That FORM of Doctrine (Part 1- Form)

That FORM of Doctrine (Part 1 - Form)

Start this lesson series at with the Introduction here.

The term "form of doctrine" describes the particular way biblical teachings are structured and presented. Romans 6:17 emphasizes this, where Paul speaks of believers obeying “that form of doctrine” to which they were committed. "Form" here means a set pattern that informs and directs a believer's faith and actions. 

This doctrine involves fundamental biblical concepts, including the nature of God, the work of Jesus Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the path to salvation. These teachings are organized systematically, offering a clear blueprint for understanding and applying the Christian faith. In essence, the form of doctrine serves as a guide, helping believers align their lives with biblical truths and principles.

Have a look at the scriptures below, taking note of the highlighted words. One cannot deny that there is a very specific structure (or arrangement, or shape), to it and that Paul's 'form of doctrine' is highly specialized, requiring study and training to fully master it.

That FORM of Doctrine (Introduction)

That FORM of Doctrine (Introduction)

The word of God, as given in Paul’s epistles, was designed for our godly edification. The word edifies us, from the foundation and through spiritual growth, to renew our minds, form Christ in us, and bring us to the point of godly living through good works.

It is not an instant process. Like a seed is planted, it must first take root, be fed and nurtured, and only then does it start to produce fruit. Similarly, Paul uses a building analogy. The word must first have a foundation, then only can we start to build upon it with materials that glorify God.

1Co 3:6-9  I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.  (7)  So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.  (8)  Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.  (9)  For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

This series will highlight that with study and faithfulness, with time and diligence, the word will take form in your heart, do a work within you, and bring you to the point of godliness and profitability for God. 

The Words and the Spirit in the written Word

The Words and the Spirit in the written Word

Rom 2:25-29  For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.  (26)  Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?  (27)  And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?  (28)  For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:  (29)  But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Studying the written Word is more than just reading scripture to learn about the message in the words themselves. Yes, there is important truth in the message delivered by the words, but one should also learn and partake of the spirit of God in the passage, which is found behind the words.

Let’s have a look at the above passage and, as an example, extract a basic learning and understanding from the words in the passage, but also learn something about God’s character and will from the spirit behind the words.

 Quote of the Day

The quote above, paraphrased and adapted from a message preached by Paul Lucas, refers to the Athenians in Acts 17, who were essentially pagan idol worshippers who sat around all day in the courts of Areopagus, either to tell, or to hear some new thing [philosophy, stories, imaginations], Acts 17:21.

 Men who dote in their own wisdom, who reject God, waste time in their own vanities, adding nothing to their lives or to others. They are clanging cymbals, empty, and without profit unto God and His purpose. Similar to these men, the general history of mankind can be compared to these vanities, being empty of value when weighed up against God's eternal purpose.

The history recorded in the Bible are the events that truly have meaning and what men should remember and study. It pertains to God's plan and purpose in this world, it pertains to events that will still happen in our future, and it pertains to our spiritual destiny, both in this world and the ages to come. 

History is not our story, it is 'His' story, and thus it should be subject to His purpose and design and our attention and learning.

A practical analogy teaching how to study the Bible and walk in the Spirit

A practical analogy teaching how to study the Bible and walk in the Spirit

A famous chef had passed away, yet everyone was still trying to master his recipes. No matter what anyone did, from the Executive Chefs to the kitchen moms, their dishes just never had that sought after perfection that this chef produced in his day. He had authored a few books concerning his life and recipes, and one could follow his published recipes to the tee, but it never produced the same standards of taste and quality that he was renowned for. 

Then, one day, in a humble soup kitchen, in a backwater town, a social worker prepared a meal that ignited a frenzy. It was discovered that the simple meal he dished out to the homeless and destitute had the exact signature markers of that famous master chef. The aroma, the flavours, the textures, the quality and appearance. How did he do it? How did he crack the code? Reporters hounded him for answers.

This is what they learned:

Present your Bodies (Part 3)

Present your Bodies (Part 3)

Where is the dead body going to get life from?

1Cor 15:45  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

God breathed into the nostrils of the man, and he became a living soul. But since the fall of Adam, man is now dead in trespasses and sins. Where’s man going to get life from now? The law? Philosophy? Science?

Rom 8:10  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

The law of sin and death is no longer the only law operating in a believer. There is now another law operating within them too; the law of life and righteousness that frees them from the law of sin and death.

Rom 8:2  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

Rom 8:11  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.