Be of Sound Doctrine

Over the next few blogs, we will look at the passage of Titus 2 and examine in detail the different aspects of sound doctrine.  Sound doctrine is something that is expressed in two different ways.  First, there is an obvious verbal explanation of why you believe what you believe.  Secondly, and most often forgotten, is our actions that can also do a lot of talking about who we are as Christians.  As Christians, we must be well-grounded in the faith.  We must understand the reasons for our beliefs from a biblical perspective and be able to defend why we believe in the doctrines of the faith.  There must be some understanding that many people will apply the word doctrine to something that is more of a preference, even though it could be defended with Scripture. At the same time, the doctrines of the faith are established, and they may convict us of wrongdoings.  Although the world may see this in a negative light, convictions are positive and do not take away from the importance of the doctrines. In fact, convictions highlight and emphasize the importance of doctrine. The Bible cautions us not to be persuaded but to examine the truths. We are to be firm and not people following popular opinion. We are shown this truth by looking at Paul’s letter to Colassae (Colossians 2:6-7).  It is a reminder that we are to be rooted in the word of God. Then if you go into verse 8, it shows that the things of the world will try to persuade you away from Christ, but that we should still desire a relationship with Him and cling to Him instead. Once you implement these steps toward maintaining sound doctrine, and they become a part of your life, hopefully they will show others what you believe, leading them to want to follow Christ.  At the same time, we can significantly encourage new believers with a firm grasp of doctrine.  A strong mentor can caution a young Christian against many of the attacks that Satan will attempt to use; that way, they continue on a daily walk with God.  As we look at these characteristics, they will strengthen your walk and make you a better light to the community.  

Sober

This is something that many people will struggle with, but in looking at the Greek word nephalios it means to abstain from wine entirely, or at the least from its immoderate use (blue letter bible). While this is something that many people have a difference of opinion about, the thing to remember is that we are a testimony to all those around us.  The resounding question to ask yourself is, in looking at the scriptures, is this something in which Christ would be honored?   Wine (oinos in Greek) when discussed in scripture is a wine in which the alcoholic content would have been drastically different than the content in today’s wine.  In biblical times, the water was near undrinkable, so they would minimally ferment grape juice to make it consumable.  Wine was their daily drink and form of hydration.  If you look at the passage about the wedding in Cana, you see that a lot of drinking had already occurred, and then they ran out.  It was then Jesus that turned the water into wine.  The second scripture often used is where Paul tells Timothy not to drink water but a little wine for the stomach.  With this emphasis on the amount of a little, it would not have impaired him in any way.  If you think about many of the medicines that we use today, there is a minimal amount of alcohol in them, and it will not cause them to be impaired from the alcohol. The critical aspect of being sober is that you want to present the best testimony to others, and whether you drink no alcohol or just have some in moderation, this is something that you should consider with the Holy Spirit and make sure that you are not doing it for yourself.  Paul gives us something to consider: whether your actions will be a stumbling block to others.  Many verses deal with the problems that strong drinks will cause.  The key with many of these examples is that they indicate the problem being with the large amount of alcohol consumed.  For strong drink, this is not going to be a small amount of alcohol that would be consumed, as it automatically has more alcohol content (thus, “strong” drink).  We must remember that the Bible says everything must be done in moderation. This includes alcohol consumption and anything that could dull the senses. Do not drink in excess, and do not get drunk with wine. You could cause someone else to stumble or hurt yourself or others if your senses are dulled.

There is a second Greek word used when dealing with the word sober: nepho, which means that someone is calm and collected in spirit. Strong’s Concordance goes deeper and tells us that we should be watching and discreet. This is yet another way that we need to look at the word sober and apply it to our walk with God.  The Bible warns us that anger can quickly escalate into sin, so having a calm spirit and ensuring our thoughts are not just a quick fly off the handle are important.  Additionally, if we are truly evaluating the circumstances instead of assuming, this should provide the answers needed for resolution.  This is especially important as we look at 1 Peter 5:8, which states we should be sober and vigilant because Satan is looking for a way to destroy us.  When we have a sober mind, we think clearly, and the other characteristics will fall into place.

Hope

Hope is a concept that many people have a hard time understanding how. to obtain, but it is entirely possible through Christ. With regards to having hope in those around us, this can look like receiving encouragement from those with whom you are close.  So as we look at the word hope, what exactly does this look like? The Greek word is elpizo, which means “to put trust in” or, from a religious sense, “to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence” (blueletterbible.org). So Strong’s Concordance tells us that it is “to expect or confide and trust”.  

