Sound Doctrine Titus 2:1 - Equipped for Battle

We begin a new chapter of study today in Titus chapter two. After being instructed to be aware of false teachers who would take advantage of church members for profit, Paul now instructs Titus as to what he should be teaching. Paul begins in verse one by writing,

But you speak the things which become sound doctrine:

Whenever we see the word “but” it implies a contrast. The word “But” is what is known as a dissociative conjunction. It infers that what is about to be said has greater significance than what was previously said. Let's apply this in our verse: Paul was writing about the false prophets, “But” now he desires that Titus be in contrast, act superior, perform at a greater measure than they.

Paul desires that Titus “speak the things which become sound doctrine:” The implication is that the words of those Paul was previously speaking about were not “sound doctrine.” Let's first look at the word “sound”. The idea is of good health or to be well. The teachings that Titus should be sharing will be ones that strengthen his church members. They should have the purpose of edifying the believers who sit under him. Paul wrote to Timothy in Second Timothy chapter three and verses sixteen and seventeen:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

There is no greater health or profit for the spiritual aspect to a human being than the word of God, and nothing else is more sound than this.

Paul continues with the word “doctrine” which means instruction or teaching. Titus was to be busy about teaching ideas that were beneficial for his membership. Remember we are contrasting people whom Paul previously spoke about who were teaching to benefit themselves. Titus was to emphasize care for his parishioners by purposing to teach the things which become “sound doctrine.”

If we were questioned about our thoughts and ideas, would they be found to be “Sound”. When we share with others, do our thoughts and words have the other person in mind or ourselves. It is quite easy to stand back in judgment against another person and rather difficult to examine ourselves sometimes. However, if we are to truly imbibe the marrow of the scriptures we must hold the mirror of them up to our own lives and measure. What do we see? What do we hear when we listen to ourselves? Let us be encouraged with Paul's words to Titus today by hearing his plea for us to be about and teach “sound doctrine”.

Next time we begin a series of specific examples of “sound doctrine” that Paul gives to Titus, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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