Doctrine one says is boring, but without it truth is nonexistent. Or it becomes any man’s truth. Even with doctrine there is controversy. So Paul advises Titus to select for leadership men who can refute others, who contradict sound doctrine.

holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. Titus 1:9 NASB

The doctrine to which we adhere is therefore most important, and based on this verse doctrine is provable with scripture, otherwise it would not be possible to refute those who contradict it. So why is it that doctrine is so important? Does doctrine effect salvation?

1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (KJV)

What is Paul saying? We can’t really save ourself, Jesus did that for us, and the only way that we could save ourself would be to accomplish the impossible. For to do so we would need to spend eternity in Hell, and come out the other side a saved individual. You see my point — not possible. Can’t be done, so why does Paul say this? Perhaps another translation of this verse would help.

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. 1 Timothy 4:16 NASB

To ensure salvation is a little easer to explain. Salvation is already ours if we are in Christ. Just like the house is already ours, so we ensure (insure) it to keep it safe. So what Paul is saying here is that precautions must be taken in our beliefs (our doctrine) to be certain that we do not lose what we already possess. If we teach false doctrine we become false teachers, and Scripture does not favor false teachers. And failure to know and hold to the truths of scripture is apparently certain to interfere with our salvation. That’s serious stuff even though it may seem that I’m somewhat making light of it. But what I’m really trying to do is to make what’s boring more interesting, because this is really important stuff. 70% of the Christian population today either think that all there is to salvation is walking an isle or saying a prayer while the remainder of the congregation prays along with you, or that God has chosen you so therefor there is nothing more for you to do; but neither of these are biblical believers salvation.

Thus these things are written as a form of warning to ensure our salvation. We are given the power to become the sons of God.

John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (KJV)

Part of that becoming is finding the truths from scripture and adhering to sound doctrine. And then being able to refute those who contradict that sound doctrine; and to do that one must be able to do more than to just say I believe that the Lord’s coming is pre or post Tribulational. Or I believe that salvation can or cannot be lost. If your taught position does not have a preponderance of the verses on the subject supporting it, then you had best consider what is the sound doctrine here.

God bless as you seek God for truth. Paul said to Us in Philippians:

2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (KJV)