Sound Doctrine and Ethics – Titus 2:1

You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.

Titus 2:1 NIV

In this verse, Paul instructed Titus to teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. If you pull this verse out of context, it might seem to say that the doctrine I teach should be soundly based on the Bible. And while that is true, it is not what Paul was telling Titus here. The context of this verse is about how we live our lives. Prior to this verse, he had warned about those whose teachings lead to ungodly lifestyles. And after this verse, Paul instructed Titus on how believers should live and interact with each other.

The Bible contains both doctrine (Christian beliefs) and ethics (how we live). Unfortunately, we often emphasize doctrine far more than the Bible’s ethics. But the writers of the inspired Scripture focused just as much on good ethics as they did on correct doctrine. As believers in the Lord Jesus, we are called to live godly and holy lives. To be sure, correct doctrine is important. But it has little value if not reflected in holy living.

If you teach others, don’t be content with teaching doctrine alone. Be sure that you also practice and teach the ethics of the Christian life. Ethics that are appropriate to sound doctrine. It can be uncomfortable telling people how they should live. But it is an essential aspect of passing on our faith and raising up the next generation of believers.

And even if you are not a teacher, don’t be content to study the Bible only for its doctrinal content. Let it guide your daily life as well (Psa. 119:11).

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