Go read “A Disturbing Trend in Evangelicalism” at the blog Green Baggins. It deals with an issue that is very close to my heart: what is the relationship between doctrine and practice? Belief and behavior? Head knowledge and heart knowledge? This bloggers words are sorely needed.
Mid Cities OPC Sermon Podcast
- Two Fountains, Two Fruits, Two Destinies (Psalm 1) January 23, 2022On Sunday, January 23, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached, "Two Fountains, Two Fruits, Two Destinies" from Psalm 1. 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tr […]
- The Church's Glory (Zechariah 2:1-5) January 16, 2022On Sunday, January 16, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "The Church's Glory" from Zechariah 2:1-5. "God will rule and defend the city he has built of his own people, the church." 1. The Measuring Line (vs. 1-2) 1 And I lifted my eyes and saw, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand! 2 Then I said, “Where are you going?” […]
- Two Ways (Psalm 1) January 11, 2022On Sunday, January 9, 2022, Rev. Joe Keller preached "Two Ways" from Psalm 1. 1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water tha […]
- Strengthened by Grace (2 Timothy 2:1-2) January 2, 2022On Sunday, January 2, 2022, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "Strengthened by Grace" from 2 Timothy 2:1-2. "Because Jesus died and has risen from the dead, you therefore, be strengthened by the grace of Jesus Christ." 1. Strength Training (v. 1) 1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2. Passing It On (v. […]
- We Have Seen His Glory (John 1:14-18) December 28, 2021On Sunday, December 26, 2021, Pastor Joe Troutman preached "We Have Seen His Glory" from John 1:14-18. "God's only Son the eternal Word, became flesh so that we might behold his glory and worship him." 1. Of Human Flesh and Divine Glory (vs. 14, 15) 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as […]
The Misadventures of Captain Headknowledge 
I hate it when doctrine and practice are portrayed as mutually exclusive. Often, they’re pictured as mortal enemies fighting for the allegiances of church members.
The real relationship is that doctrine enables practice. Doctrine (understanding God’s Word, what it means, what it says, what it doesn’t say, who God is, who God isn’t, the attributes of God, God’s nature, the person of Christ, the work of Christ, the identity of man, the history of sin, the story of redemption, etc., etc., etc.) is the foundation upon which actions should be built.
If your beliefs don’t drive and shape your actions, I’d question if you really believe it. (For this point, I’m referring to the people who proclaim God’ sovereignty – even over salvation – and yet still act like they don’t fully trust Him to fulfill His promises by inventing their own “pragmatic” means for sanctification, evangelism, church growth, or discipleship.)
Similarly, if your actions aren’t driven from biblical truth and understanding, then they add up to be little more than just a bunch of stuff you’re doing. Of course God can use them for good, but you’re more likely to do harm to yourself and those around you through your well-intentioned yet misguided approach.
We should all be scholars. From the moment the Holy Spirit regenerates our heart, we should aspire to learn everything we can about the glorious God who saves – especially since He has preserved a directly inspired Word for us. The washing of the Word will be a tool for the Spirit to reveal God to us more clearly. . . for us to understand Him more deeply. . . and for us to be molded to His image more perfectly.
The actions, efforts, behavior, and practice that is driven from truth and intimacy with God (which includes knowledge and understanding of Him) will be much more fruitful, productive, rewarding, and meaningful than our best tireless efforts from our own imagination apart from truth.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. What I love is when we talk like this, some who do emphasize the practical over the doctrinal (even if only unintentionally) think we mean practical application is not necessary, then they start arguing for it. You’re right. It’s “both/and” not “either/or.”