What Is It That You Believe? (1 Tim 6:3-5)

Sound doctrine, spiritually healthy and wholesome doctrine is not focused on personal gain, either for the teacher or the listener! Sound, healthy, biblical doctrine focuses on godliness! According to apostle Paul, godliness is actually a means of great gain (1 Timothy 6:6). Let's examine Paul's words, "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" (1 Tim 6:3). Have you ever wondered how the cults entrap so many people? They identify unmet felt needs that people have and then suggest ways of meeting those needs apart from sound doctrine. Usually, they prey on those who profess to be following Christ, but who are untaught or not stable in their walk with God. Sound, healthy doctrine MATTERS! Jonathan Edwards once remarked, "The ideas and images in men's minds are the invisible powers that constantly govern them." In other words, what you think always affect how you behave! So the question is, "What is it that you believe?" What is your theology? You might not even be aware of it, but you have a theology. What you think about God, human nature, sin, salvation and other Bible themes really affects how you live on a daily basis. The problem is, that in our day, the prevailing theology is man-centered, predominantly subjective and relative. When I say man-centered, I mean that people's idea of God is that He is the servant of mankind. He's not seen as the sovereign, Creator-God who has made man for His purpose. God is viewed as existing to make man happy! The emphasis is on the needs of man rather than on God's glory. The prevailing theology of our day is not only man-centered, but also subjective and relative! In other words, a person's experience of God takes precedence over the objective truth about God! God is not seen as an objective, absolute Being with certain unchangeable attributes and with moral laws that come from His nature. Instead, God is however you experience Him. So those who profess to follow Christ say things such as, "If you are into a God who judges sin, that's okay for you. But my God is a God of love." Personal feelings and experience trump objective revealed truth! Let's get back to sound teaching! Let's look for it and continue looking until we find it! Your move. Be encouraged!