Coffee With The Lord

“The Lord is MY shepherd!” (Psalm 23:1)… “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand! My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand!” (Jesus in John 10:27-28)

Just a Sip… of Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the Temple:  “Solomon spread out his hands toward heaven, and said, ‘O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like You, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to your servants who walk before you with all their heart! … Not one word has failed of all Your good promise, which You spoke by Moses, Your servant! … May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God!  There is no other!  May our heart be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in His statutes and keeping His commandments, as at this day!” (From 1 Kings 8:22-61)

“Sound doctrine” … What is it? What’s included?

I’ve heard it passionately argued as the “core truths” of the Bible and the “ancient church” down though the centuries. And I certainly believe those things are important – even critical (just ask anyone who knows me!).

But when a Biblical writer (in this case – Apostle Paul) makes a statement in Scripture it’s really important to pay attention to “the context” and the writer’s “inspired purpose!”

In this case (when Apostle Paul advocated for “sound doctrine”)… here’s what he said – the context – and the writer’s inspired purpose…

Here’s what he said… “As for you teach what accords with SOUND DOCTRINE!” (Titus 2:1)

Then the context [and THIS may surprise you!] – It’s practical Christian living stuff, NOT ethereal, theological, philosophical stuff! (Hey, you’ve got to read it for yourself – don’t take my word for it! Titus 2:2-10a)… “Older men… Older women… Young men [and women]”… and even “Bondservants” [applicable to employees today].

And the “inspired purpose?” “So that in EVERYTHING they may ADORN THE DOCTRINE OF GOD OUR SAVIOR!” (Titus 2:10b) You see, in the mind of Apostle Paul, although theological reflection and teaching had it place (and I might say a very important place – just read through the epistles and see) … NONE OF IT MATTERED if it didn’t make a practical difference and impact on practical Christian living! The Point? “SOUND DOCTRINE” must impact your “testimony” and behavior in your community [Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday – and not just Sunday]!

Oh Lord, help me to live out “SOUND DOCTRINE!”