And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherdsand teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood,to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
Did you notice the words, “so that we may no longer be children…carried about by every wind of doctrine”? The term “doctrine” conjures up all sorts of definitions, most often associated with differences in denomination. And maybe we find ourselves wondering, does doctrine really matter?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer…
The doctrine spoken of here is referring to Biblical truths, and Paul emphasizes the importance of people growing in their faith and not remaining children, believing anything that comes our way. So many “preachers” are spreading false information and if we, as Christians, are not built up in the truths of the Bible, it is easier to fall into confusion. Biblical truth shapes our view of God and helps us to understand His nature (as much as we’ll ever be able to!). It keeps us from being “tossed to and fro” by random spiritual ideas.
When we spend time in the Word, learning “doctrines”, we can be comforted, encouraged and “grow up in every way into Christ”! We can learn how to live and why we believe what we believe. That is an effect of saving faith!
When we listen to Biblical preachers, we can be equipped for works of service (as Paul describes in verse 11), adding to the diversity of gifts and unity of the body of Christ! What a wonderful place to be in our life of faith!
What do you think? Does doctrine really matter?
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10 Comments on Does Doctrine Really Matter? Ephesians Chapter 4
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When it comes to those “Biblical truths,” I absolutely think doctrine matters. I have attended lots of denominations and have tolerated the “differences” pretty well as long as they were teaching, preaching, and walking according to the Word. For me, that’s the critical point. Thanks for bringing this up for discussion!
Thank you, Jennifer! I love how you put it, that we can allow difference in “denominational” distinctives when they are in line with God’s Word (and God’s Word in context, I might add. Not isolating one or two verses).
Doctrines can definitely have distinctions and draw people in or alienate them. I mean, some are very extreme in their beliefs.
The important thing is to stick to the WORD OF GOD.
Great post. Have a fabulous tomorrow :)
Thank you for your thoughts!
OH, I LOVE this post. We have started going to a new church…where the Pastor teaches FROM the Bible…not just little stories around one verse…and it’s so powerful! It’s so powerful to be immersed in the truth and the light!!! Thank you!
So glad you have found a church where you are growing and learning more! It really does makes us see things in a different light, when we are being taught FROM the Word. Thank you!
So many people get caught up in their doctrine (the way the world uses the term) that they lose focus on the relationship. Doctrine is important. Jesus is the way. Not Buddha. Not nature. Or not fill-in-the-blank. God-centered prayer is essential, not “empty your mind” meditation, as the world would have us believe. Growth in your spiritual walk is extremely important. God saved us while we were in sin but He also saved us FROM it. We need to die daily to His will for our lives, (watching the way we talk, the way we dress, guarding our hearts, etc). A personal relationship with Jesus will guide you in your doctrine.
I love how Paul points out first our salvation, then how we should grow in Biblical truth so that our lives are conformed to His image! Like you said, that relationship with the Lord will give us insight into the Word and help us grow in our spiritual walk! Thanks for commenting!
Thank you for this post Jenn – doctrine is so important. We have been working through the book of Romans at church and the first 11 chapters are all about teaching theology and then Paul starts Chapter 12 with our lives being a living sacrifice – living out a life dedicated to live out the truths of believers who are dedicated to Christ and all His teachings. We can’t apply truth we don’t know. Knowing doctrine, the truths and teachings of God’s Word, transforms our behavior. Knowing all the Lord Jesus Christ has done for me gives me a desire to live a life that is pleasing to Him and brings Him honor and glory.
Absolutely! I love what you said, “We can’t apply truth we don’t know.” And the love we have for the Lord and recognizing what He’s done for me gives us the desire to live for Him and know more about Him. My husband and I enjoyed studying the book of Romans last year–it is so powerful! Thank you for your thoughts!