An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away: An Approach to Daily Good Theology That Keeps the Wolves and Their Bad Theology Away

You have heard the saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." The point is that the daily discipline of healthy living will appropriately address most health issues within your control. That apple represents the daily disciplines of Christian living, where good theology and daily spiritual practices form your regular diet. The apple is the normative thing. Similarly, good theology should be normative both in the daily life of a Christian and in the weekly diet of a local church.
However, that daily apple does not eliminate the need to visit a doctor occasionally for specific health concerns. Sickness will come, accidents will happen, and you will need more than just that apple. Likewise, the presence of wolves will introduce bad theology that seeks to lead us astray, and it must be confronted—both personally and within the local church.

Christianity is, in fact, a daily duty. Many in our day criticize the use of the word "duty" to describe the Christian life, often intending to avoid legalism—which should indeed be avoided. However, "duty" is a biblical word, and we must also reject the notion that the Christian life is devoid of responsibilities.

The Bible frequently uses the word "discipline." A Christian discipline is a duty that believers should fulfill. In fact, apart from fulfilling these duties, we cannot expect the fruit that comes only from obedience. Again, this is not legalism but biblical discipline.

Consider these biblical passages and observe the diligence and discipline commanded:
1 Timothy 4:7-10:
"Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe."

Proverbs 4:1-2, 5-6, 13, 23, 25-27:
"Hear, O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil."

Psalm 1:1-2:
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."

The point here is that the Christian life requires daily discipline to obey the commands God has given us in His Word. This is the daily dose of good theology. To make the comparison again, just as bodily health requires daily attention—exercise, healthy eating, etc.—so does our spiritual health.

(Perhaps in order... and not an exhaustive list)
1. The Holy Scriptures
The Scriptures will be the fountainhead for your intake of good theology, it is the only trye unadulterated means of good theology. Give yourself to the reading of His Word. Find a good reading plan, make a good reading plan—just have a plan. If you have no plan, you will consistently struggle with discipline in this aspect of your Christian life.

2. The Preaching Ministry of Your Local Church
The primary discipler of a church’s members should not be additional ministries but the Lord’s Day preaching of the Word. Be consistent in your weekly commitment to listening to and engaging with the preaching of the Word at your local church. This is an incredibly undervalued asset in maintaining a steady intake of good theology.

3. The Fellowship Ministry of Your Local Church
Close behind the preaching ministry—but definitely behind—is the fellowship ministry of your local church. Your brothers and sisters in Christ are also committed to hearing and obeying the Scriptures preached at your church. So, gather with them, discuss the Word, encourage one another, and obey it together.

4. Read Good Theology
Consistently reading solid books and resources will provide a steady intake of good theology. For recommendations, seek counsel from the leaders of your church.

5. Listen to Good Theology
Listening to solid resources—podcasts, sermons, audiobooks, etc.—is another way to receive a steady dose of good theology. Again, seek recommendations from your church leaders.

I will keep this portion brief, simply to raise awareness. The key point here is that not everyone who claims the name of Christ does so truthfully. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing, and their aim—whether intentional or unintentional—is to deceive. The goal is not to develop a spiritual phobia but to be alert.

Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

Acts 20:29-31: "I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert"

Perhaps this subject could be explored further in the future, but for now, the point is simple: be alert.

I once heard about how the government trains people to identify counterfeit money. The training consists of two things: rigorous study of genuine currency and study of counterfeit bills. Which do you think they spend more time on? Surprisingly, they spend far more time studying real money.

So, devote more time to studying good theology than bad. When false teaching arises, it will stand out like a sore thumb. Just be alert.

There is more to be said about rebuking false teachers (Deut. 18:20) and even calling them out by name (2 Tim. 1:15), but for now—simply be alert.

• Be cautious of making it your primary focus to identify and call out false teachers. There is much more proactive work to be done in the kingdom of God than merely reacting to every false teaching. This is the entire point of this article: to encourage you to maintain a consistent daily dose of good theology. Just ensure that your good theology does not become a one-edged sword used solely to cut down theological errors.

• Be cautious of separating any of this from the local church. The backdrop of the entire New Testament is the context of the local church.
  • What is Acts about? Establishing the church.
  • What are the Pauline Epistles about? Life in the church.
  • What are the Pastoral Epistles about? Pastoring the local church.

There is no command in the New Testament that applies to an individual apart from the broader context of the local church. So, in your daily pursuit of good theology and your alertness against bad theology, ensure that the local church remains the setting in which you obey these New Testament commands.

Soli Deo Gloria,
Ryan Wade
March 2025