SPEAK THAT WHICH PROMOTES SOUND DOCTRINE But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:(Titus 2:1). The command which Paul gives to Titus applies to all of us who would undertake the duty and responsibility of speaking for God. Here the command is not so much to teach, but to exhort, to encourage, to promote the kind of living that aligns itself with the doctrine that as been taught by the Apostles of Christ. This was very important then, as it is today! Why? to silence those false teachers who subvert whole houses (families), teaching things they ought not (Ch1v.11). At that time, as it is today, false teachers were invading the church teaching false doctrines for the purpose of financial gain. These false teachers profess that they know God, but deny Him by the way they live (ch1v16). Such teachers are detestable and disobedient; worthless for doing any good thing! So to combat these false teachers the church is to promote conduct that reflects wholesome doctrines (teachings). In vv1-10; Paul addresses different groups which make up the household of faith. The concern, here, is the testimony of the church to those from without (the unbelieving world). Verses 3-6 & 10a address the church members and tells us what the Pastor/Elder is to teach the congregation. Verses 7-8 Addresses the conduct of the Pastor, in this case Titus. But I want to apply this principle, for I believe it is applicable, to those of us who teach/preach. I believe that it is important that anyone who would speak for God is responsible to maintain a lifestyle that is beyond reproach. Here in verses 7-8 Paul says: And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us (NLT). We who teach and encourage others to live a life that reflects sound doctrine and holiness must also live one ourselves. Why is all this so important? Well one reason is for the purpose of adorning the doctrines taught by the Apostles that the teachings of our God may be attractive in every way (v10b). Secondly because the Grace of God that brings salvation to all men teaches us that we are to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and that we are to live with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God while we look forward to the return of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, to free us from all sin and to purify unto Himself a peculiar people who are zealous of doing good (vv11-14). These things we MUST promote, exhort, and encourage; and we must rebuke them when necessary with all authority given to us by God through Jesus Christ! (v15) By:Edward J. Navarro
Posted on: Thu, 01 May 2014 00:29:48 +0000
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