Indeed, there are no words on earth more “astonishing” as those of Jesus Christ our Lord. I found it very interesting, as I was considering Bible references to the “doctrine of Christ,” that there are at least 13 references to people being “astounded” at Christ’s doctrine and teaching.

What made this so interesting is how quick folks today dismiss, by their lack of adherence and reverence, this same doctrine. Many treat it as if it is nothing more than ‘run of the mill’ and ’boring.’ It is given the ‘back seat’ by many preachers of God’s word to every other form of literature under the sun. Caving in to the demands of their hearers, preachers today offer fancy and humorous illustrations, heart-wrenching and tear-jerking stories, and mountains of emotional “testimonials,” while perhaps garnishing their wonderful lessons with a passage or two of the doctrine of Christ. While these other things might seem fine in and of themselves, it was not their use that “astonished” those of the first century. It was the substance, authority and power of the doctrine of Christ (cf. Mark 1:22; Mark 1:27; Luke 4:31-32).

Another proclamation ringing through the land today also belittles the “astonishing” doctrine of Christ. That is, to preach more Christ and less doctrine. In an attempt to distinguish the Man and His doctrine, folks want to hear more about Christ and His role as Savior and less about Christ and His role as Lord. Folks are demanding more of those “feel-good” lessons that lack any essence of true Bible teaching. Is it not the Master Teacher we read of in the Bible “astonishing” people with His doctrine? Therefore, should we not learn from Him what constitutes faithful Gospel teaching and preaching?

Our Lord’s lessons were not humor laden, feel-good lessons that tickled the ears of those who heard them. They were lessons that taught people how to live godly lives (The Sermon on the Mount—Matthew 5-7). They were lessons that taught and explained the divine will of God (Matthew 22:33). Some of His lessons warned of the leaven of the Pharisees—that is, their soul-condemning doctrines (Mark 17:6-12). Some of His lessons stung the ears—pricking, and in some cases, hardening the hearts of those who heard them. However, even when accompanied with strong rebuke, His doctrine was considered astounding (i.e., when Jesus cast the money changers from the temple—Mark 11:15-19). 

Thus, in light of such example, anyone and everyone who would break the bread of life (His Word—John 6:35) and impart it unto a listener had better take head not to blaspheme the good doctrine of Jesus Christ in word or in deed (1 Timothy 4:6, 16; 1 Timothy 4:16; 1 Timothy 6:1). Little do we realize, to defame the doctrine of Christ is to defame God, for Jesus told us that it is not His doctrine, but God’s (John 7:16).

Preachers: take heed to the doctrine—preach it openly and boldly! “Reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:2-3). Preach it when folks like it and when folks don’t! Make the substance and meat of your lessons the doctrine of Christ and when appropriate, garnish with the other things!

Hearers: command the sincere milk of God’s word (1 Peter 2:2). Accept no substitutes for the rock-solid preaching of truth. Demand sound doctrine, which cannot be condemned—which is “according to the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 1:10-11). Ask not that your “ears be tickled;” rather, demand that your hearts be convicted!