The Need for Sound Doctrine

Introduction:

The older one gets, the more he/she is concerned about the condition of their heart.  We will have various medical tests performed that measure the physical health of our heart.  Our desire is to hear the doctor say, “Your heart is in good shape; it’s very sound.”

As important as this is, it is far more important for Christians to be “sound in the faith.”  Paul wrote to Titus telling him that believers need to become “sound in the faith.”  (Titus 1:9-14)  The word chosen by the Holy Spirit means “to be healthy, whole.”  It can also mean to “be free from error, be correct.”

So what did the Apostle Paul tell Titus was needed for one to be “sound in the faith?”

Text:  Titus 1:9-14

Body:

I. One Must Learn the Word of God  (Verse 9)

· “As he has been taught” One must spend time diligently learning the Scripture.  (II Timothy 3:14-17)  One must digest the Scripture; take it in and chew on it!  One cannot be lazy. Note:  Hebrews 5:12-14

· One should have the attitude of Psalm 119:33-40. 

II. One Must Hold Firm to the Word of God  (Verse 9)

· Hold firmly to; cleave to.  Note:  Philippians 2:15-16.  If we don’t hold fast to the word of life, our labor may be in vain.  (useless, empty)  We need a life preserver.

· We must remain firm in our belief in the gospel. (II Thessalonians 2:14-15)  Remain stationary; don’t be moved.  This reminds us of I Corinthians 16:13.  Watch! Stand fast in the faith!

· If we listen to what is not the Word of God, this is what may happen.  (II Timothy 4:3-4) 

III.  One Must Use the Word of God to Teach Others  (Verses 10-14)

· Note the end of verse 9.  Teach “sound doctrine and rebuke false teachers.”  There are many who teach unsound, unhealthy, corrupted doctrine.  They must be silenced!  If not, many may be lost.  (II Timothy 2:17-18)

· False teaching (of whatever type) causes sickness; the truth brings health.  The false teachers give people what they want –  candy, instead of meat and potatoes.

· We must exhort, convince, admonish, and rebuke false teachers in order to persuade them of the correct view of the Scripture.

Conclusion:

“True Biblical teaching brings health, spiritual health.  It nourishes the soul and strengthens the mind.  False teaching is a disease that permeates the bones and tissues of people, eating and destroying whatever good it can find.  Biblical truth is not just true; it gives life, true life, the life that matters.”  Mounce

Are you growing spiritually by feasting upon the pure Word of God?

Bobby Stafford   
February 17, 2013