◄ What Does Titus 2:1 Mean? ►

Timothy was told to preach the Word, in season and out of season. He was also instructed to reprove, rebuke, exhort, and encourage the flock of Christ in two particular ways: with all long-suffering, and with sound doctrine. And here, we find Titus having the same instruction and being reminded of the critical importance of healthy teaching and sound doctrine.

Earlier in his epistle to Titus, Paul described the qualifications, qualities, and duties of an elder in the Church. He then warned of the dangers of false teachers and also gave him guidance on their characteristics and how to identify these wolves in sheep's clothing. Paul cautioned Titus on the speed with which false teaching and demonic doctrines can infiltrate a congregation.

"But as for you," Paul explained to Titus: "you must speak in a manner that befits wholesome teaching. You are to speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine." Paul did not instruct Titus to teach his congregation the finer details of the false doctrine these false teachers were teaching. Rather, he commanded him to: "Speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine."

As leaders in their respective Church assemblies, both Timothy and Titus needed this serious reminder to preach sound doctrine to those in their charge, which encompasses the whole council of Scripture so that the flock of God would not be hoodwinked by any false teachings or unbiblical doctrine they might come across.

The damage carried out by false teachers and unbiblical doctrine today, as in Paul's day, is incalculable, as the foundational truths of our faith are being chipped away and discarded by unbiblical teaching which does not stand true to the Word of God and the beautiful truth of the gospel of Christ.

The more grounded a man or woman is in the Word of God, the less likely they will be enticed away by ear-tickling teachings or tempted to buy into any demonic doctrines. The more we read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the Word, the more we will grow in grace and the easier it will be to recognise when a titivating teaching has strayed into falsehood.

The more we look at Scripture in its correct historical context and pay attention to its literal and grammatical meaning, the easier it will become to both speak sound doctrine to others and become cognisant of false doctrines bring dished out by a false teacher. And today, false teachers are multiplying in unprecedented numbers, but rather than trying to explain the multiplicity of false doctrines that a believer might encounter so that they do not go astray, how much better if teachers and ministers would preach the whole council of God, in season and out of season, and: "Speak those things which are fitting for sound doctrine."

Let us study to be show ourselves approved unto God, and handle the Word of truth both accurately and sensitively, so that we are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine, but stand firm of the truth of God's Word, to His praise and glory.

Heavenly Father, I praise and thank You that You have given us Your Word and that in it we have all we need for life and godliness. Give me discernment to recognise and renounce false teachers and unbiblical doctrines, and help me to hold fast to that which is good and wholesome and which is consistent with sound doctrine. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.