New Publication: The Gospel Observer
I received the first issue of The Gospel Observer today. Brother Jerry C. Brewer of Elk City, Oklahoma, is the editor of this new paper. The purpose of the paper is not only to report news that is of interest to members of sound churches of Christ, but also to offer commentary in light of God's Word on that news. For more information, contact the Editorial Office at P.O. Box 267, Elk City, OK 73648.
posted by Jason T. Carter @ 5:03 PM
7 comments
7 Comments:
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1).
A sound church is one that abides in the doctrine of Christ (II John 9), that preaches the Word without shame (II Timothy 4:2; Romans 1:16), and seeks the authority of Christ in all things (Colossians 3:17).
Several of the congregations addressed in the book of Revelation were unsound; that is why they were told to repent.
The church at Corinth was told to repent as well. There were warnings given that if they did not shape up, they would face the consequences. Those same warnings that were written nearly 2000 years ago still apply to congregations today -- those that are sound need to stay that way; those that are unsound need to get back into the truth.
Actually in the immediate context of Titus 2 the "sound doctrine" or "healthy teaching" that Paul is discussing is all about proper Christian behavior.
Danny, I'm not sure what your point is. Care to expound?
My point is that all too often Titus 2:1 is quoted without consideration of its context.
In this text "sound doctrine" to Paul was not some codified set of laws for us to pattern our approach to God around. It was about the application of Godly principles to change and shape our behavior towards each other.
All too often our approach to "sound doctrine" has certianly shaped our behavior but not in the healthy way of this context.
Danny, a part of the "sound doctrine" which is to be taught to the older men is that they be "sound in faith" (Titus 2:2). And the reason the older women were to teach the younger women those good things of verses 4 and 5 was so "that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Titus 2:5). Titus was to teach the young men, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity..." (Titus 2:7). So contextually speaking, it IS how we approach God, as well as each other.
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