says... if you don't know the Bible, how do you know which ones are true?

 

[B-A-C]

2Pet 2:1; But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
2Pet 2:2; Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;
2Pet 2:3; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Jude 1:4; For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:29; "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;
Acts 20:30; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.

 

[SeekerofTruth]

Holding Fast the Faithful Word

What does it mean to hold fast to something? In the book of Titus, Paul says that believers are to hold fast, or have a strong grip, on the Word of God. Dr. Stanley explains how in this encouraging message.

www.intouchuk.org

Just listened to this helpful teaching by Dr Charles Stanley - thought it may bless others too who would like to persevere in holding fast the faithful word which @Christ4Ever has kindly posted about.

I was interested to hear about how important our attitude towards scriptures is and our belief in what kind of a book the bible is.

Dr Stanley talks about this and how "holding fast the faithful word" involves clinging to and applying Gods word and ways to do this.

Thank you @B-A-C for also sharing warning scriptures about false doctrine. This is also mentioned in the linked teaching.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Holding Fast the Faithful Word

What does it mean to hold fast to something? In the book of Titus, Paul says that believers are to hold fast, or have a strong grip, on the Word of God. Dr. Stanley explains how in this encouraging message.

www.intouchuk.org

Just listened to this helpful teaching by Dr Charles Stanley - thought it may bless others too who would like to persevere in holding fast the faithful word which @Christ4Ever has kindly posted about.

I was interested to hear about how important our attitude towards scriptures is and our belief in what kind of a book the bible is.

Dr Stanley talks about this and how "holding fast the faithful word" involves clinging to and applying Gods word and ways to do this.

Thank you @B-A-C for also sharing warning scriptures about false doctrine. This is also mentioned in the linked teaching.

Dear Sister,
Awesome Sermon from Dr. Stanley!
I do love the way he communicates the Word of God!
Thank-you for sharing! It was right on point! He even quotes the verse in this devotional!

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

 

[SeekerofTruth]

God is so good!!! Its funny how I happened across that particular sermon, I'm glad you found it helpful too.

 

[complete]

God is so good!!! Its funny how I happened across that particular sermon, I'm glad you found it helpful too.

'Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught,
that he may be able by sound doctrine
both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.'
(Titus 1:9)

Hello @SeekerofTruth and @Christ4Ever,

I decided to listen to Dr Stanley, after seeking, first, information about him to assure myself that he was someone whom I should listen to, for he was unknown to me. I listened carefully, and found him to be sound, and also thank you for introducing me to it. [Would you please tell me what version of the Bible Dr Stanley is referring to?]

* A verse which is equally important I believe, in regard to Bible study and it's application, is found in 2 Timothy 2:15,

' ... Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth. ... '

* For though all Scripture is 'for' us, not all is 'about' us. It is important to 'try the things that differ', which is an alternative rendering (found in my Bible margin) for the words in Philippians 1:10, '... approve things that are excellent' (KJV).

'That ye may approve things that are excellent;
that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; '

* The word, 'sincere' in this verse has the meaning of having been judged by sunlight and found genuine, which I think is lovely. The words, 'without offence' also have the meaning of being 'actively inoffensive', 'not leading into sin'. Which is quite thought provoking I believe; especially in regard to the way that we handle God's word and apply it, and the effect our subsequent witness in regard to it, may have on others.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Dave L]

'Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught,
that he may be able by sound doctrine
both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.'
(Titus 1:9)

Hello @SeekerofTruth and @Christ4Ever,

I decided to listen to Dr Stanley, after seeking, first, information about him to assure myself that he was someone whom I should listen to, for he was unknown to me. I listened carefully, and found him to be sound, and also thank you for introducing me to it. [Would you please tell me what version of the Bible Dr Stanley is referring to?]

* A verse which is equally important I believe, in regard to Bible study and it's application, is found in 2 Timothy 2:15,

' ... Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth. ... '

* For though all Scripture is 'for' us, not all is 'about' us. It is important to 'try the things that differ', which is an alternative rendering (found in my Bible margin) for the words in Philippians 1:10, '... approve things that are excellent' (KJV).

'That ye may approve things that are excellent;
that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; '

* The word, 'sincere' in this verse has the meaning of having been judged by sunlight and found genuine, which I think is lovely. The words, 'without offence' also have the meaning of being 'actively inoffensive', 'not leading into sin'. Which is quite thought provoking I believe; especially in regard to the way that we handle God's word and apply it, and the effect our subsequent witness in regard to it, may have on others.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Many think he sidelines scripture by teaching that God speaks to him directly. This causes my alarm bells to go off just as it does with the Pope or tongue speakers. Just a heartfelt word of caution.

 

[complete]

Many think he sidelines scripture by teaching that God speaks to him directly. This causes my alarm bells to go off just as it does with the Pope or tongue speakers. Just a heartfelt word of caution.

