Practicalogy
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine . . . . (Titus 2:1 NKJV)
We've examined the importance of sound doctrine. Now Paul gives us an understanding of what its application should look like:
. . . that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded . . . . (Titus 2:2-6 NKJV)
This list is a little surprising. Paul didn't tell Titus to give his congregation a stack of homework on all the 'ologies' of Scripture. Instead, he told Titus to teach the people doctrine that would have a practical impact. The older men were to be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in their faith, loving, and patient. The older women were to be reverent and admonish the younger women in godly things. And the young men were to be sober-minded. You can't help but notice the practicality of this doctrine.
That's how Bible doctrine ought to be used. It shouldn't be trapped between the pages of dust-covered books stacked in an ancient library. No, sound doctrine is supposed to be on display in our everyday lives. The world should look on at our deeds and want what we have. Christianity doesn't just make for good commentaries and reference books; it actually works in the real world.
I appreciate the proper place for the scholarly study of subjects, such as soteriology (the study of salvation), angelology (the study of angels), and pneumatology (the study of the Person and work of the Holy Spirit). But at the same time, I pray we will always remember that the goal of studying the Bible is a transformed character, not an enlightened intellect.
DIG - How should Bible doctrine be used?
DISCOVER - How has your understanding of doctrine translated into your daily conduct?
DISPLAY - Ask God to transform your heart (not just your mind) each time you study His Word.
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At the age of 24, Bob Coy left a coveted position in the music industry to serve as an associate pastor with Calvary Chapel of Las Vegas. In 1985, Bob and his wife, Diane, moved to Fort Lauderdale and began Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale. As senior pastor, he has become well known for his unique style in expounding the Scriptures, making them come alive and relate to those of us living in the 21st century. His teaching style emphasizes the believer's "life application" of the highest standards of God's truth while his delivery captures the loving heart of God's Spirit.
Pastor Bob has had the rare privilege of watching God's miraculous hand move in the individual lives of those in the fellowship as well as the corporate body as a whole. From the first meeting in a living room with four in attendance, Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale has now become home to over 17,000 men and women from the tri-county area, and ranks as the eighth largest church in the country. Though many have tried to attribute its rapid growth to numerous reasons, no one is more surprised by the phenomenon than Pastor Bob, who gives total credit and all the glory to God alone.
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