You Have Carefully Followed My Doctrine
Donald L. Norbie (1923-2017) Paul in his last letters to Timothy is deeply concerned that the doctrine which he and the other apostles had taught should be preserved and passed on faithfully. The verse above (2 Tim. 3.10) emphasizes the importance of this. Paul had taught Timothy faithfully. Timothy had listened carefully, watched Paul's life and understood the message. His life had been molded by that doctrine and characterized by obedience. Paul's last plea to Timothy is to maintain the purity of that doctrine: "Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine..." (1 Tim. 4.2-3 NKJV). There are many lessons to learn from Church history. It is interesting to note how so many movements begin with a strong emphasis on the purity of the Gospel and obedience to the Word of God. The Word of God is emphasized in all of its authority and powe...