Page 95 - Pastoral Epistles student textbook

Sound doctrine is the content of our faith. But how can we recognize when teaching is sound and
when it is not sound?

 First, we must understand the truth of God’s Word.
We must be familiar with specific texts to refute error.

Jesus must remain at the center of our faith.
Values are passed from one generation to the next by both teaching and character. If the character
does not reflect the teaching, we will never pass truth to the next generation. They will see us as
hypocrites.

God wants us to live our lives in such a way that others will be drawn to the Gospel. And yet most
churches have people who believe that God’s grace means that God gives out free passes that allow us
to sin, with no consequences for disobedience.

But let’s look at the passage a little closer.
Titus 2:11-12. For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
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12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-
controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

There is nothing in V11-12 that tell us God’s grace allows us to pick and choose how we want to live.
Instead the passage clearly tells us that grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and teaches us to
live self-controlled lives.

What are some specific things that some people in your church believe are OK to do - while
at the same time others condemn their actions? And what would Paul say? Grace.
(1). Grace trains us to live self-controlled lives.

(2). Grace trains us to live upright lives.
(3). Grace trains us to live godly lives.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all
authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

The man of God must teach the Word of God with all authority. This does not mean beating people
over the head with rigid views on minor issues. But it does mean that when the Bible clearly
commands something, the preacher must not dodge the command or teach it as a helpful hint for
happy living. It is the Word of the living God, and it must be preached, not as an optional opinion that
you may want to consider. Both the pastor and the congregation are under the same authority of the
Word. If it steps on someone’s toes, it probably stepped on ours as well.
We all must obey God’s Word.
Which is the bigger problem in Zambian, Malawian and Mozambique Christian churches
today: Legalism or reckless living? How can we avoid both errors?

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