The Encourager
“Adorning the Doctrine”
Adorning the Doctrine
By Jeff Curtis
Titus chapter 2 has been called “one of the gems of the entire New Testament.” In the first part of this chapter, Paul gave instructions to different people in the church. He gave this reason for his directions: so, Christians would “adorn the doctrine” (2:1-10).
We should note that the idea of “adorning the doctrine” doesn’t mean we are capable of making God’s doctrine more beautiful. Since it’s from God, His teaching is already beautiful and beyond compare. There is no way any of us could improve on the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) or the chapter on love (1Corinthians 13).
In what way, then, can we “adorn the doctrine”?
- We can help people understand what the Bible teaches. Jesus in His “Great Commission,” commanded His disciples to “go” and to “teach” (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). We are disciples today are obligated to share the “good news” and make an effort to bring people to Christ.
In bringing people to Christ, we can teach them the Gospel and help them to see and appreciate the beauty of God as this message is put into practice in their lives.
- We sing a song in our hymnal on page 620; “Room in the Kingdom.” This song lets us know there are any number of things that we can do to help the kingdom of God to grow.
There are any number of things we can do to help the kingdom to grow at Eastside. When it comes to “doing” for the work of the church, we as individuals, are our own worst enemies. We get in our own heads and discourage ourselves to the point where we are convinced, we can’t do anything to help the church or others to grow. Time will not allow us to look at all the things we can do. We need to set aside (sacrifice) some time to get to work. It only takes just a minute to send a card, to send a text, to send an email.
We may think we don’t have time, or that someone else is more qualified. These things may seem insignificant to you. They’re too small, what does it really matter. But, you know, when this virus first hit, Brother Danny Law stood and made a statement. He said, “This doesn’t mean much unless it hits close to home.”
It is very similar to sending a small note to someone who is missing, for whatever reason. It may seem silly, times consuming or unnecessary, until you need a card with a message from a brother or sister in Christ, trying to encourage and help to strengthen you spiritually.
In the final chapter of Titus, Paul includes one of the most profound and beautiful passages in the Bible. These verses have been called, “the essence of the Gospel.” In chapter 3:1, Paul “reminds them… to be ready for every good deed.” Then in 3:8, he said, “speak confidently, so they will be careful to engage in good deeds.”
First Paul gave examples of “what” good deeds are (3:1,2). Then he gave the theological basis for “why” Christians are to do good deeds (3:3-7). Paul closed the letter with his final instructions for Titus in 3:8-16. Here we learn that Titus was limited in the time he had to accomplish his task. We, too, are limited in the time we have to accomplish our task. This world will end someday, and how will answer about missed opportunities. There is room in the kingdom, for the small things you can do. Now, go and do them.
