The Right Relationship with Right Doctrine and Right Action

Titus 2:6–8 NASB95

Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

Engaging Introduction:

It's like a person who has a recipe for the most delicious cake but never actually bakes it. They know all the ingredients and steps, but they never take action to mix it together and put it in the oven.

It's similar to a student who studies for an exam but never shows up to take it. They may have all the knowledge, but without action, it's of no use.

Doctrine often feels like an intimidating word, right? We hear it, and some of us may picture long debates or confusing theological terms. In fact, I recently came across a social media comment that went something like this: "People should spend less time worrying about doctrine and more time loving like Jesus did." Maybe you've heard a sentiment like that too. And, to be honest, I get it. In a world full of needs and hurt, talking about what we believe can sometimes feel secondary to actually doing something about it.

But here’s the thing—doctrine isn’t just for debate or theological study. It's foundational to how we live and love as followers of Christ. Today, we’re going to look at what it means to have the right relationship with both doctrine and action, using Titus 2:6-8 as our guide.

Body:

Paul's letter to Titus offers powerful wisdom for young men and leaders, encouraging them to live with integrity, dignity, and sound speech. Let's unpack these verses and see how they relate to balancing what we believe with how we live.

Titus 2:6-8 (ESV) says, "Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."

These verses show us that the relationship between doctrine and action is inseparable. What we believe (our doctrine) should inform how we live and behave (our actions).

Doctrine (Belief)

Definition: Doctrine refers to the core beliefs or teachings that form the foundation of our faith. These are the truths we learn from Scripture, such as the nature of God, salvation, grace, and Christian living.Focus: Doctrine is concerned with what we know and what we believe. It's about understanding the Word of God, who Jesus is, and what He teaches us to believe.Examples: Beliefs about salvation by grace through faith, the resurrection of Jesus, and the nature of the Trinity.

Action (Living)

Definition: Action refers to the way we live out our beliefs. It’s how we apply the doctrine in our day-to-day lives by following Jesus’ commands, serving others, and displaying Christian character.Focus: Action is about what we do based on our beliefs. It's how we treat others, our moral decisions, and how we serve God and our communities.Examples: Feeding the hungry, loving your neighbor, forgiving others, and standing up for justice.

The Separation:

Doctrine without Action: If we focus on doctrine but don’t let it influence our behavior, our faith becomes intellectual but lifeless. James 2:17 reminds us that "faith without works is dead." We might understand the truths of God but fail to live them out, becoming disconnected from the purpose of belief.

Action without Doctrine: On the flip side, if we focus only on action without a strong foundation in doctrine, our actions might become misguided or ineffective. We may do good deeds but lack a deeper understanding of why we do them, or worse, act out of wrong motives. Colossians 3:17 tells us to do everything in the name of Jesus, implying that our actions should be rooted in sound teaching.

Why They Must Work Together:

Doctrine fuels action by showing us why we should love, serve, and act righteously. Without doctrine, our actions might lack purpose or proper direction. Action proves doctrine. Our behavior shows that we truly understand and live out what we claim to believe.

Point 1: Doctrine Shapes Our Actions

The Apostle Paul tells Titus to teach with integrity and dignity. Why? Because bad doctrine leads to bad practice. If we misunderstand what Jesus taught, or if our beliefs are based on misguided interpretations, our actions will reflect that confusion. Think about it—if someone believes that they can earn God's favor by simply doing good deeds, they may start to trust in their own works rather than Christ’s grace.

On the other hand, sound doctrine leads to good practice. When we are rooted in the teachings of Jesus, we naturally reflect his love, justice, and mercy in our daily lives. Good doctrine isn’t abstract; it shapes how we speak, serve, and treat others.

Point 2: Doctrine and Love Go Hand in Hand

It’s a common misconception that doctrine and love are at odds with each other. But they’re not enemies—they’re friends. As Peter writes in 2 Peter 3:17-18, we are to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Grace and knowledge aren’t opposites; they’re partners. You see, good doctrine teaches us how to love better.

Jesus didn’t just feel love; he embodied it through his actions, which were always aligned with the truth of God. When we have a correct understanding of God’s teachings, we’re better equipped to love in a way that reflects his heart. Doctrine isn’t a set of rules meant to restrict us—it’s a framework that frees us to love like Jesus did, in both spirit and truth.

