The Committed Life PT2

“Continuing Steadfastly…In Doctrine”

Acts 2:42

Acts 2:42, And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

INTRODUCTION

The Bible revealed that the early church “continued steadfastly” in doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. 

Continued Steadfastly = To be earnest toward, persevere, be constantly diligent, to attend assiduously all the exercises, attend or give self…continually.

The first item on the list was doctrine (instruction, what has been taught). The Scripture places extreme importance on doctrine. 

Consider…Proverbs 4:2; then the strong admonitions…Hebrews 13:9, Ephesians 4:14. 

The New Testament church was diligent in knowing and applying sound doctrine. We must do the same. Let’s consider doctrine…

I.         THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DOCTRINE

             A.  In Mission.

1.  Activity. Acts 5:28, Acts 17:19

             B.  In Ministry.

1.  Communicating. II Timothy 4:2, Titus 2:1, Titus 1:9  

2.  Cohesiveness.

a.  Of Faith. (Churches of Asia Minor)

1)  Pergamos. Revelation 2:14-15 

2)  Thyatira. Revelation 2:24  

b.  Of Fellowship. Romans 16:17  

II.        THE STRUGGLE OF DOCTRINE

             A.  Deception.

1.  Devilish. I Timothy 4:1  

2.  Desire. II Timothy 4:3 

            B.  Delusion.

1.  Delusion Through…Fanaticism. I Corinthians 14:26 

2.  Delusion Through…Idolatry. Jeremiah 10:8

3.  Delusion Through…The Flesh. Matthew 15:9 

III.       THE SOURCE OF DOCTRINE

            A.  The Track.

1.  From God. John 7:16  

2.  From God’s Word. II Timothy 3:16  

            B.  The Traits.

1.  Pure. I Timothy 6:3, Titus 2:7 

2.  Powerful. Mark 1:22, Luke 4:32  

IV.       THE STRENGTH OF DOCTRINE

            A.  Faith.

1.  Determined. Acts 13:12  

2.  Developed. Deuteronomy 32:2, I Timothy 4:6  

             B.  Freedom.

1.  From Sin. Romans 6:17-18, I Timothy 4:16, II John 1:9  

V.        STEDFASTNESS IN DOCTRINE (Learning & Living the Doctrine)

             A.  Learn.

1.  Apply Yourself. I Timothy 4:13  

            B.  Obedience.

1.  His Will. John 7:17

             C.  Maturity.

1.  Growth. Isaiah 28:9, Hebrews 6:1-2  

CONCLUSION

Titus 2:10, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

[adorn = to put in proper order, decorate, garnish]