The Old Path to Sound Doctrine

By entertaining of strange persons, men sometimes entertain angels unawares: but by entertaining of strange doctrines, many have entertained devils unawares.
- John Flavel

We are inundated daily with various views and opinions concerning virtually every aspect of our lives. There always seems to be someone or something around every corner trying to influence what we should buy, how to act, and yes, even think or believe. Nothing is more important than how we think about and believe the teaching of the Scriptures, as Jesus warns, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits.” Matt. 7:15-16; and Paul further exhorts, “lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.” Col. 2:4. Paul goes on to say, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Col. 2:8. It is from this, and other Scriptures, that we learn the “fruit” of a false teacher is characterized by teaching that is contrary to that which is in the Bible.
So then, what is one to do to keep from following unsound teaching? Paul gives us instruction, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim. 2:15. Luke tells of the Bereans who “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” Acts 17:11. But one may ask how to go about rightly dividing the Word of Truth to find out if what is taught agrees with the Scriptures. The Bible is not written like an ordinary instruction book, and at times all can be like the Ethiopian eunuch who, when asked if he understood what he was reading replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” Acts 8:31.
There is an old way of learning sound doctrine that is rarely used anymore that can be of good use to help us from being deceived. A good catechism, used like a road map, can lead and guide us through the Scriptures ensuring that we do not stay off into accepting false teaching. Through the years “He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” Eph. 4:11-12. Let us not forget the marvelous work of the godly men who walked before us! There is a good catechism by C.H. Spurgeon at the top of this page for the reader to examine, if you wish. Give it a try for when you “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16