Sound Doctrine (Titus 2)

What is sound doctrine for men and women? What should older women teach younger women? What is sound doctrine for young men and slaves? What kind of good works does salvation exhibit in us? Let’s find out in Titus 2.

What should a preacher do? What is sound doctrine or teaching?

But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1 NASB)

How should the older men in the church behave?

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. (Titus 2:2 NIV)

How should the older women in the church behave?

the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— (Titus 2:3 NKJV)

What is some sound doctrine that older women can teach younger women?

These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. (Titus 2:4-5 NLT)

What is sound doctrine that can be taught to young men?

Likewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded. (Titus 2:6 WEB)

Some translations put the phrase “in every way” with the last sentence in verse 6. Some put it with the first sentence in verse 7. Let’s leave that to the experts. How should Titus set an example? Should all church leaders lead by example?

in every way. Offer yourself as a role model of good actions. Show integrity, seriousness, and a sound message that is above criticism when you teach, so that any opponent will be ashamed because they won’t find anything bad to say about us. (Titus 2:7-8 CEB)

This is not tacit approval of Roman forms of slavery, but advice to those who are stuck in that system. In those days, it was about half of the population. What is sound doctrine for slaves? Is this also a principle of sound doctrine for modern employees?

Tell slaves always to please their owners by obeying them in everything. Slaves must not talk back to their owners or steal from them. They must be completely honest and trustworthy. Then everyone will show great respect for what is taught about God our Savior. (Titus 2:9-10 CEV)

Did Jesus bring salvation for all people, if they so choose? What does Jesus want us to be zealous about?

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14 ESV)

Should a preacher both encourage and rebuke, or just encourage?

Say these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. (Titus 2:15 HCSB)

What is sound doctrine for men and women? What should older women teach younger women? What is sound doctrine for young men and slaves? What kind of good works does salvation exhibit in us? You decide!