Keeping Pure Doctrine

Background Scripture: Titus 2:1-15; 3:1-15
Lesson Scripture: Titus 2:1-10

Introduction

The bride of Christ is made up of born-again believers. Doctrines as taught by Christ and inspired apostles have been embraced by the true church throughout the ages. They have been accepted as the Lord’s standard by which we are to live. The Thirty-three Articles of Faith and The Eighteen Articles of Faith were written in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, respectively. They are based on the Bible, have stood the test of time, and are the principal belief held by the church today. Bible Doctrine and Practice clearly explains the doctrines so that we can apply them today. May our discussion strengthen our understanding of the purpose for the doctrines and their purity.

Key Verse

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt. 28:20).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Titus was a Greek disciple and the first bishop of the church of the Cretians and traveled with Paul on some of his missionary journeys. In his letter to Titus, Paul instructs him to ordain elders in the churches of Crete who would be able, through sound doctrine, to build the church. “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers (Tit. 1:9). The men and women who are older and mature are to provide a pattern of stability. The aged are to be sound examples in doctrine and are to pass on the Christian virtues to the younger. The liberties that parents and grandparents take will weaken the faith of the following generation. Titus was encouraged to not only teach the young men to be sober-minded but to be an example in sound doctrine. Young women are to love their husbands and children and be keepers at home. Servants are instructed to be obedient, honest, and diligent that they, even in their subjected state, adorn the doctrine of God in all things.

Practical Truths for Today

As the gospel spread, congregations were established in various places. The Holy Spirit inspired the apostles with direction in establishing the churches to be unified in Christ and his teaching. Their instructions were passed on to the church leaders following them. These teachings, or doctrines, were not man’s creations. God was the Author, and as time continued, doctrine became further established. Its eternal values remain solid, uniting the believers wherever the church is planted.

An experience is recorded in Martyrs Mirror of a Thessalonian congregation sending representatives to a church they had heard of in Moravia. After discussion, there were three docrines that this church and the Thessalonians did not agree on. They were disappointed but heard of another group and visited them. They shared the same faith, the same doctrines, and felt as one. In the first group, the doctrine was not pure. There were several false doctrines mixed with the true doctrines. The second group held to all the doctrines in purity.1

The doctrines of the church are as necessary today as they were in the early church. The church’s doctrine defines the lineage of true faith and was confirmed by the Anabaptist’s belief and practice. Doctrine does not change with the passage of time or the variation of culture and language. Intellectual reasoning and allowing sin to remain unhindered within the church weakens the vision of its doctrines.

Conference decisions provide direction on how to apply the doctrines in our present time. The doctrines must remain pure, but the application may differ in addressing current issues. As an example, nonconformity to the world remains a vital doctrine, but it changes in application to address the changing times. Guidance has been given so that the use of rapidly changing technology does not infringe upon this doctrine. If we heed these guidelines and use modern technology wisely, we can travel safely through an ever-changing world. If we ignore these guidelines, we begin tasting the flavor of the world, and our hunger for more will increase.

Nothing can mar the purity of the doctrines; it is neglect and disobedience in application that is our danger. Our hearts must be infused with God’s wisdom and love in dealing with those doctrines difficult for the flesh. Carnal love challenges the doctrine of avoidance. Is it really love to ignore the doctrine and hinder the return of a soul to God, or is true love shown by adhering to the doctrine as taught by Christ, reminding the lost of their condition? The kiss of charity may seem difficult to practice but is a warm sign of fellowship and brotherhood at appropriate times.

God’s love is the key that unites the members of the church of God. Love prompts us to deny ourselves and compels us to submit to the doctrines of the church. The doctrines are not a wall that hems us in. They are an important part of the green pasture and still waters that provide a safe place. When we are able to understand their true value, we will treasure them within our heart and embrace them.

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our heart is imperative. When Jesus left this earth, the Holy Spirit was sent to be our Guide and Comforter. He is faithful in warning us in times of temptation and warming our heart as we are faithful. The direction of the Spirit will always agree with true doctrine. He will, as Jesus told his disciples, guide us into all truth. There have been times when changing social values have become a challenge, and some doctrines were considered unnecessary or undesirable. The Lord has, at times, asked the church to address these deviations, and through his grace, together with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the doctrines have been reaffirmed.

Parents, are we affirming the doctrines through word and obedience? Are we providing a good example for those who follow? Do we truly appreciate and love the faith handed down to us? It takes self-denial and humility to be obedient.

One responsibility of ministers and deacons is to teach doctrine as prompted and inspired by the Holy Spirit. They should be approachable and able to answer questions from every age level.

Youth, take advantage of the opportunity to study Bible Doctrine and Practice and learn what you, as a Christian and member of the church, have promised to uphold in your baptismal vow. Often the youth are the most visible members of the church and are an example of the believers. Your speech must be pure and your actions salted with Christian virtue. Your obedience and faithfulness speak to those observing.

How important is pure doctrine in everyday life? Examples could be given of churches that have failed to maintain the doctrines in their entirety. When John Holdeman left the old Mennonite church, it was not because the church had left or neglected all the doctrines. He did so because the church was weak in three areas: the neglect of the scriptural doctrine of avoidance, baptisms without a conversion experience, and a great lack of child training. The leaders were unable or unwilling to bring the church back to its foundational beliefs.

Sound doctrine will be evident in daily practice. Does our lifestyle portray an understanding of faith? Do we live the way we do because of the “rules” or because we love the Lord and his Bride? The Lord has done so much for us. His Son, Jesus, was sacrificed, and his blood was shed for our sins. The church was established, and we have been given the opportunity to be a part of it. Our faithfulness as members is a mark of the true church.

A warm smile or kind words portray the love that makes Christian life attractive. “Are you adorning the doctrine, And making attractive the way?” Will others see Christ in you? “So when the world looks upon you Nothing but Christ is in view?” 2 May God give us the wisdom and courage to understand and maintain all the doctrines of his church so that we will be a living witness of the faith.

Questions

1. What are the effects of considering a doctrine as not too important?
2. What should be done when we don’t understand a doctrine?
3. Are there doctrines the youth find difficult to understand?
4. 1 Martyr’s Mirror, p. 365
5. 2 Charles W. Naylor, “Are You Adorning the Doctrine?” Christian Hymnal

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).