In Accordance with Sound Doctrine
Titus 2:1-10
Pastor Jerry Koller

All of us are teachers.

Literally, the verse reads: But you speak what is proper (or suitable) for sound teaching.

The phrase "but you" shows a comparison is being drawn between Titus and the rebellious individuals mention in verse 10 of chapter 1.

The word "sound" has to do with properly applied teaching that extends to its necessary lifestyle; without mixture of error.

In the remaining nine verses, we find five specific groups that seem to demand Titus’ immediate attention. The first group is found in verse 2

The teaching of older men will focus on six specific areas:
1-3: Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled (NASB)
· Temperate has to do with being level-headed, rational, not given to extremes.
· Dignified has to do with being worthy of respect.
· Being self-controlled has to do with not being extremein behavior; with curbing one's desires and impulses; with being careful and sensible while exercising sound judgement.

If older men were looked up to in society, these three characteristics—temperate, dignified, and self-controlled give support that they have a stable and mature outlook or philosophy of life. These characteristics are pleasing to God. They are beneficial not only for society, but also for the church. They are in accord with sound doctrine.

4-6: In addition to teaching them to be temperate, dignified, and self-controlled, Titus was to teach older men to be sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
· The word sound has to do with being proper and in good working order.
· Their belief in God was to be in accordance with sound doctrine.
· Their love was to be in accordance with sound doctrine.
· They were to persevere in these things—in love, in faith, in being dignified, in being self-controlled, in being temperate.

Why was Titus to teach these things to older men? I believe the answer has a three-fold possibility: correction, caution, and instruction.
· These three go hand-in-hand.

The second group Titus was to teach is found in verse 3

Titus’ instruction will center on four areas of focus:
#1. Older women to be reverent in the way they live.
· To live in a dignified manner
· in a manner that is worthy of honor
· The word reverent carries with it a sacred responsibility.

#2. They must not be slanderers.
· Slander always an attack on a person’s character.

#4. They need to learn to teach what is good.
· …that which is noble, honorable, and good

Who really looked up to women as examples to follow? God.

There is an overarching reason why Titus is to teach older men and older women what is in accord with sound teaching. The overall goal is to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

With this overarching goal in place,

Have a proper respect for the senior members of society.

There is much that can be learned from them.

The importance for the senior members of society to be good examples.

· Sarah McKamey is waiting for test results for heart related issues. She has a follow up appointment with her doctor on 6/21. Please pray for good results and that there is no significant damage.
· We extend our condolences to Bruce & Vasha Ferguson upon the death of Vasha's godmother, Mary Ann Jones, on 5/30 in Washington.
· Leslie Robinson (friend of Bruce & Vasha Ferguson) is home and using a walker. Thank God for His mercy and faithfulness, and please continue praying for her full recovery.
· Sadie (29 year-old friend of Steve & Lisa Follman) had a liver transplant shortly after birth and is now having a lot of health complications. She is receiving palliative care. Also keep her family in prayer.
· Terry Buckley (father of Keith Buckley) is being evaluated for heart issues.
· Shirley Means (Miriam Bryant's sister) is receiving therapy and hopes to go home soon. She is in Henderson, Nevada.
· Caroline Bocock has been terribly ill as she is dealing with a Lyme Disease outbreak. Some of her symptoms included being in excruciating pain, having blackouts, issues with sleeping, darkening vision, random skin issues, a constant headache since 11/5, and so much more. She is taking a regiment of medications to get it under control.
· Nolan Marshall (son of Dan & Tracy) is receiving outpatient therapy but hasn’t found an even keel yet. He has been allowed to return to the school environment with many boundaries in place. The Marshall family is still very much in crisis mode and continued prayers are appreciated as they try to adjust medications and work with Nolan to manage his diagnoses.
· Joyce Bocock has completed chemo and radiation; praise God that both tumors have shrunk significantly more than expected; evaluating additional treatment options.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com