Kevin J. Conner in his book The Foundations of Christian Doctrine defined the purpose of doctrinal and theological studies in general by quoting Luke 1:1-4 as follows
1. To set forth in a systematic order the things which are most surely believed among the true believers – “To set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed” (Luke 1:1, KJV).
ii. To instruct the believer that he may know the certainty of these truths “That thou might test know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed” (Luke 1:4, KJV).
iii. To encourage the believer to contend “for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) (Conner 1980:4).
The study of the Scriptures shows that the doctrine is given for the following
specific purposes. 1. To Make a Man of God Complete
“All Scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine. that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). Paul preached, warned and taught the doctrines to every man in all wisdom to present them perfect in Christ Jesus (Col. 1:28).
2. To Guard Believers from False Teaching
Knowledge of sound and pure Christian doctrines guards believers from falling into false doctrines. Paul wrote to Timothy that “in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim. 4:1). Then he gave instruction to Timothy as a good minister of Jesus Christ, to be nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine, and to reject profane and old wives fables and exercise godliness (1 Tim. 4:6, 7).
3. To Grow in the Lord
Having a thorough knowledge of the doctrines helps one to grow in the spiritual life. Paul instructed Timothy to ‘give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine…. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all’ (1 Tim. 4:13-15). Paul wrote that Timothy’s progress will be evident to all if he paid attention to the doctrines.
4. To Guard and Protect Believers
Obedience to the doctrine brings protection and safety to the children of God. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you” (1 Tim. 4:16).
5. To Exhort and Convict those who Contradict
Inadequate knowledge on the part of leaders and the pastors of the church on Christian doctrines brings confusion and divisor they are not equipped to prove the weaknesses and mistakes in the teachings of the people who contradict the truth. So Paul wrote to Titus that a Bishop must divisions in the church. This is because hold “fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Titus 1:9).
6. To Lead People to Salvation through Faith
The hearing of the doctrine leads people to salvation. This happens when the gospel of salvation is preached to them and when they put their trust on God. Paul wrote that “Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?… How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:13-15). This is because the knowledge of the doctrines of the Holy Scriptures makes one ‘wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus’ (2 Tim. 3:14, 15). For a revival in the church, the leaders of the church must give importance to teaching doctrines regularly as in the first century (Acts 2:42).
7. To Propagate the Gospel
The teaching of the doctrines brings many people into the kingdom of God. After the day of Pentecost, the apostles began to preach to the people and teach apostles doctrine daily to the believers. This resulted in the addition of people daily into the Church (Acts 2:42) due to the preaching of the doctrine of Jesus Christ and His salvation. This is evident from the fact that the High Priest was unhappy and complained that the apostles had filled Jerusalem with their doctrine. “Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!” (Acts 5:28)
