When we seek encouragement in times of trial, few of us think ofthe word "doctrine." Yet the apostle Paul seems to think the two areclosely related. So much so that he deems elders who do not upholdsound doctrine unqualified to encourage others (Titus 1:9). " - P27
"Doctrine" simply means, "teaching."
That is why Paul writes that elders
must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught."
- P27
What you have learned about a given subject will help you tackleexam questions. What you have learned about God-how He runsthe world and how He relates to you-will help you tackle times oftesting in your life. - P27
So, be hungry for sound teaching that is uncom-promisingly faithful to the whole of Scripture. Draw strength from itand learn to encourage others with it. - P27
12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldlypassions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godlylives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the bless-ed hope-the appearing of the glory of our great Godand Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us toredeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himselfa people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encour-and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyonedespise you.
age - P29
Titus is to teach the older and younger men and women what it means tolive a godly life that will not malign God‘s Word. - P29
Integrity, self-control, purity,
and kindness are some characteristics of such a life. It is God‘s grace whichenables and teaches believers to live in this manner as they await Jesus‘ second coming. - P29
In this section, Paul gives Titus instructions for teaching biblical livingto older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and slaves.
- P30
These practical instructions are based on doctrine and tailored to differ-ent categories of people in their specific culture and context. - P30
ThoughPaul‘s teachings were intended for the people of Crete, believers todaycan extract helpful principles for godly living from these words. - P30
Somecommon themes include self-controlled behavior and speech, an atti-tude of humility, and conducting one‘s affairs with honesty and integrity. - P30
We strive to live in this way not to earn God‘s favor but to honor theGod who has saved us and to model His Son‘s character to the world. - P30
Now Paul explains the spiritual doctrine on which his practical teach-ings and instructions are based. - P30
While we were living in sin and lustedafter worldly things, the saving grace of God came to all people. JesusChrist, our great God and Savior, took on human form and gave Himself upus so that
we could be cleansed from our sins and reconciledwith God. - P30
We belong to Jesus, and that is why we should live as peoplewho have been purified from all wickedness. We eagerly live out oursalvation by rejecting sin and pursuing self-control and godliness. - P30
Andwe can do all this through Christ, who gives us strength. - P30
Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your grace and salvation. Please give me thestrength I need to live a self-controlled, upright, and godly life until the daythat Jesus Christ appears in glory. In His name, amen. - P31
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