Conclusion:

In Titus 2:6-8, Paul urges us to live lives that are above reproach, filled with integrity and good works. But that kind of life doesn’t just happen by accident—it’s built on sound doctrine. Doctrine shapes how we live, love, and serve others.

So yes, let’s love like Jesus did. But let’s also make sure we understand the teachings that guide that love. When we have the right doctrine, our actions will naturally follow, and we’ll reflect the grace, truth, and love of Christ in all that we do.

Doctrine and Action in other parts of the bible:

The Bible often links doctrine (what we believe) with actions (how we live). Here are several key passages that highlight this connection:

1. James 2:14-17 – Faith and Works

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."Context: James emphasizes that true faith must be accompanied by good deeds. It’s not enough to simply believe the right things (doctrine); those beliefs must translate into actions that reflect love and care for others. This passage directly connects faith (a belief) with works (actions), showing that one without the other is incomplete.

2. Matthew 7:24-27 – The Wise and Foolish Builders

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand."Context: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts those who hear his teachings (doctrine) and put them into practice (actions) with those who only hear but do nothing. The difference between a strong and weak foundation comes down to not just knowing Jesus' words, but living them out.

3. Romans 12:1-2 – Living Sacrifices

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."Context: Paul urges believers to offer their bodies (actions) as living sacrifices based on their understanding of God’s mercy (doctrine). Transformation happens when our minds are renewed by sound doctrine, which leads to lives that reflect God's will.

4. 1 John 3:18 – Love in Action

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."Context: John highlights the need for love to be practical, not just theoretical. The connection between doctrine ("truth") and action ("love") is essential here. True love must be grounded in the truth of God's Word and demonstrated through deeds.

5. 1 Timothy 4:16 – Watch Your Life and Doctrine

"Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."Context: Paul advises Timothy to pay close attention to both his teaching (doctrine) and how he lives (actions). He warns that both are vital not just for Timothy’s own spiritual health but also for those he teaches.

6. Galatians 5:6 – Faith Working Through Love

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love."Context: Paul addresses the issue of legalism and emphasizes that true faith is not about outward religious acts but about how faith expresses itself through love. Doctrine (faith) must be coupled with actions (love).

7. John 13:34-35 – Love One Another

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."Context: Jesus teaches that love for one another is the primary way people will recognize his disciples. The doctrine of loving one another is not just a theory—it must be lived out in visible, tangible ways.

8. Ephesians 4:1-3 – Living a Worthy Life

"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."Context: Paul encourages believers to live in a way that reflects the high calling of their faith. Their doctrine (calling) should naturally produce actions like humility, patience, and love.

9. Colossians 3:16-17 – Word and Deed

"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."Context: This passage links doctrine ("the message of Christ") with action ("whatever you do, in word or deed"). Believers are to live out their faith in everything they do, reflecting Christ’s teachings in both their speech and actions.

10. Micah 6:8 – Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."Context: This Old Testament passage emphasizes that right belief (what God has shown us) must lead to right action—justice, mercy, and humility. It’s a call to live out God's teachings in tangible, real-world ways.

Illustration:

The Tree and Its Fruit Analogy

Imagine our beliefs (doctrine) as the roots of a tree. Just as roots anchor the tree and provide it with the nutrients it needs to grow, sound doctrine grounds our lives and shapes our worldview. Without deep, healthy roots, a tree cannot stand strong or grow tall.

Our actions, on the other hand, are like the fruit that the tree produces. A tree is known by the fruit it bears. If the roots are healthy, the tree will naturally bear good fruit. Likewise, if our beliefs are aligned with God’s truth, our lives will naturally produce actions that reflect love, righteousness, and service.

Jesus himself used this analogy in Matthew 7:16-20, saying, "You will know them by their fruits. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit." This passage highlights that our actions reveal the true nature of our beliefs.

Application for Men:

Belief (doctrine) is foundational, but it must be lived out. Without the right belief, our actions can become misguided or superficial, just like a tree with weak roots can’t produce healthy fruit.Action must flow from correct understanding, just as a tree cannot bear fruit without first being nourished by its roots.

This analogy is powerful because it emphasizes the balance between internal belief and external action, helping men understand that their strength as leaders, brothers, and followers of Christ comes from this union.

Just like a tree, we need to be deeply rooted in truth to stand firm in life’s challenges and bear good fruit that others can see and be nourished by.