Titus was urged by Paul to teach only that which was in accord with sound doctrine. Since the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) had not been written yet, where would Titus get his doctrine? Wasn't it from Moses (the Law) and Paul's teaching (his letters) concerning Jesus' ministry?

Not only was Paul a missionary to the Gentiles, he was also the one who taught them how to live in a dominantly Jewish led faith. In fact, as a Pharisee taught person, he was teacher to those who would teach them in his absence. In other words, Paul's letters, known as the Pauline Epistles, became the primary means by which they and those coming after them learn New Testament doctrine.

Are you a teacher? If you're living, you are! In fact, all of us teach - most of the time without opening our mouth. But are we teaching sound doctrine? But let us not forget the ultimate Teacher of doctrine is the Holy Spirit through whom God works in the lives of believers. Is He living in you to the extent there is no inconsistency with God's word?

God's word does not contradict itself, but many of us do. All too often we send out conflicting signals that are contrary to Scripture. If it's unclear if you're teaching sound doctrine or not, I'd like to give you a way to know for sure.

First, you must be born again or you will be unable to tell truth from fiction. Next, become a student of God's word and spend substantive time hearing it, reading it, studying it, memorizing it and meditating upon it. Thirdly, spend a similar time privately with God in prayer asking him to teach you how to discern truth from lies. Next, ask the Holy Spirit to instruct you and finally have a teachable spirit, one where you willingly and humbly yield to the Spirit when He points out your sin. For isn't that what less than sound doctrine really is?

1 Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Jr. 51:1-53 Ti. 2:1-15 Ps. 99:1-9 Pr. 26:17 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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