Sound Doctrine

by Russ Bowman

“But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).

Sound doctrine - healthy teaching - is vital. It is the task of men like Titus - evangelists who declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. And it should be the aim of everyone who aspires to follow the Lord, because healthy teaching is not simply focused upon truths to be embraced. It is practical in its ends. What we believe determines who we become.

Paul has warned Titus about those “insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers” who “subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not” (Titus 1:10-11). Whoever these men were, their doctrine was corruptive both to themselves and to those who embraced it (Titus 1:10-16). In contrast, Paul tells Titus to teach those things that are “proper for sound doctrine” - suitable or fit for healthy teaching. This doctrine is constructive. It makes godly people. Godly older men. Godly older women. Godly young women. Godly young men. Godly bondservants. The grace of God instructs all followers in the qualities of seriousness, righteousness, and godliness (Titus 2:11-12). God wants a people redeemed from lawlessness and purified for Him (Titus 2:14). Good teaching makes good people.

This truth does not rule out the possibility that some teaching involves concepts or directives. In His revelation, God helps us to understand Himself and His will so that we might put our faith in Him. But even those parts of doctrine that are more abstract or that direct our worship or how we are to function collectively will eventually impact our behavior. If my understanding is faulty, it will lead not only to disobedience but also to a character that is less than what God desires. Perverted doctrine produces polluted people. When we embrace anything less than God’s will, we become less than what God desires.

Sound doctrine - healthy teaching - is vital. What we believe determines who we become.