Doctrine is simply teaching — not speculation, not human opinion, but God’s truth revealed in His Word. Paul urges leaders to hold firmly to sound doctrine (Titus 1:9). R.C. Sproul reminds us, “Everyone’s a theologian” (Everyone’s a Theologian, p. 1). The only question is whether we are faithful to God’s teaching or swayed by man’s ideas. The church stands firm when she treasures doctrine.

The apostle Paul repeatedly reminds the church to hold fast to sound teaching. He urged Timothy, “Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me” (2 Tim. 1:13). Again, he warns that “the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:3).