Hi @Dave L.

I probably will not have occasion to listen to any more of his teaching sessions, for I do not listen to speakers as a rule. Listening to this recommended extract is the exception to the rule for me. Though I heard nothing to object to in what I heard.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

 

[Dave L]

Hi @Dave L.

I probably will not have occasion to listen to any more of his teaching sessions, for I do not listen to speakers as a rule. Listening to this recommended extract is the exception to the rule for me. Though I heard nothing to object to in what I heard.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Many replace God's word with their fleshly imagination. Thinking it is God speaking.

 

[DieAmartyr]

holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:9 NKJV

It’s probably safe to say that most Christians today aren’t terribly excited when they hear the word doctrine—and probably less excited about knowing what it is and what it should mean to them. The word simply refers to teaching or to a system of beliefs, and that’s important for all Christians.

Sound biblical doctrine is important because it is central to living the Christlike life and to explaining your faith to others. After all, you can’t very well follow instructions and live by truths you don’t understand, and you certainly can’t explain them to others if you don’t know enough about what you believe.

If you want to understand good doctrine, and that’s a great goal for any believer, go straight to the source: God’s Word. The Bible contains everything you need in order to come to the faith, understand the faith, and share the faith with others.

Learning good doctrine is well worth your time. Ultimately, it helps you to know and love God more deeply.

Prayer: God of wisdom, You’ve given me Your written Word so that I can know what I believe and why I believe it. Help me hold to sound teaching so that I may encourage others with the message You want me to share with others.

Does it all start with loving Jesus? I love Jesus and always have and have read the New Testament but never really understood the Old Testament when I was younger. Someone had told me that since Jesus came only the New Testament applied to Christians and I believed this for a long time. After baptism, I developed a yearning to know Jesus deeper, so I have been trying to learn it. That was 3 years ago. It is more complex than I ever imagined, but I am not less of a Christian for this, am I?

 

[Christ4Ever]

Does it all start with loving Jesus? I love Jesus and always have and have read the New Testament but never really understood the Old Testament when I was younger. Someone had told me that since Jesus came only the New Testament applied to Christians and I believed this for a long time. After baptism, I developed a yearning to know Jesus deeper, so I have been trying to learn it. That was 3 years ago. It is more complex than I ever imagined, but I am not less of a Christian for this, am I?

Dear Sister,

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 NKJV

We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 NKJV

It started at the Cross dear Sister, our Love of Lord & Savior Jesus. For it has shown us His Sacrifice, His Obedience, and His Love for us captured in timelessness as the Alpha & Omega of who we follow. So, by His Great Love, Mercy & Grace we have an Eternity to get to know our God.

Patience is a necessary component of who we must be. Looking to those in the OT provided to us to know, i.e. Abraham, Jacob, and those who waited for the day that happened over 2000 years ago as examples that in His time all will come to completeness, especially for all who hold fast to the faith.

In our imperfection, we seek it all “Right Now”, which is a perfect example of this World’s “Fast Food” Society that we have grown up living in. Just remember that this World is a poor example for us, and that we are not of it, but only in it, as we abide in Him, awaiting His return, while growing in Him, and in His Word for His good will.

but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:15-16 NKJV

Dear Sister no you are not less, as we in patient love, staying steadfast, continue in the faith, to the Glory of God, we move in time from milk to meat, always the servant.

from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:16 NKJV

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him [be] the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 NKJV

Again Sister no you are not less. (Brotherly hug)

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

 

[DieAmartyr]

Dear Sister,

For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 NKJV

We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 NKJV

It started at the Cross dear Sister, our Love of Lord & Savior Jesus. For it has shown us His Sacrifice, His Obedience, and His Love for us captured in timelessness as the Alpha & Omega of who we follow. So, by His Great Love, Mercy & Grace we have an Eternity to get to know our God.

Patience is a necessary component of who we must be. Looking to those in the OT provided to us to know, i.e. Abraham, Jacob, and those who waited for the day that happened over 2000 years ago as examples that in His time all will come to completeness, especially for all who hold fast to the faith.

In our imperfection, we seek it all “Right Now”, which is a perfect example of this World’s “Fast Food” Society that we have grown up living in. Just remember that this World is a poor example for us, and that we are not of it, but only in it, as we abide in Him, awaiting His return, while growing in Him, and in His Word for His good will.

but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:15-16 NKJV

Dear Sister no you are not less, as we in patient love, staying steadfast, continue in the faith, to the Glory of God, we move in time from milk to meat, always the servant.

from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:16 NKJV

but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him [be] the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 NKJV

Again Sister no you are not less. (Brotherly hug)

With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
\o/
<><

Thank you. That means a lot.