“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra–what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2 Timothy 3:10-11).
It is no coincidence that the word “doctrine” appears first in the list given to us here in 2 Timothy 3:10. Of all the subjects covered in Paul the Apostle’s New Testament letters, the importance of accurate doctrine is one that appears again and again. While some may choose to focus upon other areas of spiritual interest (such as Biblical prophecy, spiritual gifts, or humanitarian concerns, to name a few), the need for accurate doctrine outweighs all of them.
Here’s why: in this context, “doctrine” corresponds to the things we believe in respect to God, humanity, Christ, the church, and other related subjects. If our doctrines are inaccurate regarding those subjects, everything that follows is likely to be inaccurate as well. Therefore, our doctrinal beliefs should hold a position of primary importance.
This is crucial for another reason. You see, everyone holds doctrinal beliefs whether or not they realize it. For instance, everyone believes something about God, even those who deny He exists. We then proceed to act upon those doctrines (whatever they may be) through our choices and decisions.
This was certainly true of Paul the Apostle, for his doctrine influenced his “way of life” (NET) as we’re told in the passage quoted above. From the opposite perspective, those who hold unbiblical doctrines are sure to act upon them as well.
One of the best ways to separate true and false doctrine involves reading a portion of the Bible each day. This will not only build our understanding of God’s Word but help us identify false teachings wherever we encounter them. Another commentator addresses this subject in a very forthright manner…
“Much could be said about every one of these words; but perhaps the big lesson may be found in their order. As always, Paul put DOCTRINE first. Other things are important, but the true doctrine is the most important of all. Without exception, Paul stressed the doctrine, then the pragmatic teaching derived from it. None of his major epistles departs from this order: doctrine first, then the practical admonitions. This needs to be pondered by some current preachers who boast that they do not preach doctrine; in reply to which it might be stated that if one does not preach doctrine he does not preach the gospel Paul preached.” (1)
(1) Coffman, James Burton. “Commentary on 2 Timothy 3”. “Coffman Commentaries on the Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bcc/2-timothy-3.html. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.