Why is it important to teach sound doctrine in our church communities? Anchoring Verse “But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine.” (Titus 2:1) What “Sound Doctrine” Means • “Sound” = healthy, uncorrupted • “Doctrine” = teaching drawn straight from God’s Word • Therefore: life-giving, error-free instruction that keeps Christ’s church spiritually healthy Why Sound Doctrine Matters 1. Guards the gospel’s purity • Galatians 1:8—no other gospel must be tolerated • Jude 3—contend for the faith once for all delivered 2. Strengthens believers • Ephesians 4:14-15—prevents being “tossed about” by every wind of teaching • Hebrews 5:14—solid food trains for discernment 3. Produces godly living • Titus 2:11-12—grace teaches us to deny ungodliness • 1 Timothy 6:3—truth accords with godliness 4. Preserves unity • Philippians 2:2—“one mind, one purpose” grows out of shared truth 5. Protects against false teachers • Acts 20:29-30—“savage wolves” will arise • 2 Timothy 4:3-4—itching ears gather teachers who mislead 6. Honors Scripture’s authority • John 17:17—“Your word is truth” • Psalm 119:160—“The entirety of Your word is truth” Practical Ways to Teach Sound Doctrine • Public reading and verse-by-verse exposition (1 Timothy 4:13) • Clear connection of doctrine to daily life • Bible memorization and catechism for all ages • Theologically grounded leadership training • Classes that trace the Bible’s storyline • Congregational singing saturated with Scripture (Colossians 3:16) What Happens When Doctrine Is Neglected • Spiritual immaturity (Hebrews 5:12-13) • Moral and doctrinal drift (2 Peter 2:1-2) • Diminished witness (Matthew 5:13-16) • Divine discipline (Revelation 2:14-16) Encouragement for Faithful Teachers “Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for by doing so you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16) “Present yourself approved to God… handling the word of truth accurately.” (2 Timothy 2:15) In Summary Titus 2:1 is a loving command: speak only what aligns with healthy, biblical teaching. When sound doctrine fills the pulpit, the classroom, and everyday conversations, the gospel stays pure, believers mature, unity deepens, error is exposed, and Christ is glorified. |
    |