The role of doctrine in a Christian's life

1. Doctrine isn't an end to itself.
You don't get saved because you know your doctrine well. You also don't study doctrine for the sake of pursuing more knowledge.
Doctrine, instead, helps us understand, love, and obey Jesus.

2. A real saving relationship with Christ involves doctrine.
A person in a real relationship with Jesus comes to him and LISTENS to him. It is pretty much impossible to separate doctrinal truth and relational passion. Having amassed a huge store of doctrine, but not having a change in heart is faith without works - dead. On the other hand, you can't tell Jesus: "I'll sit real close to you so I can feel your love. Whoa, don't say anything! Just shhh! I just wanna feel your presence."

3. Knowing right doctrine isn't enough; we need to put them into practice.
If your life doesn't match up to the doctrine you hold, then you're like the fool who built his house on the sand - your life is built on doctrine which you don't believe in, which will collapse when the reality of life hits you.

*Doctrine (Latin: doctrina) is a codification of beliefs or "a body of teachings" or "instructions", taught principles or positions, as the body of teachings in a branch of knowledge or belief system (Wikipedia, 2010).

For a more detailed look at the role of doctrine in a Christian's life, click here.