What is it that we see when we think of the word hope?  One of the first things is that we expect something to happen that has been anticipated.  Often, children hope to receive their requested presents during a holiday or a birthday.  The expectation that they will receive something they want shows their hope. There is also the aspect of the expectation of an event that causes hope.  As Christians, we have this hope that when we are in trouble, we will be able to endure the trials of life and have a future home in heaven.  The significant aspect of hope as it relates to Christ is that the hope of our salvation is secured and will never be removed and will be for eternity.  There is also the same hope that Christ will be with us in all ways and will ensure that a way is provided for us to endure what we are given while following the guidance of His word.  Scripture confirms all of these examples of hope in Christ. 

Pray 1 Peter 4:7

When it comes to prayer, the act of talking to God is not often done, but is often encouraged.  The vital concept of prayer is that it is voluntary communication with God.  It is not meant to be a handout approach but more of a hand-up.  Many people will only use prayer with God when they need help with something, or they want something.  God wants prayer to be used both in times of need as well as in part of our daily communication with Him, similarly  to how we interact with other people daily.  Peter, in his first letter, shows that we are watchful in your prayers.   How you pray shows how your relationship with God is.  Is God on a need-to-know basis, or is He a part of your inner circle with whom you have multiple conversations and of whom you have a deep friendship and understanding?  

We are given an example of prayer in the Sermon on the Mount, and several great studies have been done on the Lord’s prayer.  But from a fundamental view, we acknowledge we will follow His will, ask for help in our daily needs, and help us forgive others who wrong us, as we also need to be forgiven.  In this prayer, we are also being asked to help us from temptations that come our way.

The second aspect of prayer that should be evaluated is that it is done in secret.  In the verses of Matthew 6 preceding the Lord’s Prayer, it is said that we need to pray in private and with the reverence that should be applied, as it;s existence demands.  Even Christ, at different times, would slip away during his ministry to go and pray with the Father in a private place, like the Garden of Gethsemane, to have a conversation and be strengthened after battles or to prepare for one that is yet to come. When you are praying to get attention, the focus is in the wrong area, as prayer done correctly is designed to put the focus on God and what He does for you: no one needs to see you pray.  While public prayer is not a sin, it can still be done discreetly; that is, not putting the importance on yourself and not detracting from your communication with the Lord.  

Thirdly, we should look at consistency in our prayers.  There is an excellent example in the life of Daniel where we see that consistent prayer was so evident in his life, that this was how the enemy tried to destroy him.  However, through Daniel’s prayers, his delivery from those who wished to destroy him was accomplished through God, and he was a great witness to the leader of the land. By developing your prayer life, you will find that as your walk with Christ is consistent, so will be the attacks, but you will be strengthened in your faith.  

Grave 

Many things come to mind when I see the word “grave”, but not in the intended context.  Things such as … When we look at the Greek word used here, it is semnos, which is more of a word of honor and reverence or respect.   When looking at our testimonies, this is something that many Christians should have a strong desire for, and that is to be respectful in all areas.  There is a reason why we are told to pray for our leaders, still obey the laws of the land, be faithful to our jobs, pay our bills, etc.  If you are not a person that is respectful and honorable, then you would not be someone that would be listened to in a positive light. What does it mean then, to be respectful, or someone honorable?

Honor is always something that is earned and not freely given.  The best way to become someone of honor is to be a person of your word.  In years past, this phrase was commonly used to mean that if you said you would do something, there was a handshake in agreement, and the job was done.  Sadly, in our society today, some people are not honorable, which is why there are so many legally binding contracts. In many cases, these contracts still need to be followed, but they have created distrust in people. Honor is difficult, but not impossible, to obtain.  

Another aspect of honor is that you should pay the proper respects to those in authority.   Many people want to argue about political matters, especially when they may conflict with a religious principle.  Christ gave a wonderful example when He advised in Matthew 22 to give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s.  This was in the context where the religious leaders had attempted to trick Jesus into saying that taxes were not legal.  If He said yes, then the Jews would revolt against Him, but if He said no, then the Romans would have accused Him of causing a rebellion and jailed Him.  Christ answering this way allows the two concepts of dues being owed to separate functions to be congruent, and still allows for respect of those in authority.  

Our testimony is the key to showing that we understand our doctrines and are actively practicing what we believe.   This is one of the greatest ways we can witness to the world and simultaneously disciple the newer Christians so that they know what to do as they grow in their relationships with Christ.  In the next blog, we will examine more characteristics showcasing sound doctrine.