Titus 2:7, 8 In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing soundness, gravity, sincerity,… As a faithful minister of God, he was to mirror forth in his life and teaching the doctrines of the gospel. I. THE MINISTER OUGHT TO BE A PATTERN OF GOOD WORKS. 1. His teaching is useless unless it is enforced by the power of a holy example. There must be a harmony between his doctrine and his life. 2. Good works are the natural proofs of good principles, and can only issue from the fountain of a purified heart. The very principles are tested by the preacher's life. 3. His whole life is to be an ensample. "In all things." This implies consistency in toil, endurance, and teaching. II. THE MINISTER MUST BE A PATTERN BOTH IN THE SUBSTANCE AND IN THE SPIRIT OF HIS TEACHING. Teaching is his special sphere. 1. It must be imparted in a right spirit. "In doctrine showing uncorruptness and gravity." (1) He must exhibit an example of personal sincerity, not like one either seeking for applause or influenced by interested motives - like the false teachers who were in quest of filthy lucre. Sincerity has a very penetrative force among a people. (2) He must have a dignified gravity of manner, to indicate his profound seriousness of purpose and spirit. Foolish jesting and vain talking are very inconvenient in g minister of the gospel. 2. The doctrine imparted must be sound and convincing. "Sound speech, that cannot be condemned." (1) It must be wholesome doctrine, as contrasted with a sickly pietism; free from error, because drawn from "the sincere milk of the Word," conveyed not in the "enticing words of man's wisdom," but as the Holy Ghost teacheth. (2) It must have convincing power. "That cannot be condemned." (a) Ministers must expect their words to be sharply criticized as well as their lives. (b) The truth ought to be conveyed in such a spirit and with such a regard to the analogy of faith that it cannot be justly found fault with. (c) It must effectually silence gainsayers. "That he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no bad thing to say of us." Whether the adversary be a false teacher or a pagan, the sound speech ought to reduce him to shame and silence. - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, |
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