How does Titus 1:9 connect with 2 Timothy 3:16 about Scripture's role? Foundational Passages Titus 1:9 – “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy word as it was taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.” Shared Emphasis: Authority of the Written Word • Both verses anchor ministry in “the trustworthy word” (Titus) and “all Scripture” (2 Timothy). • Scripture is not a helpful option; it is divinely breathed and therefore absolutely reliable. • Paul writes each letter to a young pastor (Titus on Crete, Timothy in Ephesus), underscoring that healthy leadership rises or falls on fidelity to God’s written revelation. Four Functions in 2 Timothy 3:16 Mirrored in Titus 1:9 1. Instruction / Teaching – 2 Timothy: “instruction” – Titus: “encourage others by sound doctrine” 2. Conviction – 2 Timothy: “conviction” (exposing error) – Titus: “refute those who contradict” 3. Correction – 2 Timothy: “correction” (bringing back to truth) – Titus: same goal as refutation, turning opponents to sound teaching 4. Training in Righteousness – 2 Timothy: shaping character and conduct – Titus: elders “hold firmly” so their own lives model the righteousness they proclaim (compare Titus 1:6-8) Implications for Church Leadership • Elders are guardians of doctrine; their authority is derivative, resting entirely on Scripture’s authority (Acts 20:28-31). • Holding “firmly” (Titus 1:9) means unwavering loyalty to the original apostolic teaching (Jude 3). • Scripture equips leaders to build up believers and silence false voices, fulfilling both the positive (encourage) and negative (refute) sides of shepherding. Complementary Verses • 1 Timothy 4:13 – “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, and to teaching.” • 1 Thessalonians 2:13 – the word “at work in you who believe.” • Hebrews 4:12 – the word is “living and active,” giving it power to convict and correct. • Acts 17:11 – Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily” to test teaching, illustrating Titus 1:9 in action. Personal Application • Know the Word: regular, systematic study deepens our grip on “the trustworthy word.” • Speak the Word: use Scripture to encourage believers—share promises, teach doctrine. • Defend the Word: graciously but firmly expose error with clear biblical reasoning (1 Peter 3:15). • Live the Word: a life aligned with Scripture authenticates our teaching (Philippians 2:15-16). |
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