DOCTRINE AND MORALS GO TOGETHER

Text:  II Peter.

Purpose:  To show that doctrine and morals go together, whether good or bad, and to encourage healthy teaching that results in good lives.

Introduction

I. It is not surprising if someone known to hold errors in contradiction to plain gospel truth, should prove also to be found in great moral transgression as well. Nor is it surprising if a Christian whose life is full of moral problems is discovered to be weak in basic biblical knowledge and negligent of Scripture study.

II. Morals and doctrine go together.

   A. This is the style of most epistles: first, to teach the great truths, then to admonish in Christian living (Romans 1-8, 12-15; Ephesians 1-4:16, 4:17-6:24; Colossians 1-2, 3-4).

   B. We should avoid "pickiness" and extreme positions regarding these terms, yet "gospel" and "doctrine" do represent this basic distinction in meaning, and their emphases should be taken seriously.

        1. "Gospel" generally refers to the good news about Jesus -- what God has done to save man. It is of the nature of an announcement and it is "preached" or proclaimed.

        2. "Doctrine" generally refers to instruction what man is to do in response to what God has already done. It is of the nature of direction and is "taught."

       3. Good "doctrine" (teaching) is in keeping with and grows out of the "gospel" (announcement) about Jesus (I Timothy 1: 3-7).

III. The close relationship between doctrine and morals is seen in II Peter.

Body

I. Peter speaks positively of the true Christian's past grace and future glory. This involves both good teaching, and a way of life that pleases God (1:1-4).

II. For this reason, he reminds the reader over and again of certain things. The word of God is necessary for steadfastness (1:15-21).

III. Evil teachers, immoral men, will demonstrate the relationship between doctrine and morals from the negative side (2:1-3, 17-20).

IV. By proper teaching, Peter urges Christians to proper living (chapter 3).

   A. Scoffers will come denying Christ's return (3:3-10).

        1. They are ignorant of God's world (5-7).

        2. They are ignorant of God's time (8).

        3. They are ignorant of God's motives (9).

        4. They are ignorant of God's manner (10).

   B. Peter reminds his readers of the truth on these matters, then he calls for an appropriate response in life (3:11-18).

        1. Seeing all this will be dissolved -

            a. What manner of persons ought ye to be!

            b. Looking for and hastening God's day.

            c. Looking for a new universe from God.

        2. Seeing we look for such things -

            a. Be diligent to be found of Him in peace.

            b. Consider God's patience as for salvation.

            c. Do not twist the Scriptures as some do.

        3. Seeing ye know all these things before

            a. Beware of being led away and falling.

            b. Grow in grace and knowledge.

Conclusion

Teachers wrong about basic gospel truth often become wrong about daily living. The best way to godly living is good teachmg; the best result of good teaching is a godly life. Let us learn from Peter, then live as we should as we wait for Christ's return.

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