Advanced Preaching Class - #12
“Preaching Strong Doctrine on Specific Topics”
(Speaking the Truth in Love- Ephesians 4:15)
Because of the “I’m O.K., you’re O.K.” mentality that runs through the teachings of many denominations, there are few who will put up with sound doctrine because they have itching ears that do not want to hear the truth, but want to hear only what they want to hear. (see 2 Tim. 4:3&4)
Watered down sermons have little strength or vitality to them. A diluted sermon does no one any good. It is the devil’s sermon. It takes the power away from the Gospel of Christ. A watered down sermon with little or no doctrine will cause the hearers to be lost and their blood will be on the hands of the one that preached it. (Acts 20:26&27) To take the power to change lives out of a sermon will put the speaker into the category of being a false teacher or a false prophet. (See Rev. 20:10 and Acts 13:6)
Our mission as preachers and teachers of the Word of God is set forth in (2 Tim 4:1&2 KJV): “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
One of the strong doctrines of the Bible that many do not like is the “one-ness doctrine” from Ephesians 4:4-6. It is a doctrine of exclusion. It is interesting that after including such strong doctrine in this 4th chapter, that the Apostle Paul tempers it just a little by telling us to speak the truth in love.-(Eph. 4:15) That doesn’t mean that we can water down the truth, but it means that we can better convey the truth to our hearers if we do it out of love. People will listen to strong doctrine if it is given in love rather than feeling like we are trying to cram something down their throats that they don’t want.
There is a time to preach a hot hell-fire and damnation kind of sermon and there is a time to not preach that kind. There is a time to preach a sermon on God’s love and mercy and there is a time not to preach such a sermon. (see Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
What many people need today is a good strong dose of old fashioned Bible Doctrine!
(Rom 6:17 KJV) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
(1 Tim 1:3&4 KJV) As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
(Deu 32:2 KJV) My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
(Job 11:4 KJV) For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.
(Prov 4:2 KJV) For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
(Isa 28:9 KJV) Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
(Isa 29:24 KJV) They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
(Jer 10:8 KJV) But they are altogether brutish and foolish: the stock is a doctrine of vanities.
(Mat 7:28 KJV) And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
(Mat 16:12 KJV) Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
(Mat 22:33 KJV) And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
(Mark 1:22 KJV) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
(Mark 1:27 KJV) And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
(Mark 4:2 KJV) And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
(Mark 11:18 KJV) And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
(Mark 12:38 KJV) And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
(Luke 4:32 KJV) And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
(John 7:16 KJV) Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
(John 7:17 KJV) If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
(John 18:19 KJV) The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
(Acts 2:42 KJV) And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
(Acts 5:28 KJV) Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
(Acts 13:12 KJV) Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
(Acts 17:19 KJV) And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
(Rom 6:17 KJV) But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
(Rom 16:17 KJV) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
(1 Cor 14:6 KJV) Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
(1 Cor 14:26 KJV) How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
(Eph 4:14 KJV) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
(1 Tim 1:3 KJV) As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
(1 Tim 1:10 KJV) For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
(1 Tim 4:6 KJV) If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
(1 Tim 4:13 KJV) Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
(1 Tim 4:16 KJV) Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
(1 Tim 5:17 KJV) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
(1 Tim 6:1 KJV) Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
(1 Tim 6:3 KJV) If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
(2 Tim 3:10 KJV) But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
(2 Tim 3:16 KJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(2 Tim 4:2 KJV) Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
(2 Tim 4:3 KJV) For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
(Titus 1:9 KJV) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
(Titus 2:1 KJV) But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
(Titus 2:7 KJV) In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
(Titus 2:10 KJV) Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
(2 John 1:9 KJV) Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
(2 John 1:10 KJV) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
(Rev 2:14 KJV) But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
(Rev 2:15 KJV) So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
(Rev 2:24 KJV) But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
If, as some say, doctrine really makes no difference, then why did God say so much about doctrine in the Bible?
There are many doctrines about which we differ from the denominations. This is not a complete list, but only a partial listing, but it will give you some ideas about doctrines you need to preach. (I know that some of you have already given sermons on some of these.)
- Deity of Christ
- Humanity of Christ
- Virgin Birth of Christ (fulfillment of O.T. prophecy)
- Miracles (O.T. & N.T.)
- The Point of Salvation- God’s Part and Man’s Part
- Baptism
- The Resurrection of Christ (I Cor. 15)
- The Lord’s Supper
- The Sin of Instrumental Music in Worship
- Why We Don’t Celebrate Christmas & Easter as Religious Holidays-Galatians 4:8-11
- Qualifications of Elders & Deacons
- Did the Church of the Bible have Clergy and Laity, or was Every Christian considered to be Both?
- Call No Man “Father”
- A Christian CAN Fall From Grace (Gal. 5:4)
- The Second Coming of Christ-No Silent Rapture
- If the Righteous Scarcely Be Saved, Where Will the Sinner and Ungodly Appear?
- Do I Have to ______Just because the Bible Says So?
- Is the Church Just a Religious Club?
- Is the Name of the Church Important? –What’s In A Name?
- There Are Some False Teachers, Even in The Lord’s Church in Some Places.
- Whom Can We Fellowship? – What is the basis for Bible Fellowship?
- Can We Stay The Way We Are? (individually & congregationally)
- Does Doctrine Really Make any Difference? – Aren’t We All Going To The Same Place, Anyway? (yes, the Judgment, then the separation will take place)
- Do I Need to Attend ALL the Services? (Heb. 10:25)
- Do I Really Need to Give of My Wealth, Time, and Talents?
This list will get you started.