Life and Doctrine

“Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:15-16)

Sometimes it seems as though there’s a debate among Christians regarding what’s most important: Doctrine or life? Is Christianity more about doctrine—studying the Bible—or life—living a godly life?

What would you say?

There are Christians and Christian churches who really emphasize true doctrine. “Above all, we must be faithful to the Word of God. The most important thing is to study the Bible and teach every doctrine in it correctly. You can’t live a Christian life without the foundation of true doctrine.” 

On the other hand, there are Christians and Christian churches who really emphasize living a godly life.  “Above all, we need to let our lights shine. What you believe doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t show it in your actions. Deeds are so much more important than creeds!”

Who is right? Which is more important: Doctrine or life? Well, did you hear Paul’s answer? Both! “Watch your life and doctrine closely.” Doctrine matters. A Christian will want to know and believe everything the Bible says. Just one false doctrine can sneakily and quickly turn a Christian away from Jesus.

Yet, life also matters. Doctrine isn’t just a theoretical thing. Every teaching of the Bible is meant to impact how we live our lives. The Bible’s teaching about repentance and humility isn’t just for our minds to know. It’s meant to lead us to repent and live humble lives. The Bible’s teaching about grace isn’t just head knowledge. It’s meant to lead us to marvel everyday at God’s undeserved love for us and show that same grace to other people in our lives. The Bible’s teaching about marriage isn’t just for pointing out other people’s sins. It’s meant to lead us to treasure marriage and seek to strengthen our families.

Christianity isn’t just about doctrine. Christianity isn’t just about life. It’s both!

So, “be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.” Live each day with a dual purpose: “I want to grow today in my knowledge and trust in God’s Word and promises, and I want to grow today in living my life as a Christian.”

Dear Jesus, your goal is to save us and the people who daily see and hear us. Teach us to watch both our life and our doctrine closely, so that everyone may see us grow in our faith in you. Amen.

Pastor Nathan