In Titus, chapter 2, Paul mentions what it means to teach sound doctrine in Christ’s church. This is important since what he mentions is often not preached on or taught by pastors. Now, what he says may surprise you, but listen up for it is of God in everything that is taught. For this reason, I will start with verse 1 and have you read these verses with me. It begins with, “but speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.” (Titus 2:1-7) This is a lot to take in, but we will go over these verses next.
First things first, Paul mentions that men and women of all ages should be sober, not giving themselves over to much wine as to get drunk. And as some people are offended by them who drinking alcohol, I would also advise not even drinking around them. People could stumble and fall back into drinking because of what they see others doing. One person may be able to hold their alcohol consumption but others may be able to. Now, we also learn that men should be sound in their faith and women to be teachers of good things. This can only happen if they continue to read the Bible daily and to pray often, even as a couple and a family. Not to be false accusers, for only God knows our hearts. To walk in holiness, which only abiding in the Lord daily can this be achieved. And here is why Paul addresses the men and women, it is because when they go home from church, that they will continue to live for God there also. When this happens, husbands and wives can learn to love each other and their children the way they love the Lord. In doing this, we are doing God’s will and abounding in His good works in us.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that Your words will come alive in us. That they will take off in our minds and in our hearts, that we may really learn from Your hand and not our own thinking. Give us wisdom, as we come to You daily in Your Word. All I desire is to learn from You and not what the world tries to teach me. Through the Holy Spirit, I am able to love my wife and my children, as I love You, God. My devotion to living in Your will is seen in the lives of my family and others. Thank You for searching my heart and for removing the things in my life that were not needed. I never needed to watch TV, but to read the Bible instead. I didn’t need to play video games, but to come to You in prayer instead. I didn’t need to spend time surfing the web and watching pointless videos when I could fill up my life with good things that come from You. All this free time has allowed me to learn from Your mighty hand. In worship, I have learned what it means to really love You and do as You say. I praise Your holy, Name, God. You are the one that keeps me sober-minded, holy, and chaste. Keep me in Your love. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
