It is interesting to note what Paul means here when he directs Titus to teach sound doctrine. He isn’t talking about the right view of the nature of Christ, or the correct view of justification by faith. These more abstract definitions of concepts are of course very important, and Paul was concerned about right teaching in this sense, but he’s more concerned about teaching that pertains directly to how people should live. There was as much controversy about this in the early church as there was with abstract definitions of concepts. Christianity is, as Kierkegaard said, “not a doctrine but a life.” This life is rooted key doctrines to be sure . But it is concerned ultimately with a way of living; a life lived in relationship with God. Christian doctrines are like a two-dimensional doorway to a three-dimensional reality. The door is vital, but its purpose is to lead to something. We should not treat this door as though it was simply an object to contemplate. It is a lovely door, no doubt, but it is there to lead us to the reality it pictures. The point of Paul’s insistence on sound doctrine is that we walk through the right door. There are many doors that promise the way to truth, but only end up at dead ends. So, we should identify the right door, the right doctrine, but we should not stop there. Many people stop there smugly pleased at having identified the right door. The important thing, however, is to go through the door and live the life that Jesus has given us access to.
What is the next step you need to take in applying your faith. Pray through this.
Read Titus 2
