Introduction
I love working with kids, and I love teaching them hard concepts in ways they can understand. To that end, for years I have been working on a dictionary of theological terms for kids and teens. In sharing those definitions, there seemed no better place to start than the word doctrine.
Word of the Day
DOCTRINE
Definition
DOCTRINE means teaching or instruction. When people are talking about the Bible or the Church, DOCTRINE refers to those things which are taught in the Bible.
Explanation
When people talk about Doctrine they mean those truths that are taught in the Bible and are always true. For example, a math book might teach you that 2 + 2 equals 4. In the same way, the Bible teaches us that Christ died for our sins. That is DOCTRINE.
Scripture
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)
It is important that we understand doctrine because God gave us the Bible so that we could understand more about Him.
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. (Titus 1:9 ESV)
It’s not always easy to understand the Bible. That means we need to have people we trust in our lives that we can ask questions of. Understanding doctrine allows us to help other people to understand the Bible better.
Activity for Kids and Teens
Read a favorite story out of a children’s Bible or a regular Bible. Look for any doctrine (ideas) taught by the story. Don’t worry about whether you know the name for the doctrine, just look for any doctrines taught by the story. Ask someone for help if you need it.