Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Discipleship as Witness
     Beena John
St. James MTC, NY

Verses 1-2- You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.


In Chapter 2 Paul shows us a framework as to how and why we should be teaching people the sound doctrine of God’s Word. The Bible gives us one unified message of sound doctrine. It is centered and focused on the person and work of Christ and this sound doctrine is to be taught to all groups of people.

In Verse 1, this is the command and advice given to Titus and to the church as a whole. There are different opportunities as well as different strengths and weakness at different stages in life. Each stage and role in life provides unique opportunities and temptations to us in our Christian lives. There is a big difference in physical stage of life, but there is no difference when it comes to the importance of sound doctrine in our lives. Sound doctrine is foundational for Godly living, no matter the age, stage, or role in life. There is no exemption or withdrawal from learning, teaching or applying God’s Word. From this, Paul points out that the Church should work together regardless of one’s age, sex or role in life in order to learn from each other, so that all of us will be better disciples of Christ. The real spiritual action in the church should come from all these group of people. So Paul is telling Titus that, he must train them in sound doctrine in order to be disciples.

                   We have church with men and women who have spiritual health and maturity, thus we need to be looking for ways to apply sound doctrine to the lives of others. Paul tells us that one of the primary ways we do this is by demonstrating the characteristics of self-control, respect and purity. These are the qualities that guard our speech and our action and our behaviors. They protect us from gossip and slander, they guard us against addictive behaviors and keep us temperate and sober in our thinking in order to model or exemplify the teaching of God’s Word.

    Discipleship within the church is how we develop spiritual growth in the Church. Discipleship works when the elders and other spiritual mature believers are able and willing to teach sound doctrine of faith and practice to younger men and women, and families coming into the Church. Discipleship is very essential because it is the way of passing on and applying sound doctrine within the church.

PRAYER

Lord, You have called us to follow You as disciples. Help us to respond whole heartedly without counting the cost. Our Father, strengthen us to become witness to the saving grace of Your son, Jesus Our Lord. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

“ The Lord is glorified when great things are done through us”.  Crystal McDowell

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