How Are We to Teach with Courage and Conviction?

Thusly, we would now be able to anticipate Christ's arrival with anticipation and expectation. In addition, while we are waiting for Christ’s triumphant return, we are to teach with courage and conviction.

The Directions of Titus

In many places of worship, there are individuals of all ages. This makes the congregation solid, however, it additionally brings the potential for issues. So, Paul gave counsel to Titus on the best way to help different sorts of individuals.

The more seasoned individuals (the spiritually mature) ought to teach newly saved individuals by words and actions. All Christians ought to live respectfully, opposing the agnostic impacts of their way of life as well as false teaching.

Notice the accentuation of “sound doctrine” in these directions to Titus. This is the substance of the faith.

Christians should be grounded in Scripture, then, they will not be influenced by the strong speech of false teachers, the obliteration of disastrous conditions, or wide swings of feeling.

We are to gain proficiency with the Word through the study of the Word, apply scriptural standards to our lives, and do what we have learned.

For the women, those who were new Christians were to understand how to have congruity in the home by watching more established ladies who had been Christians for quite a while.

Assuming we are of an age or position where some individuals look up to us, can we be absolutely sure that our model is inspiring new Christians to behave in such that brings honor to God?

For the men of Titus’ congregation. This counsel given to young men was vital. In antiquated Greek society, the job of the husband and father was not seen as a sustaining job yet, only a working job.

Numerous young men today have been brought up in families where the dad ignored his obligations to his family.

Some of the husbands and fathers who are genuine illustrations of Christians living in their families are critical, good examples for young men who need to perceive the way things are accomplished other than to be advised on how to get it done.

Paul encouraged Titus to be a genuine guide to everyone around him so others could see his good behavior and emulate him. His life would give his words a more prominent effect.

Assuming we believe that we always represent Christ in our daily lives, we should be certain that we live that way ourselves. Then we will acquire the privilege to be heard.

Paul directed Titus to be reasonable and sensible (“sound”) in his discussions and to refrain from disparagement. Such discussion comes from cautious Bible review and the ability to listen prior to teaching.

This is particularly significant while instructing or encountering others about moral or spiritual issues. In the event that we are rash, nonsensical, and confounding, we are probably going to begin contentions instead of persuading people about the truth of the gospel.

Slavery was normal during Paul’s time. He did not condone slavery in any of his letters, however, he encouraged slaves and their masters to be cherishing and dependable in their behavior toward one another (Ephesians 6:5-9). He even encouraged Philemon to set his slave, Onesimus, free, and he did!

The principles set by Paul apply to any worker and business relationship. Employees ought to continuously take care of their best responsibilities and be dependable, not only when their bosses are watching.

Assuming that all Christian workers heed Paul's guidance, what a change it would make in our general public today.

Teaching with Courage and Conviction

Paul told Titus to not only teach the scriptures but to live them as well. We are also to teach, encourage, and give correction. How are we to teach the Word?

Albeit good teachings happen in study halls and little gatherings, a large part of the teaching Paul alludes to should be done in the “classroom” of individual and family connections.

Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly (2 Timothy 2:16).

The teaching of grace and salvation of the gospel is for all people, regardless of their ethnic origin or the color of their skin. The gospel teaches us to deny sin and to live righteously, for we are no longer under the law but grace (Romans 6:12-14).

It instructs us to abandon sin, to have no more to do with it. We are to deny wickedness and common desires, put off the old conversation (Ephesians 4:22), the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).

Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

We are to live soberly, righteously, and godly. We do this by caring and doing good for one another (1 Corinthians 10:24, 12:25) and doing what is right for God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Whatever we do in and out of the church building or within the church body should be for the glory and honor of God (Ephesians 4:12).

We must look to God in Christ as the object of our hope and worship. In doing so, we look for the glories of another world, that heavenly home. At, and in, the glorious appearing of Christ, the blessed hope of Christians will be complete to bring us to holiness.

Christ’s first appearance was in payment for justice, His second coming will be in His glory and majesty (Hebrews 9:28). Christ is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1), and without Him, man would be miserable (1 Corinthians 15:19).

But it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel (2 Timothy 1:10).

Christ loved us and gave Himself for us, and what we must do is to love and surrender ourselves to Him. Redemption from sin and purification go together and make a peculiar people for God. We are free from guilt and condemnation.

Christ purchased our salvation by giving himself as a ransom (1 Timothy 2:6) and sanctified us (John 10:17-19). Christ suffered for our sins (1 Peter 3:18) by making Himself to be sin so that we might be made righteous (2 Corinthians 5:21).

What Does This Mean?

We should speak only of and from God’s Word, not our own (1 Peter 4:11). Having an opinion is one thing, but what does the Word of God, the Holy Bible, say about any subject?

Granted, one person may interpret the Word differently from someone else, but we must look at the basics of the gospel.

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

For further reading:

What Are the Basics of Jesus’ Teaching?

What Does the Bible Say about Conviction?

How Do We Find the Encouragement to Proceed in Faith?

What Did God Mean ‘Be Strong and Courageous’?

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Chris Swanson answered the call into the ministry over 20 years ago. He has served as a Sunday School teacher, a youth director along with his wife, a music director, an associate pastor, and an interim pastor. He is a retired Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman with over 30 years of combined active and reserve service. You can contact Chris here, and check out his work here.

This article originally appeared on Christianity.com. For more faith-building resources, visit Christianity.com.