Elder Devotional Titus 2:1

I. But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine (1).

The phrase “But as for you” sets that actions of Titus in contrast with those in the immediate context (1a). Paul is contrasting the false teachers of Titus 1:10–16 to the appropriate actions of a true minister of God.

Titus 1:10-16: “10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”

These as some of the pitfalls of ministry that Titus needs to avoid. Such false teaching having already ben allowed into the churches at Crete will now be more difficult to address. False doctrine, once it has a “foothold” can be difficult to remove. Titus has a tall order to minister in contrary nature to what has been allowed in the churches at Crete.

What is the best way to keep false teaching from getting a “foothold” in the church?

In contrast to the false teachers, Titus is to teach what accords with sound doctrine (1b).

The term “teach” here in the ESV is probably better translated as “speak” or “proclaim” as is in other translations (see also BAGD). The ESV probably does this because of the nature of the information that Paul has in mind and the pastoral role that Paul expects Titus to carry out.

Titus is to speak or proclaim “what accords with sound doctrine” in his ministry role. The term “accord” denotes something as being “fitting” or “suitable” (BAGD).

The term “sound” literally refers to being “in good physical health” in the original root. But in this context it is being used in a figurative sense to denote content that is “sound” or “free from error” (BAGD). It is a verb that is functioning as an adjective to describe the nature of the doctrine that Paul has in mind.

“Doctrine” here is a noun and is a reference to that which has already been taught. Sound doctrine is the standard for the teaching/speaking/proclaiming that Titus is to carry out in pastoral ministry. Paul probably has the Scriptures and the Apostolic truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ in mind. There is no other resource for all matters of faith and practice for the people of God.

What alternatives to Scripture make their way into the pulpits of the church today?

Why are they so appealing to the ears and hearts of men?