Looking at Titus 2.
You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.
False teaching wrecks people’s lives.
“You and I look at things very differently. For you things are black and white. For me there are shades of grey.” – a former minister to Gary.
Like what? Like the divinity of Jesus and every other core truth of Christianity.
Paul’s main concern is not for doctrinal orthodoxy (everyone teaching the same thing) but for the application of doctrine through preaching. The nuts and bolts of Christian living.
He doesn’t say make sure your doctrine is sound – but make sure you speak in accordance with sound doctrine.
It’s not a question of Titus’ doctrine but a question of his preaching. Speak in a way that fits with sound doctrine – his concern is with the damage caused by false teachers rather than what they are teaching.
2v1 introduces the subject of teaching that doesn’t damage but gives health. Calvin says “teaching that can build men up in Godliness.
Paul is saying “we need to learn to teach the Bible wherever we are in a way that promotes spiritual help.”
Calvin says “if we leave it up to men to decide which teaching to adhere to they will never move one foot.”
No other passages that spell out the responsibility of preaching like this one here.
Impactful teaching is almost always preaching – sometimes the preachers have broken every rule in the book and have bad models – but the common thread is the powerful application of the gospel.
Comments
I can't agree that the teaching with the greatest impact is normally preaching. Preaching is broad brushstrokes; it's framework stuff. Applying the gospel to the detail of my life tends to happen in relationship, 'along the road'. When you point out my particular sin in this instant, it's more likely to have an impact on me than if you're talking about people in general from the pulpit.
I can't agree that the teaching with the greatest impact is normally preaching. Preaching is broad brushstrokes; it's framework stuff. Applying the gospel to the detail of my life tends to happen in relationship, 'along the road'. When you point out my particular sin in this instant, it's more likely to have an impact on me than if you're talking about people in general from the pulpit.