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Then, in Ephesians 4 v 11 - 15, we learn that the ascended Lord Jesus has given gifts to the church, including
teachers,
"...for the perfecting of the saints, unto (for) the work of the ministry, unto (for) the edifying of the body of Christ:
till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the
measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and
carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men...."
Thus we cease to be like little children, no longer being tossed first one way and then the other because we
cannot make out what we should believe. We are firmly grounded on sound doctrine, the apostles' doctrine.
Everything else flows from it. There is no need to get over-worried about tithing, the Lord's Day, women's
ministry, fellowship, breaking of bread, fasting, ministry, evangelism, overcoming, worship, guidance, gifts of
the Holy Spirit - all those issues we shall be studying. It is all catered for in the sound doctrine concerning
Jesus. And it says concerning Jesus and those that listened to Him that they were astonished at His doctrine.
If we listen to the Lord Jesus, we too will be astonished at His doctrine, for He teaches as one with authority and
power. He gives life.
Now you may say, "You're doing a lot of teaching this evening and yet you have been emphasising the fact that
it is the Holy Spirit that teaches." Yes, the Holy Spirit is our teacher. John's epistle makes it clear that the
anointing which you have received of Him abides, and you need not that any man teach you. The Holy Spirit
teaches us the Word of God. But remember that the Lord has given teaching gifts to the church. Those gifts are
Spirit-filled men and the Holy Spirit can take these words, words which expound scripture, and apply them to our
hearts. He will teach you what is right and warn you of error. You will have the witness within. Jesus Himself said, in John 7 v 16, when the Jews marvelled at Him:
"My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it
be of God, or whether I speak of Myself."
That applies today too. If you will do His will, you will know the doctrine whether it be of God. The Holy Spirit will
teach you. The words that I am speaking; the words that you read in the Bible; the Holy Spirit will bear witness.
The Holy Spirit gives life. So, brothers and sisters, sound doctrine is very important if you want to get on in the
Christian life. Paul did not leave Christians until they had sound doctrine, until He had declared the full counsel
of God.
Desire the sincere, the undeceitful, milk of the word that you may grow thereby.
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