Today’s devotion comes from Titus 2:1-5.
“But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” Titus 2:1-5.
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What are the fruit of sound doctrine?
Or, in other words, what does sound doctrine look like?
Verses 2-5 answer these questions.
In summary, sound doctrine is “temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.” Verse 2.
Sound doctrine is “reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good”. Verse 3.
Sound doctrine is loving to spouse and children. It is “sensible, pure, workers at home, kind”. Wives are “subject to their own husbands”. Verses 4-5.
The goal of this sound doctrine behavior is “that the word of God will not be dishonored.” Verse 5.
For those who think sound doctrine is just dry academic theological study, today’s Scripture refutes such thought.
Likewise, we read elsewhere in Scripture the importance of godliness in sound doctrine.
“If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.” 1 Timothy 6:3-6.
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:13-18.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 