Teaching has more to do with living than talking

Scripture Read: Titus 2:6–8 Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, 7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us.

Application: I remember a statement that really caught my attention – it was about a teacher that sounded good but really said nothing and was a terrible example of what he claimed we should be. After he spoke a person said “Big cloud, Big thunder – No rain!” This can be true if all we are is talk – notice Paul states “show” when he is talking about teaching – the words he uses to describe what we should show are interesting …

Integrity - The ἀφθορία mentioned in Tt. 2:7 also belongs to this sphere. It is used with σεμνότης to describe the moral attitude of Titus, who will not let himself be led astray; it refers, then, to his conduct relative to teachers and teaching. We are not to think in terms of the impregnability against false teaching that Titus is establishing in the churches, nor in terms of doctrine safeguarded by the truth,⁴² but rather of innocence in the sense of not being, or not able to be, corrupted. In other words, what is described is the disposition of Titus. ^[1] 

Dignity - σεμνότης semnótēs;  Decency, dignity, seriousness. Aristotle defined semnótēs as the average of virtue that lies between two extremes, authádeia (n.f.), arrogance, (related to authádēs [829], arrogant), and aréskeia (699), pleasure, (the subst. of aréskō [700], to please, or an ignoble attempt to please everybody, the endeavoring at all costs of dignity and truth to stand well with all the world). Therefore, semnótēs stands between caring to please nobody and endeavoring at all costs to please everybody. It is the ability not only to perform well one’s duties as a citizen, but also to adhere to the highest principles and ideals of earth and heaven, and thus drawing respect and approval. See 1 Tim. 2:2; 3:4; Titus 2:7.^[2]

Sound 3. In 1 Tim. 1:10; 6:3; Tit. 2:8 we find the idea of “sound” teaching or words. The reference is to true teaching, not to teaching that makes whole. This teaching, validated by the apostles, is concerned, not with speculation, but with true, rational, and proper life in the world. Being “sound in faith” (Tit. 1:13) goes hand in hand with being temperate, serious, and sensible (2:2).^[3]

It amazes me how often we allow that, which does not matter so much, dominate us, while that which does matter very much is ignored. I believe we are called to teach absolute sound and pure Biblical Doctrine and there can be no compromise in this matter. However, as we are reminded in this passage, there cannot be a disconnect between our head and our feet. True doctrine – according to Paul as he states to Titus:  Doctrine that is “sound” based on “integrity” & “dignity”, must be connected to how we live, not just what we know or say. This must be a part of our daily walk: Integrity - a commitment to not be corrupted in our teaching, this is so important in light of today’s message which many times is based more on what is popular than what is Truth. Dignity - which means we care not what men think of our content, only God matters. While at the same time we do care of HOW our message is delivered, trying to bridge to various groups. Soundness – our life affirms our teaching! Father are we living what we teach or is it just talk? Do a heart check right now!

* Meditation Questions: Do I make it a habit to “practice what I preach”? Could people watch how you live and know what you believe? Do you focus on learning the principles of how to live given in the scriptures? Do you spend a lot of time debating over issues that are left unclear in scripture?

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Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.

Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (1995). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (1202–1203). Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.