MEN; GROWING OLD WITH PURPOSE–

Older Men Are To Be “ SOUND IN DOCTRINE”

 

The pattern of an older man in the congregation is laid down in Titus 2:1-2. Old age does not mean to be discarded – as though figuratively placed to the side of the road, as though they are of no longer use, perhaps not in some societies but in God’s Kingdom, in the building of His church and spreading of His Kingdom, God lays out His design.

Titus 1 Paul speaks about false teaching and myths that seek to pollute, and derail the spiritual well-being of a person .-(Titus 1:11-14). “But God…” lays out the truth to be embraced and to counteract the lies and myths to the believers in Crete where Titus was ….

Paul tells Titus to “SPEAK…”-(taleo) which refers to casual conversation. It was to be part of everyday conversation, not just formal but informal times to share consistently … as you would in a conversation with a friend… it is a command to continually do this. And he is saying to continually share “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.” -( v1). The end of the teaching? Is that which is appropriate, and proper for healthy spiritual teaching that is to be lived out. The end is conformity to God’s will for His people in the congregation. The NLT version puts it this way -“As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.”

“FITTING”. – “ Speak the things that are FITTING”- “ refers to the things that are appropriate in a situation…suitable, stand out, right, consistent with, as is proper …” such as?

Paul answers by telling Titus to teach “SOUND DOCTRINE.”

“SOUND.”- The word “SOUND” (hygiaínō) means to be healthy, well. The opposite of having a debilitating sickness. Incapacity, but All parts working well, wholesome!

It means – uncorrupt, healthy, and wholesome,

“…means uncorrupt, healthy and wholesome and so is that which protects and preserves life and gives good health (in this case spiritual health). Though they may be unhealthy in body and decrepit because of age, they should still remain sound in mind.”-(preceptaustin .com)

The word speaks of – to be healthy, well. In John 5:5-6 Jesus asked the lame man “Are you willing to be made whole?” Same thought. He was asking him if he was willing to be made physically whole! The word refers to being in good health, well-being, and whole, without disease or sickness. We get our English word “hygiene” from it!

And in Titus 1 there was teaching that was riddled with disease, decay of unhealthy teaching that was destructive to the spiritual wellbeing of people’s souls!

And Paul tells Titus to teach that which makes for Spiritual well-being, health for the Soul! The word “Sound” is imperative. Healthy teaching for the soul! The accurate interpretation and presentation of God’s Word is the foundation for such amidst a congregation.

“Sound doctrine” protects from error, deception, and that which can cause spiritual weakness. For “Sound doctrine” is healthy because it is from God- His Word! It is able to show us the way of salvation-( 2 Tim 3:15) nourish our soul -( 1 Peter 2:2); encourage us to have hope-( Rom 15:4); Frees us up (John 8:32); with practice comes Discernment -( Heb 5:14); is able to Build you up spiritually-(Acts 20:32): Equip you for every good work- (2 Tim 3:17); reveal our LORD Jesus Christ to you-(Luke 24;27) and show us in this portion of Scripture how older men are to be taught to live in a way honoring the LORD and benefiting to the congregation!-( Titus 2:1-2) Such are some aspects of “SOUND DOCTRINE.”

How often we may have heard or even said at one time ourselves “Doctrine doesn’t matter.” But it does. For there are two types of “Doctrine” which simply means “teaching”. It speaks of the proper function of the teaching. Application to the teaching. It’s not teaching for mere information sake but for application to what is taught if a soul would be sound-spiritually healthy!

Right teaching – Right Thinking- Right Living!

There is unwholesome teaching and “sound” teaching based upon the Word of God which Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:24 is to be the only foundation to build a life upon which will stand when judgment comes.

What we build as the foundation of our lives will either be solid or sand. One stands- the other collapses. -( Matt 7:24-27)

And so when Paul begins Titus 2:1-2 where he is about to lay the foundation for older men’s participation in the plan of God’s church he begins with the solid foundation which God will honor, for it is His way .. it begins with teaching “SOUND DOCTRINE.”

For a congregation to be spiritually healthy, and function for God’s honor, the FOUNDATION of His Word is non-negotiable if the people and in particular in this portion of Scripture Titus 2:2- the older men are to fit into His plan for them and the spiritual health of the congregation. The hearing of God’s Word, and the reception through submission of God’s Word results in God-honoring living and the benefit and spiritual health of the congregation as they live out their respective responsibilities.

All of us have wrong concepts, old Habits, and elevated opinions, that are contrary to God. This is one reason why we need to continually renew our minds as Paul teaches in Romans 12:2-3… so we may know His Will as revealed in His flawless Word of Truth.

We can mutually encourage one another in our conversations by sharing what God says from His Word.

We can also like The Bereans who after hearing Paul speak searched the Scriptures to see if the things they heard were in accordance to God’s Word. -( Acts 17:10-11).

We need to be Bereans …Check out what you read, and hear to see if it is in accordance with “SOUND DOCTRINE!”

And Paul tells Titus in Titus 2:1-2

“As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.

Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.”-(Titus 2:1-2) .

* Sound Doctrine matters if a congregation of people are to be spiritually Sound!

* Sound Doctrine matters in your life, my life, if we are to be spiritually HEALTHY and HELPFUL in the Body of Christ!

God bless,

Aidan