"Adorn The Doctrine Of God"

Titus 2:I0

All practical religion must have as its basis sound doctrine. Our conduct as believers ought to be the result of what we believe. A jeweler takes his diamonds, rubies, and precious stones, his necklaces, bracelets, and rings of gold and places them upon a blanket of velvet to adorn their beauty. Such is the illustration of Paul's exhortation. When he tells us to "adorn the doctrine of God," his meaning is that we should set forth the beauty of the gospel by a life dominated by it.

The doctrine which we must adorn is the doctrine of the gospel, the doctrine of "the grace of God that bringeth salvation." All other doctrines are proper in their place. But eschatology, ecclesiology, and epistimology will never affect the lives of men. It is the doctrine of Christ and Him crucified which changes the lives of men. No one can truly receive the doctrines of salvation by Christ in his heart, without it changing his life. The gospel is the transforming power of God.

How can we adorn this gospel? Paul gives specific illustrations to men, women, and servants. Believing the gospel, we ought to conduct ourselves in the various relations of life according to the Spirit of Christ. Generally, we might summarize his exhortation in this manner - Do you believe the gospel? Then live before men in humility. Do not be easily provoked and offended. Rather, be submissive. Walk before God in faith. Trust Him in providence, as well as in salvation. Learn to control your tongue. Use it not for slander, gossip, and backbiting, but for edification. Walk before men in love. Love your brethren. Love your enemies. Above all, love your Redeemer. And live in truth and sincerity before God and men.

These are the things that become "practical godliness". And the way to secure these practical things, we do not whip men with the law, threaten them with punishment, or bribe them with rewards. We simply proclaim the doctrine of God.

Don Fortner