Titus Chapter 2

The doctrine and salvation 

For many of us in the True Jesus Church, the word “doctrine” would likely evoke the phrase “basic doctrines”. Consequently, we might recall (or not) that our basic doctrines are Water Baptism, Holy Spirit, Holy Communion, Foot Washing, and the Holy Sabbath. But this is not all there is to the word “doctrine”.

Titus 2 uses the word “doctrine” thrice.

• “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Tit 2:1)
• “Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, … in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility” (Tit 2:6-7)
• “Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their masters … showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” (Tit 2:9-10)

From these three verses, we see that God’s doctrine is broader than what we know as the basic doctrines. The doctrine is God’s teachings and instructions (Jn 7:16-17). The doctrine is His prescription for us to be set free from sin. By following God’s doctrine, we become righteous and holy, and we are hence convicted that everlasting life is ours (Rom 6:17, 19, 22). 

The LORD desires to see our faith in action, not our faith in hibernation or disintegration. This means living out God’s doctrine by doing what He teaches. When others look at us, they see God’s glorious identity and instructions woven in the very fabric of our lives. This is what it means to adorn God’s doctrine.

How we obey (or disobey) God’s doctrine reflects our level of desire for salvation. Paul reminds Titus that the two are intimately linked:

“denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Tit 2:13)

As believers who yearn to return to our loving God in heaven, from having a carnal heart, we must move to having a spiritual heart. Just because we read, explain or preach the word of God does not mean we have a spiritual heart. Rather, a spiritual heart has a faith that is devoutly modelled on God’s doctrine.

It is easy to proclaim that we love our God. But do we keep His doctrine—all His teachings? Let us not deceive ourselves: to love God is to keep His commandments (1 Jn 5:3). 

If we find God’s doctrine dry, restrictive or unnecessary, we must repent and seek our good and gracious God for strength. God, You desire me to be saved. Open my spiritual eyes to see the beauty of Your commandments. I am interested in salvation! Please forgive me, teach me, and lead me home into eternal life. 

Ask God to help you break through this glass ceiling in your faith. Because He loves you, and He will. 

Reflection questions:

1. On a scale of 1-10, how will I rate my level of desire to obey God’s doctrine?
2. Have I been making any excuses to justify my disobedience to God? What verses can I use to thwart my excuse-making?
3. What is one of God’s teachings I have been struggling to keep? How will I focus on obeying it this week?

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