TIMOTHY (4:16) warns us to “16 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”.
It is important to first understand the meaning of the word doctrine. The word refers to “something taught; teachings, instruction; the principles of religion that are taught; to teach substance”.
Doctrine is the truth of God’s word that is to be taught. Scriptures warn us to take care of ourselves and of the doctrine. We are living in times prophesied by the holy men of God as tough times.
Paul warns Timothy (4:1): “Now the spirit speaks expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.”
There are seducing spirits that authored an evil doctrine called the doctrine of devils. This type of wrong gospel is preached so much in our times. Many vulnerable people of God are being taken for a ride.
People are taught to drink alcohol in churches, and to eat grass, snakes and other unthinkable things. These things emanate from wrong doctrine, from seductive spirits of the kingdom of darkness.
The early church devoted time and energy to the doctrine of the apostles, which is the word of God.
Acts (2:42) states: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”.
Child of God, if you do not study the Bible for yourself you are becoming vulnerable to wrong or false doctrine. Those who do not study the word of God are gullible to false prophets and wrong teachings and are often manipulated and exploited.
Take heed of yourself and of the teachings and you shall be saved from evil. Study the word of God and you shall prosper.
