What Is Sound Doctrine?
Some Attributes We Should Consider.

2 Timothy 4:1-4
“I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn aside to myths.”

Introduction
Has "sound doctrine" become irrelevant to modern Christians?
It would appear that way to a casual observer.
Doctrinal themes have become unpopular both in the pulpit and in the classes.
"Be practical", "Be relevant" is the modern cry.
Even needed subjects on life's problems are not approached from doctrinal basis, but from a human philosophical standpoint.

We will show that sound doctrine is essential to spiritual health.
“Sound” means healthy. (HUGIAINO-hygiene).
“Doctrine” means that which is taught --From the Scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:16,17).

“Sound doctrine” is not a matter of insignificance.
It is important to those who teach and to those who hear (I Timothy 4:16).
It is the most important ingredient in preaching.
It is to be taught "with longsuffering and doctrine”.
It is important to test doctrine for its soundness
(1 John 4:1).
Whether you read it in a book, article, or the internet, or hear it from the pulpit, the responsibility to see if it is sound is always upon you.

Sound doctrine has three attributes as described in the text:
It Is God’s Word (v.2)
The word is powerful (Hebrews 4:12).
It is God’s power to salvation (Romans 1:16).
It is powerful enough to convict (Acts 2:37).
The word is able to save (James 1:21,22).
The word is complete (Jude 3).
The word is everything we need (2 Peter 1:3).
The word is to be taught without change (Galatians 1:8,9).

The Word IS PRACTICAL (v.2)
"Convince (reprove), rebuke, exhort"
It convinces the unconvinced.
It proves again that it is from God.
There are people not convinced of their sinful state before God.
There are people not convinced of one God, Lord, baptism, etc.
There are people not convinced of the need to assemble, worship, work, and live a life of purity.

IT REBUKES THE REBELLIOUS (v.2).
There are people who know their sinful state, but are rebellious.
There are people who know the right way, but refuse to conform to it.

IT EXHORTS THE
DISCOURAGED AND STRIVING.
The weak and discouraged need encouragement to overcome.
The faithful striving Christian needs encouragement to keep on (Hebrews 10:25).

IT IS URGENT
"In season, out of season".
If brethren do not feed regularly on sound doctrine they will go step by step into error.
Soon, they will not endure (hold up--support) sound teaching. (v. 3).
Next, they will select teachers who teach to suit them. (v. 4).
Next, they will turn ears from truth -- will not listen any more. (v. 4).
Next, they will turn to false religions or fables. (v. 4).

Conclusion
If one does not accept and support sound doctrine NOW -- "time will come...(v.3)"
Believe, obey, teach and support sound doctrine while it still appeals to you.
Teach and support sound doctrine in all forms: reproof, rebuke, exhortation.
Are you holding to sound doctrine?

By Carey Scott based on an article I read.

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