Importance of Doctrine: doctrine or practical lessons?

The priority of any pastor should be the preaching of sound doctrine. For, as John MacArthur said, "Doctrine forms the belief system that controls and compels behaviour." Men and women practice their principles, thus the importance of instilling into them foundational biblical principles. Sadly, the importance of doctrine has been lost. Maybe at the thought that the church body might not understand, or that the church body might not be entertained. Whatever the misconception is, it has for the majority been lost.

Martin Loyd-Jones comments, “There is nothing which is so wrong, and so utterly false, as to fail to see the primary importance of true doctrine. Looking back over my experience as a pastor for some thirty-four years, I can testify without the slightest hesitation that the people I have found most frequently in trouble in their spiritual experience have been those who have lacked understanding. You cannot divorce these things.”

I am not at all against application, for that is the purpose of God's holy Word, and that is the reason for the preaching of sound doctrine. Howard Hendricks adds, "The Bible was written not to satisfy your curiosity but to help you conform to Christ's image. Not to make you a smarter sinner but to make you like the Savior. Not to fill your head with a collection of biblical facts but to transform your life." However, how can one "be transformed by the renewal of...mind," so that he/she can, "discern what is the will of God" (Romans 12:2), if they have no knowledge of the Word of God, no doctrine is being taught to them and all they have are a new collection of jokes, stories, or man's belittling lessons?

The preaching or doctrine will bring about "practical living" and the preaching of practical lessons has a place in a sermon, but should by no means replace doctrine. When someone knows biblical principles, doctrines, and sound teaching, he/she will know what the will of God is in their daily situations.

Quotes that Add

Stories have emotional impact, but they are lightweight compared with scripture.
John MacArthur

You have to believe the power of God's Word will be more effective than any human drama or communication gimmick. Nothing is as dramatic as the explosion of truth on the mind of a believer through powerful preaching.
John MacArthur

Doctrine is not the exclusive domain of seminary professors. All true Christians must be concerned with understanding sound doctrine....Doctrine forms the belief system that controls and compels behaviour.
John MacArthur

The best illustrations are those taken from the Bible itself.
Iain Murray

It is... wrong when a preacher thinks the best way to gain a hearing is to sprinkle the message with appealing anecdotes, stories, or humor. A man who cannot get attention without these things...does not know what it means to use the sword of the Spirit.
Iain Murray