Exhort the young men to be sober-minded

Titus 2:7-8

“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.”

Verse 6, gives me the title, “Exhort the young men to be sober minded.” Then the Apostle established the context.  Young Timothy is instructed to be the pattern, not just the example, of good works.  Jesus’ indictment against the Pharisees was “they say and do not” (Matt. 23:3).  So the “pattern” must be one who practices what he preaches or teaches.  Paul wanted the young men, as all believers, to think very seriously about this.  It is not enough to be good teachers, we must be good patterns.

Paul’s primary concern was about “doctrine” and “sound speech.”  Doctrine relates to the teachings of Scripture and “sound speech” to the clarity of one’s communication.  Choose your words wisely is always a good admonition.  A young man had miss-spoken, but then responded  “Oh, you know what I mean.”  The truth is they don’t know what he means.  They only know what he said.  If one does not choose his words wisely, he will be easily misunderstood. 

Paul warns, in doctrinal matters the speaker must show integrity, reverence, and incorruptibility. .  In sound speech, one is to speak in such a way that he can not be condemned or even accused, for what he says. The reason is that your speech reveals how you believe and feel in your heart, for out of the heart flow the issues of life, the Bible says.  Doctrinal matters, too often are not determined by the clear teachings of the Bible, but are the ideas and feelings of mere men.

For example, religious feelings are often considered to be holiness.  However the Bible considers holiness as totally His, as belonging fully to Him.  It is revealed in our purity, integrity, obedience, purpose, conversation and beliefs.  It is not a feeling, although many feelings may be real and present in true holiness.  Holiness is revealed in our “sound speech.”  Holiness is daily in our life-style and speech, revealing the God we belong to and who indwells us.  True Holiness will be seen and heard.  We will become a “pattern” for others to understand and to copy in their life.

Good thoughts are not the same as good conduct which is the result of good thoughts.  And being good is not the same as doing good.  Too many feel that if I do nothing bad, then I am good.  Doing good is an intentional action.  It requires a choice followed by deliberate action as directed by our Lord.  It is obedience to the One who is good.  Our life and words must reveal the truth about Him.  We must be sound in doctrine and sound in speech if any other person is to understand and believe.