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Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself [to be] a pattern of good works; in doctrine [showing] integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Titus 2:6-8
In today’s verses, Paul addressed Titus, his partner and fellow worker (2 Corinthians 8:23), telling him about the importance of the older generation teaching the younger one. But they were to go beyond teaching. They were to display a pattern of good works, showing integrity, reverence, and incorruptibility in their doctrine—so much so that even an opponent might not have anything to say against them.
Doctrinal integrity doesn’t mean perfection. It simply means living out truth as best you understand it, without walking in contradiction. If you know anger to be a sin, and you teach it as such, but everybody knows you as a hothead, that’s the type of inconsistency that signals to the next generation that you don’t really believe what you’re saying. It also shows that your doctrine lacks power.
If you’re older, say forty-five years of age or more, are you teaching younger men in the faith? Do they see inconsistencies in your life, or do they see a repentant heart? If you’re younger, how quick are you to accept the teaching of the older generation while acknowledging your own weaknesses?
In today’s verses, Paul addressed Titus, his partner and fellow worker (2 Corinthians 8:23), telling him about the importance of the older generation teaching the younger one. But they were to go beyond teaching. They were to display a pattern of good works, showing integrity, reverence, and incorruptibility in their doctrine—so much so that even an opponent might not have anything to say against them.
Doctrinal integrity doesn’t mean perfection. It simply means living out truth as best you understand it, without walking in contradiction. If you know anger to be a sin, and you teach it as such, but everybody knows you as a hothead, that’s the type of inconsistency that signals to the next generation that you don’t really believe what you’re saying. It also shows that your doctrine lacks power.
If you’re older, say forty-five years of age or more, are you teaching younger men in the faith? Do they see inconsistencies in your life, or do they see a repentant heart? If you’re younger, how quick are you to accept the teaching of the older generation while acknowledging your own weaknesses?