Sound Instruction for a Blessed Life - Part Three
From The HeartPublish date: 09/29/2014
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine. Titus 2:1 NKJV
But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians]. Titus 2:1 AMP
The Lord, through Paul, commanded Titus to preach sound doctrine to all people. This is His command to each of us as well.
6. Preach to men-concerning grace:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.
Titus 2:11-12 NKJV
God’s grace has appeared to bring salvation to ALL mankind. This grace, that forgives and saves, also teaches us to:
Deny ungodliness
Deny worldly lusts
Live soberly
Live righteously
Live godly
The Greek word for “teaching” is paideuo, which means instruction as to children.
Truly I say to you, whoever does not accept and receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] shall not in any way enter it [at all]. Luke 18:17 AMP
How can a person “receive the Kingdom of God like a child”? It means to have a humble, teachable spirit. It means that you trust Father God and you believe His word – just as a child believes the word of an adult who loves him and whom he trusts. We should be willing to be guided and taught by the Word of God. We should be willing to learn, grow and change.
7. Preach to men concerning the rapture and the second coming:
Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 NKJV
One of the truths of the Gospel that we should believe, trust, and preach is that Jesus is coming back in His glory. In these last days, there are people who deny the second coming, but God’s Word tells us that we should comfort each other with these words. If we believe God’s Word about the resurrection and salvation then we should believe Him about the second coming.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NKJV
8. Preach to men-concerning redemption:
Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:14 NKJV
Jesus gave Himself for us:
To redeem us from iniquity
To purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works
9. Preach with authority:
Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. Titus 2:15 NKJV
Four admonitions to Titus:
1. These things speak.
Speak these things – preach, say, speak, talk, tell, utter. The Gospel must be preached. It can only be preached when we open our mouths and tell it.
For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? Romans 10:13-14 NKJV
2. These things exhort.
Exhort – means to call near; invite; invoke; beseech; call for; be of good comfort; desire; entreat; pray. We are to exhort others concerning the Gospel – we are to invite them, beseech them and entreat them.
And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in [spreading] the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, to strengthen and establish and to exhort and comfort and encourage you in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:2 AMP
Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP
3. Rebuke with all authority.
When you preach the Gospel, preach it with boldness and authority, because when you speak, you speak with the whole of Heaven backs you up.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV
4. Let no man despise you.
What man thinks of you is of no consequence in eternity. Only what God thinks counts. Do not worry about what people think. Go ahead and boldly preach the Gospel.