The Fundamentals of 2:42

Hello, my name is Phillip Moses, and I am the new Teaching Leader of 2:42. As I mentioned last Sunday, this title does not imply that you will be stuck listening to me each week. Rather, I will be coordinating between our team of leaders, and hopefully keeping my ear to the ground on issues that the group would benefit learning about.

I mentioned on Sunday that the next six weeks (five now, really) we will be looking at the fundamentals of 2:42. Using Acts 2:42 as the template for our group's vision, we are looking at what it means to devote ourselves "to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

Here is the basic outline of where we will be going in the next few weeks, starting with last Sunday:

I. The Importance of Doctrine
II. The Importance of Gospel-Centered Fellowship
III. The Importance of Prayer

Last week, we jumped into The Importance of Doctrine, and my goal was to first help us define essentially what "doctrine" is. We all agreed that there were alot of negative thoughts and associations that usually come along with doctrine in general. However, as we look at why the study of doctrine is so important, it becomes clear that it is vital and necessary in the life of the Christian.

Here is the 1828, Webster's dictionary definition of doctrine:

"In a general sense, whatever is taught. Hence, a principle or position in any science, whatever is laid down as true by an instructor or master. The doctrines of the gospel are the principles or truths taught by Christ and his apostles. The doctrines of Plato are the principles, which he taught. Hence a doctrine may be true or false; it may be a mere tenet or opinion."

In an article by Jean LeStourgeon, which is essentially summarizing an R. C. Sproule lecture (and a source relied on heavily for this posting), LeStourgeon states the following:

"Your doctrine is the underlying principles of what you believe. As Webster's says they can be true or false. Whether you think doctrine is important or not, don't be deceived, everyone has doctrine. Sound doctrine enables us to worship God in spirit and in truth, but since our beliefs also generate our thoughts, emotions and ultimately our actions, Biblical doctrine aids us in godly behavior and attitudes as well."

Simply put, all of us live by a certain doctrine. It is the core values of our life that define our actions. Therefore, true and sound doctrine is required for right living. You can’t modify behaviour without first modifying the underlying belief system.

More than that, our doctrine is a representation of our understanding of who God is, or our Theology of God. If our doctrine is biblical, then our understanding of God is biblical. If our doctrine is founded on the presuppositions of men, then our understanding of God will be clouded by fallen, human assumptions.

Doctrine is important because Truth is preeminently important. John MacArthur puts it this way, “God's strategy centers on objective truth, not subjective experience."

Doctrine is important, because God gave us both His written word, by which we are to know Him, and He has given us the mental capacity to observe Him through the Scriptures. Here's another John MacArthur quote: “God never intended His people to worship Him apart from the use of their minds. Real spirituality begins with a precise understanding of truth."

Next week, we will look at "fundamental doctrines." I'll save you the lecture and put it to you this way: the fundamental doctrines of scripture are the ones that are drawn from and clearly understood by scripture. They are all things that pertain to saving faith in Christ, and all things that Scripture clearly states we are forbidden to deny.

Thus, our doctrine is determined by nothing more than Scripture. We find ourselves back to one of the five “solas” of the Reformation: Sola Scriptura - “Scripture Alone.”

Doctrine is important, because Scripture is important. That is basically what I aim to communicate next week, and hopefully our homework for this week will lead us into some good discussion on Sunday morning.

In the meantime, please feel free to comment and let us know what you think of this new series. I look forward to seeing you next week!