(Part 1)

Disciples of Christ Learners and followers of Jesus, Luke 6:40 Learners and followers of Jesus, Luke 6:40 The New Testament is His body of teaching The New Testament is His body of teaching – If we reject Christ, His words will judge us in the last day, Jno. 12:48 – If we abide in the “doctrine of Christ” we enjoy fellowship with Christ now and eternally, Jno. 14:21, 23-24; 2 Jno. 9 The teachings of Christ possess the authority of Christ, Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 3:17 The teachings of Christ possess the authority of Christ, Matt. 28:18-20; Col. 3:17 2

Presently being Taught about the “Doctrine of Christ” in 2 John 9 1.The “core gospel” view -Fundamental and clear teachings about Christ -New hermeneutics that rejects Bible patterns 2.Teaching about Christ (His divine nature) -Limits to specific application made in 2 John 7 3.The entire body of gospel teaching, the New Testament of Christ, Jno. 8:

The “Doctrine of Christ” is the Entire Body of Christ’s Teaching Abide: “in reference to state or condition…to remain as one, not to become another or different” (Thayer) John 15:4 Abide: “in reference to state or condition…to remain as one, not to become another or different” (Thayer) John 15:4 In: “a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state)” In: “a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state)” The doctrine: “teaching…that which is taught… doctrine, teaching, concerning something” The doctrine: “teaching…that which is taught… doctrine, teaching, concerning something” Of: Conveys possession (genitive case) Of: Conveys possession (genitive case) Christ: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Matt. 16:16; Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Cor. 14:37 Christ: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Matt. 16:16; Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Cor. 14:37 5

The doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees, Matt. 16:6, 12 The doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees, Matt. 16:6, 12 The apostles’ doctrine, Acts 2:42 The apostles’ doctrine, Acts 2:42 – The gospel, Mk. 16:15; Matt. 28:19-20 The doctrines of men, Col. 2:22; Matt. 15:9 The doctrines of men, Col. 2:22; Matt. 15:9 The doctrines of demons, 1 Tim. 4:1 (2 Cor. 11:13-15; 1 Jno. 4:1) The doctrines of demons, 1 Tim. 4:1 (2 Cor. 11:13-15; 1 Jno. 4:1) 6 New Testament Usage of the Phrase “Doctrine of”

The doctrine of Balaam, Rev. 2:14 The doctrine of Balaam, Rev. 2:14 The doctrine of the Nicolaitans, Rev. 2:15 The doctrine of the Nicolaitans, Rev. 2:15 The doctrine of Christ, 2 John 9 The doctrine of Christ, 2 John 9 – Yes, it contains teaching about His divine nature, Jno. 1:1-3, 14; Phil. 2:6-8; Col. 2:9 – BUT IT IS NOT LIMITED TO THAT! 7

The “Doctrine of” Christ Denotes the Teaching of Christ People were astonished at his doctrine, Matt. 7:28-29 People were astonished at his doctrine, Matt. 7:28-29 – “And they were astonished at His teaching, for His word was with authority” (Luke 4:32) – “…all the people were astonished at His teaching” (Mark 11:18) 8

2 John Supports this Meaning of the Doctrine of Christ The doctrine of Christ is “the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever”, 2 Jno. 1-2 (Jno. 8:31) The doctrine of Christ is “the truth which abides in us and will be with us forever”, 2 Jno. 1-2 (Jno. 8:31) It is the truth in which grace, mercy and peace from the Father and the Son will be with you, 2 Jno. 3 It is the truth in which grace, mercy and peace from the Father and the Son will be with you, 2 Jno. 3 9

2 John Supports this Meaning of the Doctrine of Christ The doctrine of Christ is the truth in which we are to be “walking”, 2 Jno. 4 The doctrine of Christ is the truth in which we are to be “walking”, 2 Jno. 4 It is the “commandment” we received from the Father, 2 Jno. 5 (Jno. 12:48-50) It is the “commandment” we received from the Father, 2 Jno. 5 (Jno. 12:48-50) It contains the “commandments” in which we are to walk (i.e., love), 2 Jno. 6; Jno. 13:34-35 It contains the “commandments” in which we are to walk (i.e., love), 2 Jno. 6; Jno. 13:

When a Christian Abides in the Doctrine of Christ He abides in the word of Christ, Jno. 8:31-32 He abides in the word of Christ, Jno. 8:31-32 He abides in Jesus, 1 Jno. 2:5-6, 3 (Jno. 15:4) He abides in Jesus, 1 Jno. 2:5-6, 3 (Jno. 15:4) He abides in Christ’s love by keeping His commandments, Jno. 15:9-10 He abides in Christ’s love by keeping His commandments, Jno. 15:9-10 He abides in the light, 1 Jno. 2:10 He abides in the light, 1 Jno. 2:10 11

When a Christian Abides in the Doctrine of Christ He abides in the Son, 1 Jno. 2:24, 28 He abides in the Son, 1 Jno. 2:24, 28 He abides in Christ, 1 Jno. 3:24 He abides in Christ, 1 Jno. 3:24 He abides in the truth, 2 Jno. 1-2 He abides in the truth, 2 Jno. 1-2 He walks in His commandments, 2 Jno. 6 He walks in His commandments, 2 Jno. 6 12

The Gospel of the Apostles is the Doctrine of Christ All truth revealed to apostles, Jno. 16:12- 13; 17:17 All truth revealed to apostles, Jno. 16:12- 13; 17:17 Inspired to preach the doctrine of Christ, 1 Cor. 2:10-13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Inspired to preach the doctrine of Christ, 1 Cor. 2:10-13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17 Apostolic teaching is the doctrine of Christ, 1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Ths. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13 Apostolic teaching is the doctrine of Christ, 1 Cor. 14:37; 2 Ths. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13 13

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