Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.

 

It’s amazing how many people attend a particular church but have no idea what is in the church’s Statement of Faith or Doctrinal Statement. People seem to be interested in the community involvement of the church, the music, and their social activities, but they have no interest in what the church actually believes. This is how people get sucked into hearing false doctrine and even cults.

 

The word doctrine is very important. In the New Testament, we find two Greek words for it. They are didache and didaskalia. While both words are similar in definition they each have their own meaning.

 

Didache is found 30 times in the New Testament and has to do with the authority and credibility of the Teacher. At the close of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew made the following statement. And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:28-29) Jesus spoke the Truth with authority. This is the meaning of didache.

 

Didaskalia is a word used many times in the New Testament by the Apostle Paul. It pertains to the content and truth of a person’s message. Studying these Scriptures leads us to understand the importance of sound doctrine.

 

That we henceforth be no more children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive. (Ephesians 4:14)

 

As I urged you when I went to Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give head to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. (1 Timothy 1:3-4)

 

If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. (2 John 1:10)

 

There are many more Scriptures that warn us about sitting under false doctrine. I encourage you to examine the Statement of Faith or the Doctrinal Statement of the church you attend. Find out what they really believe because that is what they are preaching from their pulpit and you don’t want to sit under false doctrine.

 

The Truth will…...….turn the tide……..in your life.

 

Praise God!         Doreen

 

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