Sometimes people say, "Why so much teaching, can't you be more practical?" John MacArthur

A FB friend posted this meme:

Sometimes people say, "Why so much teaching, can't you be more practical?" No, the truth of the matter is your duties flow out of your doctrine. It's what you believe that essentially designs your behavior. There is no basis for right behavior except for right doctrine (John MacArthur)

This meme struck me as odd when we first read it, but we couldn't put our finger on it. As a principle, it is certainly true that what you do flows from what you believe. But we can ask some questions of Dr. MacArthur.

1) Does finely honed doctrine produce better performance of one's Christian duty?

2) Is there a necessary connection between belief and action?

3) Does a pastor have any responsibility to do anything other than explain doctrine?

4) Did Paul teach only doctrine?

5) Is studying doctrine sufficient performance of one's Christian duty?

We've actually been somewhat puzzled over the emphasis of people like Dr. MacArthur regarding this obsession with every jot and tittle of doctrine. Certainly as Christians we need to embrace correct doctrine and teach it. But now we fear that people like Dr. MacArthur view doctrine as the be all and end all, as if there was nothing else of importance. And this meme (if accurate), confirms our fears.

Granted there is certainly a push from certain quarters regarding compromise, and from others decrying the the supposed intolerance of Christians for holding fast to biblical teaching. The Bible has always had doubters and mockers attacking it. So we who hold to the the truth should defend the historic faith from men who are bent on evil.

But doctrine is only the intellectual expression of our faith. There is no connection between correct doctrine and living a life pleasing to God. If there were, new Christians would not be able to be effective ministers of the gospel. They would not have experienced the requisite study and training.

We can only speak for ourselves, but we think the microanalysis of doctrine is an excuse for not acting. It was such for us at one time, where the doctrinal study and systematic theology and Greek word meanings excused us from actually pursuing a vibrant relationship with God.

It is the Holy Spirit that motivates Christians to action, not doctrine. We guard doctrine (2Pe. 3:17 ...be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.), but we walk by faith according to the Holy Spirit. Ga. 5:25: Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.