THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD THEOLOGY

Sound doctrine is quite rare amongst Christians in this generation. Many have been taught that it’s not important as a result good theology has been greatly diminished. Unfortunately, the alternative approach to Christianity has been channelled towards experience and mysticism.

However, this article, will show from the Bible, the utmost importance of good theology. Furthermore, I will provide some reasons, why good theology is important. Lastly, I will explain the dangers of false teachings and how to deal with them.

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:13-14 ESV

Before the Apostle Paul departure from this life, he wrote to his son in the faith about the good deposit. The good deposit is the Gospel which was to be preserved for the next and future generations.  Specifically in these verses, he instructed Timothy to follow the pattern of sound words.

What is Sound Words or Doctrine?

The simple answer is what’s revealed in scripture by God the Holy Spirit. The whole of the Bible was written by God and should be read, understood and taught as revealed by God. Furthermore, to put it another way, It is a teaching revealed by God, that is about God, for the glory of God. There are also teaching of men and demons but sound doctrine or teaching are what’s healthy and good. 

What’s the Importance of Truth or Good Theology?

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17 ESV

This is the only record of the Son of God praying to His Father. The communion of Jesus between Him and His Father revealed a glimpse of the heart of God. It’s clear that God only cares and saves through His revealed perfect truth. Therefore, the medium for a Christian to progress in holiness is through God’s revealed Word. The Holy Spirit can only guide, lead and sanctify through His truth (John 16:3).

Therefore, good theology is important because it’s the only way to rightly worship God (John 4:23-24). As Jesus prays to the Father to sanctify His people in truth, so also is the means of right worship of God. His revealed truth is the pattern to know and worship Him (Exodus 25:40).

God is the one who seeks worship not people. He’s the only one that deserves and should be worshipped. God uses His word to judge the depths of the heart of man, train in righteousness and to do every good works. Also, the word of truth helps to keep a pure heart (Hebrew 4:12, 1 Peter 2:2).

Without knowing and be guided by the Spirit of truth, a Christian cannot know how to please God. Furthermore, the word of truth should be kept in the heart to refrain from sin which also is a tool for discernment (Psalm 119:11). Knowing the Truth is the foundation for salvation and right worship of God. Most assuredly, God’s word is not temporal but lasts forever ( Psalm 119:160).

Amazingly, good theology gives joy and satisfaction. That’s why Christians should desire it more than anything else. It then becomes the pathway to spiritual growth and wisdom ( 2 Peter 3:18, Psalm 119:97-104, Psalm 119:111, Psalm 119:127). Sadly, on the other hand, many carnal and false Christians will not tolerate sound doctrine. Strangely, they prefer false teachers and therefore adore them ( 2 Timothy 4:3-4).

How Should We Respond to False Teachings?

TEST, AVOID AND EXPOSE 

Firstly, Test the spirit to discern if it’s from God. The way you know this is, if the teaching is in line with sacred Scripture (1 John 4:1).

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Acts 17:11 NIV

This is the pattern found in scripture for all Christians to practice when it comes to the word of God. The importance of examining what a preacher or any Christian is saying regarding scripture takes precedence over the individual. Paul was an apostle who was inspired by the Holy Spirit yet still the Bereans examined his teachings. 

In light of this, Christians should know the scripture as revealed by God the Holy Spirit. As a result, one should be able to test the teaching of a preacher. However, to achieve biblical literacy involves meticulous study and prayer.

This requires being planted in a faithful biblical sound church. In addition, there are reliable tools such as commentaries and books as well as biblical sound ministries. Here are two faithful ministries that should enhance your faith along side church and personal walk with God (desiringGod.com and Ligonier Ministries).

Secondly, Avoid false teaching, if not it will gradually convince you of errors which eventually lead to ungodliness (2 Timothy 2:16). We are warned of false teachings and commanded to avoid them (Matthew 24:24, 16:11-12). Deviation from the truth risks and hinders a Christian sanctification. In reality, wrong teaching fuels disobedience against God without knowing it.

Sadly, false teachers are normally false converts, self deceived or misguided however, they are unable to handle the Word of God. Their false teachings tends to correspond with their desires for pleasures, sensuality and power. They do not care about their followers salvation neither God and His commandments (1 Timothy 6:3-10). Therefore, because they are in rebellion against God, they will lead those who follow them astray.

Thirdly, Expose false teachers so that many will be aware of the dangers of them. The goal is to honour God, protect those who are vulnerable but also to cause false teachers to repent from their false beliefs. Ultimately, false doctrine can be detrimental temporarily and eternally (2 Timothy 2:17-18, Titus 1:9, 2 Timothy 4:10).

Consequently, few questions to consider as a Christian. Ask yourself am I growing spiritually and do I know more about God from the past year? (John 17:3, 2 Peter 3:18). Do you have the desire to know God and his word? Do you hate your sin and strive to kill sin but also hate the things of the world? (Romans 8:13, 1John 2:15-17).

Conversely, unsound theology affirm and encourage worldliness and ignore sin. It’s always truth mixed with error. Furthermore, false teachings are similar to secular motivational speeches that feeds the sinful flesh. 

Finally, it’s important that church leaders watch and protect themselves, their flock and loved ones from deadly false theology. So also husbands, parents and all Christians should do the same (Acts 20:28-30).