Anchored in Truth

1 Thessalonians 5:21 • January 9th, 2022

As Bible-Believing Christians, we must know what we believe and why we believe it.

Our doctrine, our truth and our behavior must be rooted in the Word of God.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:2 Timothy 3:16

There cannot be conviction without clarity.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.John 8:31-32

Once we recognize Truth, we must drop anchor there.

Doctrine: a principle accepted as valid and authoritative; a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief

The body of teachings of the Christian faith concerning its central beliefs. Doctrine is grounded in Scripture and aims to maintain the integrity of Christianity by distinguishing it from non-Christian beliefs. Doctrine is of central importance in Christian preaching and teaching in that it equips the people of God for effective and faithful service in his world.

Other influences will tempt us to drift.

Doctrinal truth is unchanging.

The immutability of God allows us to have an unwavering source of hope in Him.

The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:Isaiah 14:24

The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.Psalm 33:11

There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.Proverbs 19:21

“Progressive” Christianity should be automatically suspect.

For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.Malachi 3:6

“If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:”

2 John 10

We must carefully examine what claims to be Truth.

Does this stand up to Scripture?

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.1 John 4:1

Is this a “new word” from the Lord?

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.Ecclesiastes 1:9

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.Acts 2:41-42

To examine Truth, we must separate tradition from biblical Truth.

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.Colossians 2:6-8

Denying biblical doctrine and ascribing to unbiblical doctrine makes one a heretic.

Doctrine is black and white. God is a God of distinction.

Doctrine, by nature, is divisive.

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.Matthew 10:34-36

We must be well-versed in biblical Truth and be skilled at recognizing error.

We must stand for Truth.

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Jude 3

We must keep ourselves anchored to Truth.