Paul starts chapter 2 with a general exhortation to Titus: in contrast to the false, corrupt teachers of chapter 1, he says, "You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine." We might expect Paul to elaborate on this point by discussing some of the finer points of theology or explaining issues such as sovereignty vs. free will or mode of baptism; we spend much of our energy in churches and seminaries wrestling over these topics, and they are what come to mind when someone mentions "doctrine".
But Paul subverts our expectations: instead of telling Titus how to teach the concept of the Trinity, he instructs Titus to teach various groups of people how to behave in relationships with one another. Here, and throughout the Bible, it is clear that "sound doctrine" does not mean simply dry, academic theories and propositions. Sound doctrine is a life lived in the righteousness of Jesus by the power of the Spirit. Sound doctrine is relationships that reflect the limitless generosity and love of God. Sound doctrine is when we participate in His Kingdom by loving, forgiving, and communing with one another, thereby showing the world the One to whom we belong. In the Bible, sound doctrine is always inextricably linked to sound relationships and a sound life.
More to the point, it is not enough to mentally assent to a set of propositions that state facts about the world--we must live out the doctrine we say we believe. I had a professor once who was fond of saying, "What you believe determines how you behave--and, ultimately, who you become." If I say I believe that I should forgive my husband when he is rude to me, but when he offends me I sulk over it and hold it against him later, do I really believe in forgiving? Of course not! My behavior comes out of my true beliefs about how the world works, and my belief on this matter is that I have a right to be treated well and, if that doesn't happen, I have a right to punish the offender as I see fit. Only when my beliefs have truly changed can my behavior genuinely begin to reflect Jesus. This is why Paul says in Romans that we must allow God to transform us through a process of mental renewal. And as our minds are renewed, awakened to God's truth, our sound doctrine will show up in how we relate to others and how we live our lives.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
... so, i basically feel like i've wasted hundreds of hours studying "doctrine". I've been doing the very thing Paul warned against in worrying about the finer points of the law and ignoring the big picture. What good is a thorough theology if I don't live actively loving other people? None, hence, much wasted time among other things.
ReplyDelete