(Part 1)

Whatis the

“Doctrineof Christ”?

Disciples of Christ• Learners and followers of Jesus, Luke 6:40• The New Testament is His body of teaching– If we reject Christ, His words will judge us in the

last day, Jno. 12:48– If we abide in the “doctrine of Christ” we enjoy

fellowship with Christ now and eternally, Jno. 14:21, 23-24; 2 Jno. 9

• The teachings of Christ possess the authority of Christ, Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 3:17

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Whatis the

“Doctrineof Christ”?

Presently being Taught about the “Doctrine of Christ” in 2 John 9

1. The “core gospel” view-Fundamental and clear teachings about Christ-New hermeneutics that rejects Bible patterns

2. Teaching about Christ (His divine nature)-Limits to specific application made in 2 John 7

3. The entire body of gospel teaching, the New Testament of Christ, Jno. 8:31-32

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The “Doctrine of Christ” is the Entire Body of Christ’s Teaching

• Abide: “in reference to state or condition…to remain as one, not to become another or different” (Thayer) John 15:4

• In: “a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state)”

• The doctrine: “teaching…that which is taught… doctrine, teaching, concerning something”

• Of: Conveys possession (genitive case)• Christ: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Matt. 16:16;

Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Cor. 14:375

• The doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees, Matt. 16:6, 12• The apostles’ doctrine, Acts 2:42– The gospel, Mk. 16:15; Matt. 28:19-20

• The doctrines of men, Col. 2:22; Matt. 15:9• The doctrines of demons, 1 Tim. 4:1

(2 Cor. 11:13-15; 1 Jno. 4:1)

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New Testament Usageof the Phrase “Doctrine of”

New Testament Usageof the Phrase “Doctrine of”

• The doctrine of Balaam, Rev. 2:14• The doctrine of the Nicolaitans, Rev. 2:15• The doctrine of Christ, 2 John 9– Yes, it contains teaching about His divine nature,

Jno. 1:1-3, 14; Phil. 2:6-8; Col. 2:9– BUT IT IS NOT LIMITED TO THAT!

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The “Doctrine of” Christ Denotes the Teaching of Christ

• People were astonished at his doctrine, Matt. 7:28-29– “And they were astonished at His teaching, for

His word was with authority” (Luke 4:32)– “…all the people were astonished at His teaching”

(Mark 11:18)

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2 John Supports this Meaning of the Doctrine of Christ

• The doctrine of Christ is “the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever”, 2 Jno. 1-2 (Jno. 8:31)• It is the truth in which grace, mercy and

peace from the Father and the Son will be with you, 2 Jno. 3

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2 John Supports this Meaning of the Doctrine of Christ

• The doctrine of Christ is the truth in which we are to be “walking”, 2 Jno. 4• It is the “commandment” we received

from the Father, 2 Jno. 5 (Jno. 12:48-50)• It contains the “commandments” in

which we are to walk (i.e., love), 2 Jno. 6; Jno. 13:34-35

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When a Christian Abides in the Doctrine of Christ

• He abides in the word of Christ, Jno. 8:31-32• He abides in Jesus, 1 Jno. 2:5-6, 3 (Jno. 15:4)• He abides in Christ’s love by keeping His

commandments, Jno. 15:9-10• He abides in the light, 1 Jno. 2:10

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When a Christian Abides in the Doctrine of Christ

• He abides in the Son, 1 Jno. 2:24, 28• He abides in Christ, 1 Jno. 3:24• He abides in the truth, 2 Jno. 1-2• He walks in His commandments, 2 Jno. 6

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The Gospel of the Apostles is the Doctrine of Christ

• All truth revealed to apostles, Jno. 16:12-13; 17:17• Inspired to preach the doctrine of Christ,

1 Cor. 2:10-13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17• Apostolic teaching is the doctrine of Christ,

1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Ths. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13

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What is the “Doctrine of Christ”?

-Definitions--Context--Usage-

The Teaching thatBelongs to Christ

The New Testament

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