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Sound Doctrine
"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1 ESV)
This past Wednesday morning, I had breakfast at McDonalds with a pastor from a church in the Aylmer area. We began our time together arguing over who was going to pay for breakfast. (An argument that I won by the way. I'm not sure whether it was my pride or my generosity that compelled me to pay.)
We talked about many different things, from family, to the goings on in our respective churches. We eventually got on to the topic of doctrine, and his words continue to remain with me.
"Sound doctrine....What is sound doctrine anyway? Sound doctrine is doctrine which is sound."
Miriam-Webster defines sound as follows,
"Free from mistakes, demonstrating good judgment, solid and strong."
Imagine we are speaking of a foundation. A foundation with cracks in it wouldn't be sound enough to build a house on. When we take solid stands on teachings that are not sound, it opens us up for unnecessary criticism. We often take enough criticism without providing an opportunity.
If you understand this passage of scripture, you'll be able to understand why I take my stands the way I do, and why I don't always adopt other people's pet doctrines. You should also be able to understand why I have to tell you at times, that I simply do not know for sure. What makes a teaching sound anyway? For me, the answer is simple. Scripture is the bedrock by which we evaluate whether or not a teaching is sound. I'm not going to intentionally take a doctrinal stand on something I do not see clearly spelled out in The Bible. Sorry. (Actually. I'm really not sorry)
I can confidently tell you that Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God. Do you know why I can authoritatively say such a thing? Because scripture says so. If you don't believe me, check out Colossians 1:15.
I can also say emphatically, that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. I can build on that as a foundation, because it is sound, and the reason it is so reliable, is because scripture speaks the very same words. I can also say that Jesus was born of a virgin. Know why I say that? You're catching on.
What I find really strange in my role as an elder, is when Christians get upset with me because I don't agree with them on things that aren't completely sound. If I'm going to say that God is "this or that"' I need to be quite certain He is "this or that" by what is revealed in scripture.
How about your doctrines? How sound are they? Is it clearly spelled out in scripture, or do you need to read your favourite blog, preacher or author in order to make you feel secure in your stand? Is it well within what is written, or do you have to develop a case?
Examples of Sound Doctrine
This coming Sunday, I will be speaking at my church, and to be forthcoming, I've been apprehensive about the message that has been laid on my heart. The reason why I'm apprehensive, is because the sermon I have in store , isn't the kind of sermon I like to listen to.
I like to listen to sermons that really walk through scripture word, by word; sermons that harp on sin and point to the cross of Christ. Those ones light my spiritual fire (so to speak). The message I have in mind is one mostly for moms and dads, encouraging them to be faithful to each other and to their families.
As I consider what it really means to be sound, it gives me a sense of peace. The message I am about to give is sound. I might not be spot on for absolutely every application I touch on, but believers really should be faithful. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Moms and dads really should be faithful, and if they aren't, they need to repent. That IS sound, even if it doesn't have the flavour of old time religion.
As I leave for the night, I will leave you with the context of this passage in Titus, to look at what Paul was speaking on when he spoke about "sound doctrine". As you read his words, ask yourself whether or not these are the things you think of when you think of sound doctrine. This is what sound doctrine looks like;
"Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled." (Titus 2:2-6 ESV)
PS I feel rather secure in thinking that for the believer, to be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord, but I've been challenged on that as of late. I'm prepared to be wrong.
