Daily EncouragementSample

This instruction to Titus emphasizes the importance of teaching in the Church. “Teach . . . teaching . . . teaches” - some nine times these words appear in this one chapter. Everyone in the Church needs teaching. Paul specifically mentions older people, younger people and slaves. It is God’s will that his people be taught. He came into the world as a teacher and “the crowds were amazed at his teaching” (Matt. 7:28-29). He sent the Holy Spirit to be our teacher (John 14:26), and he preserved the Holy Scriptures for this very purpose - they are “useful for teaching” (2 Tim. 3:16). Those who teach must be examples. In the teaching they give - it must fit in with “sound doctrine,” the basic beliefs then and now, the teaching which is healthy as against the disease of the false. In their attitude to the task - “integrity” and “seriousness” (Titus 2:7) are to be its characteristics. In the lives they live - “In everything set them an example by doing what is good” (verse 7). The teaching is only effective when it produces holy people. Sound doctrine must result in sound people - people who “say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, who live self-controlled, upright and godly lives,” as they wait for the blessed hope, the coming of the Lord in glory (verses 11-13).