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True Doctrine and Godliness – Titus 1
True Doctrine and Godliness – Titus 1
As we read through Titus, we notice a great emphasis upon correct teaching. It is easy to get caught up in fighting error to the point of missing what truth is supposed to accomplish in one's life. To Timothy, Paul had written that "the aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1Tim. 1:5).
In reading Titus, notice how such truth is to produce godly character.
First Paul writes "for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness" (1:1). A quick search through 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, shows Paul using the word godliness some 14 times*.
Then we see that the qualifications of elders do include holding "... firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it," but begins with describing the character of such men (vs. 7-8).
True teaching was to produce undefiled consciences (15) and being fit for good works (16).
Connected with such truth that accords with godliness (1:1), Titus was to "teach what ACCORDS with sound doctrine" (2:1). What follows is the description of how various segments of the church were to conduct themselves: older men (2), older women (3), younger women (4-5), and younger men (6), Titus himself (7-8), and bondservants (9).
Such translation of sound teaching into godly living would prevent the word of God from being reviled (2:5) and leave the opponents of Christians "having nothing evil to say about us" (2:8). Such living the truth would "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior (2:10).
The true teaching on grace teaches (trains ESV) us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives" (2:12).
Titus was instructed to remind the believers on how to live a life of godliness (3:1-2). He was to "insist on these things, SO THAT those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works" (3:8).
Titus was to avoid foolish controversies because those who promote and engage in such are "warped and sinful" (3:9-11).
Finally, Paul instructs Titus to "let our people learn to devote themselves to good works" (3:14).
Some seem to stress the correct teaching concerning the nature of God, Jesus, and the church while laying little emphasis upon the character of God's people. Others would try to promote godly character while ignoring or corrupting the teaching on these other issues. Either choice is out of balance. The teaching of the whole counsel of God must be as balanced as God's word is.
Hugh DeLong
* 'godliness' is found in the ESV in 1 Tim. 2:2, 10; 3:16; 4:7,8; 5:4; 6:3, 5, 6, 11; 2 Tim. 3:5, 12; Titus 1:1; 2:12.
