March 10, 2018 - - Titus 2:1 What is your life teaching others?

But as for you teach what accords with sound doctrine.

Titus 2:1 ESV

This brief text opens with an adversative conjunction. What it means is this teaching here is opposite in meaning to the unit that came before it. As in Paul's day, so it is today, people claim special knowledge of God. A quick examination of the life of one making such a claim will show he doesn't know the Bible, and his actions betray his ignorance.

Our life's work is to know God. And from this place of rich joy we are to instruct others. First and foremost this begins with those in our own household. Worship God and delight to speak of Him and all He is doing with those closest to you.

Second, being a follower of Christ means we will be out of step with the world around us. The people of this world are in rebellion against God. Even those who claim an acquaintance with God will reveal by their words and actions the beliefs and doctrines they hold are, in fact, pagan.

Third, Look to the Bible. Study it. What does it teach about marriage? What does it teach about the sanctity of life? What does it teach about the origin of life? What does it teach about knowledge? What we believe is not an isolated part of our life--what we hold as doctrine and truth touches every part of how we view the world and how we act.

What does this mean? As a follower of Christ, my business practices and my marriage, my family and my social times, my studying and my free time, my view of government and science, all things in my life are infused with the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the desire to serve Him. This is the practice of sound doctrine which emanates from the believer. It is what the believer speaks and how the believer lives.

God of glory and wisdom, thank You for the wonderful gift of life. Thank You for Your instruction manual, the Bible. Thank You for the Spirit Who guides believers into ever deeper understanding of the truth. Spirit of God, in my own heart and mind, in my words and actions may Jesus be shown as the King and rightful ruler of every part. Help me to be faithful in living, and then teaching, sound doctrine. Amen.