Preachers and Doctrine

By Ellis Crum

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     "This everlasting sermonizing! What good is in it? . . . Many men have sat under the sound of the gospel (as they call it) for forty years, that cannot expound one chapter in the whole New Testament. . . . People can never be taught the Christian religion in the way of sermonizing." So wrote Alexander Campbell in the Christian Baptist, page 77. Jesus instructed the apostles: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matt. 28: 19,20, RSV). While this commission was given to the apostles, it is a pattern for evangelists to follow in their labors today. Too many preachers only preach and fail to follow up with indoctrination: "teaching them to observe all things." Articles have been written and lessons given on the subject "Let the Preacher Preach." All too often that is all they want to do!

     It was the practice of Paul and Barnabas to both preach and teach. "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, (Derbe) and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples" (Acts 14: 21, 22). Those young in the faith need confirmation, and of course all Christians need exhortation and encouragement.

     The early saints "continued steadfastly" in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Doctrine played a dominant part in the early church. Many in the religious world deplore doctrine. Occasionally someone in the one body will decry doctrine. Doctrine is simply teaching or instruction. To oppose doctrine is to destroy the strength of the church. We need more informed congregations and indoctrinated individuals. It is the responsibility of evangelists to help develop mature Christians who are not "tossed to and fro, and carried about with

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every wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4: 14). Paul commanded Timothy to "charge some that they teach no other doctrine" (I Tim. 1: 3). Some seem to wish he had said "teach no doctrine." The Book says, "All scripture ... is profitable for doctrine" yet some act as if doctrine was not profitable or beneficial. We are commanded to "adorn the doctrine of God" (Titus 2: 10), not discredit. The cry "Doctrine, Doctrine! Doctrine!" sounds like children complaining that they have heard the stories of Adam and Eve, David and Goliath, and the birth of Jesus before. Whether teaching children or adults we should of course strive to have a balanced teaching program, adapted to the needs of the students. We should not tire of the blest Book; it will do none of us harm to go over and over the teaching contained therein. Paul wrote Timothy "But thou hast fully known my doctrine" (2 Tim. 3: 10). If Timothy were like some today he would probably have said, "I'm sick and tired of all this doctrine-that's all I hear!" Yet even with all that Timothy had heard and knew, Paul commanded him: "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine" (I Tim. 4: 13). It was necessary that he give attention to these that he might know what was "contrary to sound doctrine."

     Paul spoke of being "nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine" (I Tim. 4: 6). The word nourished carries the idea of living or being fed on this spiritual diet. This diet might not agree with some, but it will put us in top spiritual condition. The accusation is occasionally made that we are paying too much attention to doctrine. Notice Timothy's charge: "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them" (I Tim. 4: 16). He was not only to take heed, but continue in watching himself and the doctrine. In the evangelistic commission we have instructions regarding preaching, reproving, rebuking, and doctrine (2 Tim. 4: 2). These are to be attended to "in season," and "out of season" with "all longsuffering."

     Titus was told, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine" Titus 2: 1). In view of all the divine admonitions, it would seem to me a rather difficult thing to take too much heed to doctrine. Evangelists accused of paying too much attention to doctrine should not be greatly disturbed. The high priest declared that the apostles had "filled Jerusalem with your doctrine" (Acts 5: 28). Those who desired to speak on doctrine were not censured in New Testament times. Regarding the early assemblies it was said: "Every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation" (I Cor. 14: 26). The matter was left to the choice of the individual, dependent upon his ability. Let us not condemn doctrine as a whole; we will have a big enough task just crying out against doctrine that is not sound!

     Paul at Ephesus "separated the disciples," evidently with a view of instructing them further in the way of the Lord. Doctrine must be taught. In our teaching let -us strive to teach the pupil, not just the subject. Remember, there is no teaching unless the lesson is understood. If the student is not taught, the teacher has simply talked. Evangelists and all teachers must thoroughly understand what they are teaching. However, they should not' brag about their ability or years of study. Those who are wise carry their knowledge as they do their watches-not for display, but for their own use and for the information of others. I have read reports and received mail from evangelists and others who are always tooting their own horns. It has been said, "Some people are like ships: they toot loudest when they are in the fog." To those inclined to boast about their own achievements, hear these words of wisdom: "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips" (Prov. 27: 2). Bragging about one's own books, articles, and other accomplishments is certainly out of place and unchristian. Another tendency along the same line which is vain, and also disgusting, is the reporting of the number of people that agree with you, and the counting of the many letters of commendation.

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This is childish, but worse than that it is dangerous, and condemned by God! "For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves; but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" (2 Cor. 10: 12). It is too bad that some dare to do this today! To be right in the sight of God is the most important thing.

     Some also compare doctrine and practice in this same "daring" way: "We have always been taught that," or "We have always practiced it," or "The church back home always did." How foolish! Henry Drummond once said: "He that will not reason is a bigot, he that cannot reason is a fool, he that dares not reason is a slave." Come, brethren, let us reason together, and not blindly accept human traditions. Let us prove all things not by the brethren, but by the BOOK! Evangelists, hold out for "sound doctrine" regardless of what others say, but remember: you can't always go by the "sound." We have a divine standard; let us compare "spiritual with spiritual."