What is the meaning of Titus 1:9? He must hold firmly to the faithful word Titus is told that an elder “must hold firmly to the faithful word.” This is non-negotiable glue for leadership and for any believer who longs to please Christ. Scripture is not a buffet; it is the rock on which we stand. • “The faith once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3) underscores the same unchanging foundation. • Paul echoes, “Hold fast the pattern of sound teaching” (2 Timothy 1:13). • In 1 Corinthians 15:2 he reminds the church that they are saved “if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you.” The command presupposes the absolute reliability of God’s written revelation. We cling to it because it is infallible and sufficient for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3–4). as it was taught The phrase guards against creativity that distorts truth. No leader is free to tweak the gospel. • Paul urges, “Stand firm and hold to the traditions we passed on to you” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). • The first believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching” (Acts 2:42). • “Even if we or an angel from heaven preach a gospel contrary… let him be under a curse” (Galatians 1:8). Doctrine is received, not invented. Faithful teaching today must mirror what Christ and His apostles handed down, nothing less and nothing more. so that he can encourage others by sound teaching Truth is meant to edify, not merely to be stockpiled. When an elder holds the Word tightly, he can strengthen the weak and steady the wavering. • “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Paul charges Timothy to “preach the word… encourage with great patience” (2 Timothy 4:2). • Acts 20:32 affirms, “I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up.” Sound teaching comforts, clarifies, and spurs believers on to Christlike growth. and refute those who contradict it Love for truth also means loving people enough to confront error. Shepherds guard the flock by exposing wolves. • Titus himself is told, “Rebuke those who contradict” (Titus 1:13). • “Contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 3) calls for active defense. • 2 Timothy 2:24-26 pictures correction that is gentle yet firm, aiming to rescue opponents from deception. • John commands, “Test the spirits” (1 John 4:1), and Peter warns of false teachers “who will secretly introduce destructive heresies” (2 Peter 2:1). Refutation is not harsh retaliation; it is compassionate protection. Truth without error-exposure is incomplete shepherding. summary Titus 1:9 paints a threefold portrait of faithful leadership: grip the unchanging Word, pass it on exactly as received, and wield it both to build up believers and to dismantle falsehood. When Scripture is treasured as the flawless voice of God, the church is nourished, guarded, and propelled toward Christlikeness. |
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