Scripture Reading: Titus 2.
Memory Verse: Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16
Article 1. THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible (both Old and New Testament) to be the inspired Word of God, containing the complete revelation of God’s truth, given to man through the inspiration of God and His benevolence; that its historic statements are correct, and it is the standard for faith and practice. (John 17:17; Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:15-16; 2 Peter 1:19-21; 3:16)
Introduction:
When we think of truth or doctrine most of us think of subjects such as the “State of the Dead,” the “Sabbath”, “Heaven and Hell,” etc. It is true that these are doctrines but so are the belief in God and the plan of salvation. Doctrine is what a person believes and teaches whether simple or complicated.
Many people seem to think that if a person is sincere, it doesn’t matter whether or not he is right. The Bible admonishes us to be diligent in our study of God’s Word so as to know the truth. It warns against refusing sound doctrine and states that wrong doctrines hinder our Christian growth and can cost us our salvation. The Apostle Paul wrote that a wrong concept of the resurrection had overthrown the faith of some (2 Timothy 2:18).
We all start out as babes in Christ. From there we begin our growth in two areas: spiritual maturity and knowledge. The more spiritually mature and knowledgeable we become the stronger and more stable we are. We are to grow in knowledge until we can no longer be tossed to and for with every wind of doctrine. (Ephesians 4:14)
We also have an obligation to be able to defend the truth. The Apostle Paul admonished Titus thusly: “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).
Once we are converted it is important that we acquire a thorough knowledge of God’s Word. We need this knowledge not only for our own protection and stability but to enable us to instruct others in the Word of God.
Lesson Questions:
- How do we attain the truth? John 16:13; 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:14-17.
- What will the truth do for us? John 8:31-32.
- How important is sound doctrine? Ephesians 4:14-16; 1 Timothy 4:16.
- Is there a danger when we lose sight of the importance of truth? Hosea 4:6; Matthew 15:8-9; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12.
- Will there be those who refuse sound doctrine? 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Timothy 4:2-4.
- What is to be done to those who continue to resist sound doctrine? 2 John 1:9-10; Romans 16:17-18.
- How can those who preach error affect others? 2 Timothy 2:16-18; Revelation 2:20.
- What are some characteristics of sound doctrine? 1 Timothy 6:3; Titus 2:1-12.
- What are some characteristics of those who will not endure sound doctrine? Ephesians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:3-4.
- What are the benefits of knowing the truth? 1 Timothy 4:13-16.