10/29/2022 – “Doctrine is Not Optional” by Jordan Chamblee / American Family Association – “The Stand” – Nov22 issue //”The question is are you a good theologian?”
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
Here are key excerpts from the article:
‘What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us, ” writer, preacher, and teacher A.W. Tozer once wrote. You are a theologian whether you know it or not. You believe certain things about God, the Bible , and Christ. You have ideas about what is true, what is false, and how these things work together. Your life is shaped by what you believe in.
The question is: are you a good theologian? …
It’s not easy to go from being spoon-fed to serving yourself a plateful of doctrine, but it’s not an option. It is required. So how do we cultivate a lifestyle of delving deeper into this walk with Christ and living upon substantial truth?
There are three primary means by which this is accomplished.
BIBLE READING
This is where doctrine is found: the Word of God. It can be disheartening at times when you read the Bible. You may feel as if you’ve come away with nothing new, but don’t be discouraged! The more time you spend in those pages, the more your life will reflect what you read. It will happen gradually over time, as long as you continue to walk closely with Christ in obedience: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine.” (2 Timothy 3:16).
PRAYER
This is not a supplement to the Bible, but a means of grace in its own right. When you pray, you are learning upon the sufficiency and sovereignty of God, putting your soul in a posture of reliance before His throne. If reading Scripture plants the seed of the gospel in your heart, prayer will water and nurture it.
(Jimmy insert: You can read the Bible and pray at the same time. I read Psalm 145 every morning to start my day. It is a prayer. In between, I insert my own “ACTS”, or Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication prayer as the Holy Spirit leads me. I adopted this from a great book I read: “Praying the Bible”.)
PREACHING
Simply relying on your own mind and understanding is not enough. As young Christians, we need the instruction and authority of an older, more mature Christian. While this could simply be a mentor, the biblical model is a pastor. Sitting under gospel-filled, Christocentric preaching is an essential part of building a well-informed doctrine.
Our goal here is not become brainier, smarter, loftier Christians. Our goal is to become more like Christ, to set our minds on the words of life, and to let the truths of God change who we are.”
Soli Deo Gloria! Grab onto the Lord and don’t let go! Always connected by prayer and by His grace!