Jun 19
9
Doctrine means teaching or instruction. Concerning Christ Jesus we read,
“And they were astonished at his [DOCTRINE]: for he [TAUGHT] them as one
that had authority, and not as the scribes” (Mar 1:22.)
Throughout scripture, the word “doctrine” is almost always in the
singular when it describes God’s doctrine (Joh 7: 16, 17; 2 Joh 1: 9;
Rom 16: 17.) Usually, when the scriptures refer to man’s teachings the
word is in the plural (Mat. 15:9; Mar 7: 7; Col 2: 22; I Tim 4: 1; Heb
13: 9.)
The doctrine of Christ is singular because no matter the subject (or
where it is found in scripture) it is concerning Christ Jesus the Son of
God whose person and office never changes. God’s doctrine feeds the
appetite Christ gives. The appetite he gives in spirit is for Christ
Jesus the same yesterday and today and forever. The doctrines of men are
many because they feed only the flesh of men. The appetites of men
change and vary from one moment to the next. So do their doctrines.
Divers Doctrines
Divers doctrines are teachings invented by men which offer a variety so
as to please men.
The pack of snacks mom brings home with all different kinds of goodies
in it is called a—”variety” pack. It has “various” flavors and colors
for whatever appeals to your taste or your eye at the moment. Those are
“divers” snacks.
Man has invented a “variety” of teachings concerning God, concerning
man’s condition and concerning salvation. Such teachings are designed by
man to appeal to whatever men’s taste may be at the moment because men
change. God’s doctrine is one. It does not change. The teaching of God
is always, continually the same because it is concerning Jesus Christ
the same yesterday and today and forever (Heb 13: 7-9.)
Strange Doctrines
Strange doctrines are teachings not found in God’s word.
If you were lost and your father sent someone to teach you the way to
get home that would be true doctrine. Yet, someone else comes along
teaching a way which will carry you about from the way your father
taught you. You know their teaching is “strange” because it does not
agree with the word–the teaching or doctrine–of your father.
God’s word is his doctrine sent down from heaven. Any time you are
taught by men, compare what men teach to what God teaches in his written
word. If what they instruct agrees with God it is true doctrine; if what
they teach does not agree with God’s word, if it is not in agreement
with the person and work of Christ Jesus, or if it is foreign to the
teaching that salvation is by grace, then you can be sure they are
teaching strange doctrines–be not carried about (Heb 13: 9.)