Beware of Doctrine Assassins: Part 2
By: Derrick P. Rodgers

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

—Romans 16:17, 18_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Doctrine assassins normally like to operate under stealth mode and meticulously set their sights on one doctrine at a time. Nonetheless, there is certain phraseology they continually emphasize that can implicate them facilitating spiritual crimes. Phrases such as:

• Doctrine is too divisive.
• We don’t need to talk about doctrine.
• Doctrine is not that important.
• Doctrine is legalistic.
• All doctrine is of God.
• There are more important things than doctrine.
• Doctrine is used to only beat people into submission.
• We are not bound by doctrine; we are under grace.

These phrases, which are produced throughout their communications, reveal the pejorative context pertaining to Bible doctrine. In many cases the terminology of doctrine assassins links them to a more systematic plan to advance and establish a false movement. The following are a few statements that point out the importance of biblical doctrine.

• Good doctrine provides instruction and understanding; Do-not forsake doctrine:
Proverb 4:2

• A disconnected heart from God and vain worship produces the doctrines of men:
Matthew 15:9

• The doctrine of Jesus was questioned by the religious leaders that crucified him:
Those that harbor their own agenda in their heart; will, at some point, question
the doctrine of Jesus. John 18:19

• The Spirit of God speaks clearly that in latter times some will depart (become
apostate) from the faith and give heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of
demons. (Deceiving spirits and false doctrine go hand-in-hand. Wherever there
are deceiving spirits, there is false doctrine lurking and wherever there is false
doctrine there are deceiving spirits). 1 Timothy 4:1

• A good minister of Jesus Christ is nourished in good doctrine, and they follow
it carefully. 1 Timothy 4:6

• We are to give our attention to doctrine. We are to take heed to doctrine and
continue following it and it will save (provide deliverance for) you and those who
hear sound doctrine. 1 Timothy 4:13-16

• We are to speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine that it may develop good
character in others and that the Word of God may not be blasphemed. Titus 2:1-10

• People who practice sin and do not abide in the doctrine of Christ; do not have
God. Those who abide in the doctrine of Christ have both the Father and the Son.

• We are not to receive anyone who doesn’t preach the doctrine of Christ. For anyone that
receives them is in alliance with them and partakers of their evil. 2 John 1:7-11

• The doctrine of Christ comes directly from God. Those that desire to do the will of
God shall be able to discern if certain doctrine is of God or not. John 7:16, 17

• Apostolic doctrine encourages men to be delivered from perverted generations.
The apostles doctrine teaches us not to join perverted generations and not to come
into alliance with them. Apostolic doctrine also produces healthy growth in the
church. Acts 2:40-42

• We should not teach any other doctrine outside of the doctrine of Christ and
the apostle’s doctrine. We should not listen to fantasy stories and people bragging
about themselves with self interest that digresses into silliness and produces
counterfeit faith. We are to stay away from anything that’s contrary to sound doctrine.
1 Timothy 1:3-11

• All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine that the man
of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

• We are to beware of hypocritical religious leaders and their doctrine that leads us
away from God. Matthew 16:12

• We are to identify and watch out for people who cause separation due to being
Contrary to the doctrine of Christ. Not only are we to identify them but we are to
avoid them. Individuals that produce doctrine contrary to the scriptures are simply not
of Christ. It doesn’t matter how gifted they are and how they can compel the naive
to follow them, at the end of the day they are only concerned with serving their own
self interest. Romans 16:17, 18

• Part of the responsibility of legitimate ministry gifts is to stabilize the saints in sound
doctrine that they do not be taken by every new pop doctrine orchestrated by deceptive
men that deceitfully plot to advance their own self interest. Ephesians 4:11, 14

•Many will not endure sound doctrine, because their desires will get the best of them and
they desire to hear things that appeases their flesh. Therefore, they will support and align
themselves with teachers that will fulfill their demands. So when they hear the truth they
will turn away from it and submit, crave and participate in half truths and false doctrine.
But those that are true preachers of the gospel will be watchful of deceitful and seductive
doctrine that comes to corrupt people. 2 Timothy 4:2-5

• Sound doctrine will enable Saints to exhort and encourage people in the truth and stop
them in their tracks if they oppose it. Titus 1:9

• Beware of strange doctrine; it will carry you into strange places away from God.
Hebrews 13:9

• Those who tolerate individuals whom propagate false, immoral doctrine will find
themselves being confronted directly by God himself. The Lord said I hate false doctrine.
There is no spiritual bipartisanship when it comes to false doctrine. The only response to
false doctrine is for one to Repent or else experience the wrath of a Holy God.
Revelation 2:14-16