Doctrine simply means teaching, but the biblical usage refers to sound teaching based on the Word of God. The two Greek words translated "doctrine", didaskalia and didache, are also translated "teacheth" (Ro. 12:7) and "learning" (Ro. 15:4). These words are used more than 140 times in the N.T., which shows how important doctrine is before God. Other terms which refer to doctrine are "truth" (1 Ti. 2:4), "the faith" (1 Ti. 3:9; 2 Ti. 3:8; Tit. 1:13), "wholesome words" (1 Ti. 6:3), and "sound words" (2 Ti. 1:13). Doctrine (and its companion terms) is referred to 59 times in the Pastoral Epistles alone. "The truth" is referred to 10 times in 2 and 3 John alone.
Bible facts about doctrine. We
can know right doctrine (Jn. 7:17). We are to continue in the
Apostles' doctrine (Ac. 2:42). The Apostles filled Jerusalem with
doctrine (Ac. 5:28). We are saved by believing the right doctrine
(Ro. 6:17; 1 Jn. 5:20; 2 Jn. 9). We are to separate from those
who teach false doctrine (Ro. 16:17). We must be careful of winds
of false doctrine (Ep. 4:14). No false doctrine is to be allowed
(1 Ti. 1:3). Sound doctrine is good (1 Ti. 4:6). The preacher
is to give himself to doctrine (1 Ti. 4:13). The preacher is to
take heed to the doctrine (1 Ti. 4:16). Preachers who labor in
doctrine are to be rewarded (1 Ti. 5:17). Sound doctrine is to
be adorned with godly living (1 Ti. 6:1,3; Tit. 2:1). The Bible
is given for doctrine (2 Ti. 3:16). The Bible is to be preached
with doctrine (2 Ti. 4:2). The last days is characterized by a
turning from sound doctrine (2 Ti. 4:3). The preacher must be
able to use doctrine to edify and protect the church (Tit. 1:9).
Our doctrine is to be uncorrupt (Tit. 2:10). We abide in Christ
by sound doctrine (1 Jn. 2:24-27). True Christian love is grounded
in truth (2 Jn. 1; 3 Jn. 1). The Apostles had no greater joy than
to see the Christians walking in the truth (3 Jn. 3-4). Those
who abide not in sound doctrine are not of God and are not be
to received (2 Jn. 9-10).