In what ways can church leaders ensure sound doctrine is upheld? The Verse at a Glance “Titus 1:13 — ‘This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly so that they will be sound in the faith.’” Why the Warning Matters • False teaching spreads quickly and silently. • If error is left unchecked, believers drift from “the faith once for all entrusted to the saints” (cf. Jude 3). • A shepherd who loves the flock must protect it, even when that protection requires sharp words. Corrective Leadership in Action Titus is told to “rebuke…sternly.” The verb carries the idea of exposing and confronting error with the goal of healing, not humiliating. Leaders guard doctrine by: 1. Identifying harmful teaching early. 2. Confronting those who promote it, plainly and promptly. 3. Aiming for restoration—“so that they will be sound in the faith.” Practical Ways to Uphold Sound Doctrine • Stay Scripture-saturated – “Pay close attention to your life and your teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:16) – Regularly read, teach, and apply the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). • Guard the pulpit – Allow only vetted teachers who affirm core biblical truths (2 John 9-10). – Require any guest speaker to submit outlines or manuscripts beforehand. • Teach the positive, confront the negative – “Preach the word…reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2) – Pair doctrinal warnings with clear, hopeful exposition of truth (Ephesians 4:11-15). • Model doctrinal integrity – Leaders’ lives must confirm their message (1 Timothy 4:12). – Transparency about personal study and accountability builds trust. • Establish a statement of faith – Anchor ministry decisions, membership, and discipline processes in an agreed-upon doctrinal standard. – Review the statement periodically, updating language only for clarity, never for compromise. • Cultivate a Berean culture among members – Encourage believers to “examine the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). – Provide classes on hermeneutics and basic theology so laypeople can spot error. • Implement loving church discipline – When stubborn error persists, follow the Matthew 18 process. – Publicly correct if the influence is public (Galatians 2:11-14). • Pray for discernment and courage – Ask the Spirit to expose deception (John 16:13). – Rely on divine strength; shepherds labor “with all His energy, which so powerfully works” within them (Colossians 1:29). Motivation for Vigilance “Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers.” (Acts 20:28) Because Christ purchased the church with His own blood, no effort in guarding doctrine is too great. |
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