The Doctrine Driven Church! Series

Titus 2:1-15 KJV But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 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. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine…

Following through with the previous warnings about heretical teachings, the apostle now contrasts the false teachings with that which should be the result of following sound doctrine. Titus is exhorted to mould and channel the believers’ behavior and character along the lines of action that are built on healthy teaching.

A church is defined by its doctrines. Jesus underlines the importance of doctrine when He said: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: 29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:24-29 KJV

Sound doctrines faithfully followed, are the foundations of the believer’s faith. They may not usually be seen, but they are essential to support the rest of the believer’s life, and their real value and importance become manifest when the believer faces up to the storms of life. Storms can be raging like a hurricane and a tsunami, or they can be creeping in silently in the night and subtly trying to erode the faith. However, a life built on sure foundations will stand and remain sure when everything else around it collapses and comes crashing down.

The preacher should be constantly preaching and teaching for change. A believer’s life is a life of constant change and alignment with the doctrine of God!

Doctrinal characteristics of Older Men

1. Sober - Exercising restraint in desires and maintaining moral control

2. Grave – Behaving with a dignity that earns respect and consequently a listening ear

3. Temperate - Doctrinal application produces a sound mind which avoids temptation to gossip or indulge in mental attitude sins and will over time produce this stable and calming character trait.

4. Sound in faith – Again the close adherence to sound doctrine results in strong foundations that are unshakeable and immoveable. Such men become towers of strength and encouragement to others

5. Sound in charity – Love in action for action speaks louder than words or all our spiritual platitudes

6. Sound in endurance - Steadfast endurance under pressure. A military word exemplifying the steadfastness and courageously standing despite all the assaults of the enemy “…and having done all to stand…”

Doctrinal characteristics of Older Women

1. Behaviour as becometh holiness – Behave like a person set apart for sacred service

2. Not false accusers – Do not be a slanderer.

3. Not given to much wine- Break away from the common practice and societies norms. Live as an example of sobriety and quietness.