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”?

1. 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.

2. 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.

What to do Now?

By Jeff Curtis

     Well, we have had our first Gospel Meeting of the year. I have missed Gospel Meetings for several reasons. 1) As Brother Weliever pointed out in his blog, “The Preacher’s Word,” there is the fellowship that we have with those who have the same goal of heaven in mind. 2) There is the singing, praying and worship. You may say, “Well, we have those without a Gospel Meeting.” Yes, but with a Gospel Meeting, we can have fellowship with Christians from other locations. We lift up our voices, our prayers and worship our Father with other Christians. It is refreshing, to be those of like precious faith from other locations. Four different counties were represented in those who visited. To know that we are not alone in our efforts to grow the kingdom is a great encouragement to me. 3) A Gospel Meeting is reprieve from the world. Again, we had visitors from other congregations. We had visitors every single service. This was such an encouragement to me and hopefully to each one of you.

      But, what do we do with the efforts brought about by the elders for bring Brother Weliever to be with us this past weekend? Is there more to a Gospel Meeting than just attending, singing, praying, and worshipping together? Is there work still to be done even after the meeting is over?  Absolutely! But what is it? What do we do now?

      First, we must continue to grow from the messages that were brought this past weekend. Brother Weliever brought some very encouraging lessons, and we need those. We need to continue to study on what he taught this past week.

      Second, we need to continue to invite our neighbors. We don’t need to think that the only time our neighbors need the Gospel is only during a Gospel Meeting. Do you only need the Gospel occasionally? Neither do our neighbors. We need to look at the Gospel Meeting like a B12 shot. We need to continue to work on the messages we have heard. Peter tells us; “¹⁷ You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; ¹⁸ but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2Peter 3:17-18, NKJV).

     We need to continue to read and study and grow. Now that the meeting is over people may think things will get back to normal. What is normal for a Christian? Normal, is that we continue to study; “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2Timothy 2:15, KJV).

     My prayer is that we will use this as an opportunity to help not only ourselves but also the church at Eastside to grow. If we expect growth within the church, we must first grow ourselves. The meeting this past week is an excellent place to start.

    Finally, let me say something to the parents of young children. I really and truly appreciate your efforts during this meeting. I KNOW the strain put on you when a Gospel meeting takes place. Getting the kids ready, having them sit through another service. They get tired and are easily irritable, they may begin to fuss, they may even fall asleep during the services. They may have home-work, you have all this to do and still have them at the building on time for services. You are a great source of encouragement for me personally. I KNOW what it’s like to be in your shoes and so do the other parents.

     You are not only a source of encouragement, but set a godly example to your children. Teaching them that the worship of God and assembling with Saints is important. You are also an encouragement to other parents who have small children and school age children. Keep up the good work. Great will be your reward in heaven.