See our #1 on this. As stated, “sound doctrine” translates from “healthy teaching.” So, instead to certain kicks or issues, sound doctrine relates to an approach to teaching (in kind and presentation) which produces spiritual health in a congregation. It provides them with what they need to mature and develop into the image of Christ. By the time he was penning letters of instruction to preachers, the apostle Paul had basically systematized the great doctrines he habitually taught about Christ and His ways, referring to them as “sound doctrine.” And he expected others to teach the same things – II Timothy 1:13 and I Timothy 4:16.
At times, it helps me to look at things in terms of the reverse. For example, from I Timothy 6:3-5 we can conclude that UNsound doctrine will be that teaching which produces sin instead of holiness – vv. 3, 5. UNsound teaching will produce doubt instead of faith – v. 4, with I Tim. 1:4 and II Tim. 1:13. (We have neither time nor space to delve into the various faith-damaging false teachings of that era.) UNsound doctrine creates strife instead of peace among brothers – vv. 4, 5. (Healthy teaching will stimulate the healthy emotions, role models, and relationships which promote unity among believers – Eph. 4:1-3. Mark it: Paul is telling us that CONGREGATIONAL unity is not preserved by some brotherhood kick or position but by healthy dispositions. He tells us our common positions in vv. 4-6, does he not?) Wonder how often a prospective preacher is queried more about his disposition than his “where do you stand on?” Can he handle disagreement? Is he mean toward the one who dares to disagree? Does he simply polish his positions or is he into the Book for wherever it may take him? Sometimes we put a thug in the pulpit under the guise of his being “sound.” (Same for an elder.) I guess that could be called “the sick leading the sick.”
Finally (for now), UNsound doctrine also will produce weakness instead of maturity – Titus 2:1f, 15; Eph. 4:11f. Too often, believers continue to be locked into serious spiritual battles while being regularly fed a regurgitation of “sound doctrine.” Could it be that these valiant strugglers are not being fed a regular and balanced diet of healthy scriptural food? What do you think?
Sound doctrine is health-producing teaching. How I look at that ought to be how Paul looks at it.
robert
