The Need for Sound Doctrine
Introduction:
The older one gets, the more he/she is concerned about the condition
of their heart. We will have various medical tests performed that
measure the physical health of our heart. Our desire is to hear the
doctor say, “Your heart is in good shape; it’s very sound.”
As important as this is, it is far more important for Christians to
be “sound in the faith.” Paul wrote to Titus telling him that
believers need to become “sound in the faith.” (Titus
1:9-14)
The word chosen by the Holy Spirit means “to be healthy, whole.” It
can also mean to “be free from error, be correct.”
So what did the Apostle Paul tell Titus was needed for one to be
“sound in the faith?”
Text:
Titus 1:9-14
Body:
I.
One Must Learn the Word of God
(Verse
9)
·
“As he has been taught” One must spend time diligently learning
the Scripture. (II
Timothy 3:14-17)
One must digest the Scripture; take it in and chew on it! One
cannot be lazy. Note:
Hebrews 5:12-14
·
One should have the attitude of
Psalm 119:33-40.
II.
One Must Hold Firm to the Word of God
(Verse
9)
·
Hold firmly to; cleave to. Note:
Philippians 2:15-16.
If we don’t hold fast to the word of life, our labor may be in
vain. (useless, empty) We need a life preserver.
·
We must remain firm in our belief in the gospel.
(II
Thessalonians 2:14-15)
Remain stationary; don’t be moved. This reminds us of
I Corinthians 16:13.
Watch! Stand fast in the faith!
·
If we listen to what is not the Word of God, this is what may
happen. (II
Timothy 4:3-4)
III.
One Must Use the Word of God to Teach Others
(Verses
10-14)
·
Note the end of verse 9. Teach “sound doctrine and rebuke false
teachers.” There are many who teach unsound, unhealthy, corrupted
doctrine. They must be silenced! If not, many may be lost. (II
Timothy 2:17-18)
·
False teaching (of whatever type) causes sickness; the truth brings
health. The false teachers give people what they want – candy,
instead of meat and potatoes.
·
We must exhort, convince, admonish, and rebuke false teachers in
order to persuade them of the correct view of the Scripture.
Conclusion:
“True
Biblical teaching brings health, spiritual health. It nourishes the
soul and strengthens the mind. False teaching is a disease that
permeates the bones and tissues of people, eating and destroying
whatever good it can find. Biblical truth is not just true; it
gives life, true life, the life that matters.”
Mounce
Are you growing spiritually by feasting upon the pure Word of God?
Bobby Stafford
February
17, 2013
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