Lesson 56 – Sound Doctrine

Text: Titus 1:9-11 NIV  He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.  (10)  For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group.  (11)  They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain.

Titus 2:1 NIV  You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.

Intro:

Teaching is a fundamental component of the church. Throughout the scriptures, you will find that God places the burden of teaching upon leaders. Parents are to teach children, the pastor is to teach the church, and the church teaches the unbeliever. Because of the importance of teaching, ALL teaching must be based upon the scriptures. Even more important, the teacher must be an example of what is being taught.

2 Timothy 3:16 KJV  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

When Paul instructs Titus on the things that were to be “set in order” in Crete, his responsibility includes teaching sound doctrine. Many today choose to reject doctrine saying that it divides. Unfortunately, the rejection of sound doctrine has become a doctrine.

Sound- True and incorrupt.

Doctrine- Teaching or that which is taught.

In the study of the scriptures, many theologians understand that there are two approaches to biblical study; exegesis and eisegesis. Exegesis is when we carefully follow the text to bring out its intended meaning. Letting the scripture interpret the scripture. Eisegesis is when the interpreter injects his ideas and motives into the text causing it to say what he desires. This regularly leads to “declaring” things in an emotional frenzy that do not come to pass, resulting in the hearers’ unbelief.

2 Peter 3:16 ESV  as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

Study Sound Doctrine:

Jeremiah 10:2 KJV  Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen…..

As of 2020, over 179 million copies of religious books are sold annually. The question must be answered, “How many of those books contain false doctrine?” Each year some new idea is presented by the latest “big name” in modern Christianity. Paul did not say that Titus was to get his beliefs and teachings from the modern leaders of their time. His doctrine was to be established by the word of God.

2 Timothy 2:14-16 KJV  Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.  (15)  Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.  (16)  But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

Paul said some teachings are nothing more than unprofitable words that ruin the hearers. Those teachings should bring the teacher to shame because they lead people into more ungodliness. Certainly, these teachings are not based on the Word of God. It is dangerous to teach things that have not been carefully studied.

His recommendation for avoiding such a scenario was to study. This Greek word means to exert oneself. Meaning it must go deeper than a casual reading of a passage. Studying sound doctrine is the only study that God approves and is profitable to the teacher and the student. Every leader must have study tools that aid them in understanding and interpreting the scriptures. Most digital lexicons, concordances, and bible dictionaries are free. (https://www.blueletterbible.org)

Teach Sound Doctrine:

Only after we have carefully studied a doctrine and then begin to live it are we qualified to teach it. The fastest way to destroy someone’s faith is for a hypocrite to teach something they are not living. Second to that is to teach something that is not scripturally sound.

Leadership begins in the home. Thus, teaching sound doctrine must begin in the home. Teaching our families about God and the things of God is the single most important thing we will ever do for them. This will only happen with diligence and consistent effort.

Deuteronomy 6:7 KJV  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

As believers, we are to be ready to give an answer regarding the hope that lies within us.[1] When those in Berea were taught, they began their own diligent study of those teachings to see if what was spoken agreed with the scriptures. Every believer, and especially leadership, MUST be capable of teaching. Not popular subjects that others desire to hear. We do not adapt teachings to the whims of those who are following us. Rather, we must regularly teach sound biblical doctrines. Then demonstrate those teachings in our own lives.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  (4)  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Conclusion:

There are numerous sound biblical doctrines that every leader must teach often. Below is a list of important Apostolic teachings that should be brought before our families and church members regularly. These are the minimum requirements for leaders to know and follow.

Study these! Live these! Teach these! Command these!

Repentance: 2 Chron 7:14, Luke 13:3, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19, Acts 17:30, 2 Cor 7:10, 2 Peter 3:9

Baptism in Jesus name: 1 Ptr 3:20-21, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:47-48, Acts 19:1-5

Infilling of the Holy Ghost: Eze 36:26-27, Joel, 2:28-29, Matt 3:11, Luke 24:49, John 3:5, Acts 2:37-39

Who is God: Deut 4:35, Deut 6:4, Mark 12:29, John 4:24, James 2:19, Philp 2:5-8, Col 1:15, Col 1:19

The Word of God: Psalms 119:9, Matt 4:4, Luke 21:33, John 17:17, 2 Tim 3:16-17,1 Ptr 2:2, 2 Ptr 1:20-21

Living a Holy Christian Life: 1 Chron 16:11, Isa 56:7. Matt 6:5-13, Matt 26:41, 2 Cor 6:14-18, James 5:13-18