There are some words that sound old and dusty—words that have fallen out of common use like, prithee, bibliopole, pythoness, or leman. Sound doctrine is a phrase that is getting very dusty, like those afore mentioned hoary locutions. It is falling out of popularity to even talk about doctrine as it presupposes a moral standard. Sound is associated more with your cell phone and not reasoning. Paul told Titus, “speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Sound doctrine literally means healthy teaching. That is something of which we are in great need.
Titus was admonished to give them the information needed to be spiritually healthy in Titus chapter two. Paul gives similar instructions to other congregations. If we are striving to be in a healthy relationship with God, these would be some instructions we should heed.
Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance (Titus 2:2).
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good (Titus 2:3).
So that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored (Titus 2:4-5).
Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us (Titus 2:6-8).
Urge bond slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect (Titus 2:9-10).
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age (Titus 2:11-12).
Paul concludes this section of his letter to Titus reminding him of the price that was paid to “redeem us from every lawless deed” (Titus 2:14a). In doing this, He has purified a people for Himself that should be “zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14b). Healthy teaching leads us to a healthy spiritual life full of zeal for the work of the Lord. Are we lacking zeal? If we are, we may need to check on our spiritual diet. Dust off some the healthier things and make them a part of who we are, and the good works will follow.