SOUND DOCTRINE

Titus 2:1-15

 

“You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no-one will malign the word of God. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

 

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

 

These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”

 

In this passage Paul is instructing Titus, a young pastor, about what he needs to teach his flock.  He starts by laying the foundational principle – “Teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.”  In other words, instruct your people how to live a life that lines up with God’s Word. 

 

As a pastor, I have to ask myself, why is that so important?  Well, here is the answer:  people get advice and instruction from all kinds of sources and sadly, few of them line up with God’s Word.  If what a person learns is out of line with the truth, how helpful can it be?   If he builds his life on principles and practices that are out of accord with sound doctrine, how can they produce stability or integrity or value?  He has become the man who built his house on the sand (SEE Matt. 7:26). 

 

God’s Word is the solid rock – it doesn’t change with the seasons or the generations or the ages.  It is trustworthy in every part of the business cycle.  It is true for the young and true for the old.  It will provide a firm base for your family, your business, your church, your community, and your nation.  

 

Pastor Keith Andrews