Ian Rice

Many perceive Bible study as dull, which often coincides with the notion that Bible doctrine holds little significance. Is this how you view it? Does God truly care about our treatment of His word? Furthermore, can plain Bible truths convey different meanings to different individuals?

Paul advised Timothy that by instructing others based on his letters (1 Tim. 1:3-11), he would be a good minister of Jesus, flourishing in the words of faith and the sound doctrine he had followed so closely (4:6). He urged Timothy to prioritize reading, encouragement, and doctrine until he arrived (4:13). Paul also cautioned Timothy to pay close attention to himself and his teaching, emphasizing that perseverance in these matters would lead to his and his listeners' salvation (4:16). He affirmed that elders who govern effectively deserve double honor, especially those who diligently work in the word and doctrine (5:17). Timothy was instructed that bondservants should honor their masters to prevent the name of God and His doctrine from being blasphemed (6:1), and the seriousness of doctrine is highlighted by Paul's warning that if anyone teaches differently and disagrees with wholesome words, including Christ's teachings, they are proud and lacking knowledge (6:3-5).

Everyone who desires to fulfill God's word should seek to be nourished by faith (Rom. 10:17). We must diligently follow what God imparts through Scripture. And like Timothy, we should read and reflect on how we live in light of God's teachings. Adhering to God's doctrine is so crucial that it leads to our salvation! Moreover, our fidelity or failure to God's teachings will influence how others perceive Him.

For those who believe God is indifferent to how we handle His word or view "doctrine" as tedious or unimportant, I ask-what about these Scriptures? So many today discuss "my truth" versus "his or her truth," relating to personal perspectives... However, God's word is presented as absolute (John 17:17). Thus, plain Bible truths cannot be interpreted subjectively.

Consider this: if you see a sign that warns of a bridge out ahead, would you take it to mean anything other than -- that there's a bridge out? If you encounter a stop sign, does it imply that you should either slow down or speed up?? Of course not-a stop sign means stop! Similarly, when God communicates through His word, He truly means what He says. Those who find the Bible uninteresting or deem doctrine trivial likely have not engaged deeply. God does care about how we honor His word; do we share that same reverence?

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