Teach Sound Doctrine by Example
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Key Verse: “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” Selected Scripture: |
TITUS, LIKE TIMOTHY, WAS a young elder in the early church, and to whom the Apostle Paul gave important admonition and instruction. Today’s lesson includes instruction concerning doctrine, personal living, good works, and the hope of salvation. In the first lesson, concerning doctrine, he states that it must be “sound.” (Titus 2:1) Later in this chapter, he identifies two fundamental points of doctrine—that Jesus gave himself a ransom for all, and that, as a result, we have the opportunity to be “a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (vs. 14) Only those who have completely given themselves in consecration to God can truly appreciate these teachings at this time. In Christ’s kingdom, though, all will come to know him.—Jer. 31:34
In giving Titus instructions for the church concerning personal living, the Apostle Paul says we should be vigilant, serious, prudent, sound in faith, loving, and patient. (Titus 2:2, Wilson’s Emphatic Diaglott) Paul in this chapter, realizing the distinctions of age and gender, went to the additional effort of speaking separately to the aged men, aged women, younger women, and younger men, giving each group special instruction just for them. (vss. 2-6) This shows that Paul realized each group has an important role to play in the body of Christ, and all need help and encouragement in their own circumstances of life.—I Cor. 12:12
Good works are especially commended by Paul in this lesson. In the Key Verse, he says that our lives should be a ‘pattern’ of good works. This means that others should be able to look upon us and see an example of Christian living. Such a pattern should encompass every aspect of our life, to the best of our ability. Paul lists some of the areas that should be part of the example of works we set: doctrine, dignity, soundness of speech, showing good faith, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, living sensibly, righteously, and godly. (Titus 2:7,8,10,12, New American Standard Translation) It is clear from Paul’s list that these works are to include, to the greatest extent possible, all our motives, thoughts, words, and actions. The more our works conform to these, the better pattern we will be to others.
The final aspect of this lesson is that of our hope of salvation. “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (vs. 13) In these words, the Apostle Paul stresses the importance of keeping our spiritual eyes focused on the goal, the hope of our calling (Eph. 4:4), and the ultimate purpose of God’s plan to bless all the families of the earth. This purpose will be revealed to all mankind once the “little flock” (Luke 12:32) is complete and God, through his Son and his bride—the Christ, head and body—begin the process of teaching all mankind righteousness. “When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) This hope of salvation for the church, as well as the world, based on the ransom price paid by Jesus, are the keys to all sound doctrine.