|
Assembly Characteristics Chapter 12
Joel Portman Sound Doctrine
1 Corinthians 15
In 1 Corinthians, Paul has been correcting problems in the assembly at Corinth. Those problems warn us today, and his instructions provide the basis to correct problems in any assembly. He addresses their attitudes, behavior toward each other and the world, their appearance, their order and testimony and the proper functioning of spiritual gifts in the assembly. Mr. Caldwell, in his book on 1 Corinthians, properly called this epistle “The Charter of the Church,” since it is so essential for the proper function and maintenance of local assembly testimony. May we seek to understand and practice its truth.
Possibly Paul has kept the most important subject until last. Underlying all the other problems undoubtedly is the problem of wrong doctrine held by some in the assembly. No doubt, the greatest doctrines of Scripture are those that touch on the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. One of these vital doctrines is that of the actual, bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus from among the dead. He deals with this in this chapter. We could say that this truth is so important that it supports and affects all the other truths in some way.
Importance of Sound Doctrine
Taking this doctrine as an example, but generalizing its principles, we can see that correct doctrine is important for the spiritual well-being and function of an assembly. Every doctrine of Scripture has its practical outcome and effect. One cannot separate doctrine from conduct. Paul shows that the truth of Christ's resurrection affects their gospel and salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-4), their confidence now and eternally (1 Corinthians 15:17-19) and their behavior (1 Corinthians 15:32- 34). This doctrine also influences their service and constancy (1 Corinthians 15:58). It touches on the future glories of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:23-28) and His coming to deliver His saints (1 Corinthians 15:50-54). The ultimate effect of sound doctrine here is wide and important.
Though some may say that this doctrine is more important than other doctrines, yet what we believe in any area of spiritual truth affects a wide scope in our lives. Usually when one has wrong practices it is because he has wrong doctrine. If doctrine is not important, then the existence of the assembly testimony as we seek to maintain it has no basis. Those who maintain that Scriptural teaching about the assembly does not apply today leave the door open for anything and everything that men might desire to introduce. Those who do not have a solid doctrinal basis also will have practices that are not scriptural.
The local assembly has the responsibility to uphold and display the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). This is impossible if the assembly is not teaching and maintaining doctrine according to God's word. Appreciating the importance of doctrine will also uphold the assembly. Only as we value and practice it can we properly display the truth to others.
God intends an assembly to be composed of believers that appreciate and uphold the truth of His Word. Though the world around is declining morally and spiritually and the Word of God has a decreasing effect, an assembly is to maintain these precious truths until the end. One aspect of faithfulness that the Lord will reward is the effort to uphold and propagate the truth. Jude 2 makes clear that there will be conflict as the saints “contend for the faith which was once delivered (once for all delivered) unto the saints.” The powers of darkness array themselves against every company (or individual) that seeks to carry out Divine truths in simplicity and faithfulness. Paul charges Timothy to proclaim the Scriptures emphatically and clearly for the preservation and correction of the saints (1 Timothy 1:3, 4:13-16, 2 Timothy 2:1-2, 2:24-25, 4:2-5).
The clear teaching of the doctrines of God's Word is essential to maintain scriptural testimony. This emphasis on sound doctrine is very definite in epistles having to do with conditions of the “last days” before the Lord's coming. It is only the Word of God that will preserve God's people today.
Basis of Sound Doctrine
The only correct basis for sound doctrine is the Word of God. We have to realize that “Thus saith the Lord,” is true, and that God has said what He means. The certainty that God has spoken and that we have His Word in our hands provides the solid foundation for our faith. If not, then we have nothing but wishful thinking and man's reasoning that can change with changing times. Perhaps this is the reason why the devil has always attacked the authority and veracity of the Word of God. Through centuries, men have made virulent, repeated attempts to destroy or corrupt the Scriptures. Man has shown his hatred for the truth, but its preservation provides great evidence for the Divine Origin of the Scriptures.
Today the attack against the Word of God and sound doctrine is more directed toward its foundation, in order to undermine it and make men question its authority and truth. Many wonder, “Does the Bible mean what it says?” and others question whether truth written so long ago has any relevance to us today. We can only say that the God who gave us His Word means exactly what He says. To those who question it, He will prove its reality in His own time. We remind those who doubt its relevance that an omniscient God, who knows the end from the beginning, is fully capable of giving us a Word that is sufficient to meet the needs of His people until the end without any man-made additions.
We see this principle in this great chapter. Resurrection truth is founded on the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4), the truth of the Old Testament as well as the New. It is based on the certainty of credible witnesses (1 Corinthians 15:5-8). Its proofs are multiplied and their effects seen. He is countering the teaching of others who said there was no resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:12) and who questioned the results that would come of such a resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:35). Those undermining teachings would harm the confidence of the saints and prove detrimental to their lives.
Effects of Sound Doctrine
Sound doctrine strengthens the assembly. Our strength lies in continuing to be “saints of the Book,” not only to study its truths but to live in the power of them practically. The power of assembly testimony lies in believers displaying the reality of true Christianity. It is not enough to have sound doctrine if it does not hold and change our lives for God. Believers need to be encouraged to study the truths of Scripture personally in order to have a firm grasp and understanding of the basic doctrines. Sound doctrine keeps the assembly clean. By the proper use of the Scriptures, an assembly will maintain conditions suitable to the Presence of the Lord in the midst. It is like the laver, which was essential for the proper functioning of priests before and unto God. The standard to be maintained is that of God and His Word, not the changing mores of the world that surround us.
Sound doctrine gives an assembly a definite purpose and aim. If we see that our responsibility is to uphold and send forth the Word of Truth; then as believers enjoy assembly fellowship, they will realize for what is the purpose for which the assembly exists and how it is to function.
Sound doctrine provides confidence for our lives, for our service and for the future that we anticipate. The spiritual life is not based on impressions or feelings, but upon the unchanging and unchangeable Word of God. In the midst of the turmoil and confusion of men today, what a blessing it is to be able to lay hold on “Thus saith the Lord” and go on for the honor of His Name! With the Lord’s help to support us in our weakness and lack of exercise, may we seek to maintain local assemblies that are faithful to the Lord, a blessing to His people and a light to the lost until He comes!
Other pages in this section
No one has commented on this article. |
The Moral Glories of Our Lord - A devotion regarding the Moral Glory in the character of the Lord Jesus. All of his life went up to God as a sacrifice of sweet savour. Every expression of Himself in every measure, however small, and in whatever relationship it was rendered, was incense to his father. Whatever Adam lacked, the Lord fulfilled completely in his perfect life. J G Bellett was a brother from the United Kingdeom who wrote his works in the 1800's.