True instruction is a foundational concept in the Bible, emphasizing the necessity of teaching and adhering to God's truth. It is a theme that runs throughout both the Old and New Testaments, underscoring the importance of sound doctrine, wisdom, and the transformative power of God's Word.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the importance of true instruction. In Deuteronomy 6:6-7 , God commands the Israelites, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage highlights the responsibility of passing down God's commandments to future generations, ensuring that His truth remains central in the lives of His people.

The book of Proverbs is replete with exhortations to seek wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 4:5-7 states, "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." Here, wisdom is personified and presented as a protective and guiding force, emphasizing the value of true instruction.

Prophetic Emphasis

The prophets also stressed the importance of true instruction. Malachi 2:7 declares, "For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts." This verse underscores the role of religious leaders in conveying God's truth and the expectation that they faithfully teach His commandments.

Jeremiah 23:16 warns against false prophets, stating, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'" This admonition highlights the danger of false instruction and the need for discernment in distinguishing true teaching from deception.

New Testament Continuation

In the New Testament, the importance of true instruction is further emphasized through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus Himself is described as a teacher who spoke with authority. In Matthew 7:28-29 , it is recorded, "When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes." Jesus' teachings were rooted in truth, providing a model for all who would follow Him.

The apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently addressed the need for sound doctrine. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , he writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage affirms the divine origin of Scripture and its role in equipping believers through true instruction.

Paul also warns against false teachings in Galatians 1:6-7 , stating, "I am astonished how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ." This warning serves as a reminder of the constant threat of false instruction and the need to remain steadfast in the truth.

Role of the Church

The early church recognized the importance of true instruction in maintaining the integrity of the faith. In Acts 2:42 , it is noted, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." The commitment to apostolic teaching was central to the life of the early Christian community, ensuring that believers were grounded in the truth of the gospel.

Elders and overseers in the church were tasked with the responsibility of teaching sound doctrine. Titus 1:9 instructs, "He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." This directive highlights the critical role of church leaders in preserving and disseminating true instruction.

Conclusion

The importance of true instruction is a pervasive theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to God's truth and the transformative power of His Word. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible consistently underscores the value of sound doctrine, wisdom, and the role of religious leaders in teaching and preserving God's commandments.