Sound

Titus 2:1 (ESV) But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.

Five times int he Pastoral epistles Paul uses the phrase, "But as for you" right after describing the evil ways of the world.  Here's another one.  

The word "Sound" in greek is the word from which we get "hygiene" from.  It means to be healthy.  When it comes to teaching, the teaching needs to be "healthy."  I like that.  

Health is maintained by one particular attribute above all else: Balance.

You eat, but you balance your diet.
You balance your time, not over doing it.
You balance your relationships, knowing when to say no and yes.
You balance your energy.  Taking rest, and giving your all when necessary.

This is true when it comes to teaching, Paul says, keep it balanced.  Keep it balanced doctrine.  Too much of one sort of food can be bad for you.  Too much of one emphasis in the Bible can do damage to the body as well.  Paul was all for teaching the "whole counsel of God."  He didn't keep anything out, and he didn't over emphasize one thing over the other.  

We preachers are known for our favorite topics.  But we can't play favorites with God's Word.  The whole thing is good for you, even the parts that go down like brussel sprouts.  

Notice this admonition for sound doctrine comes right after the description of the godless: Titus 1:16 (ESV) They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Notice Paul calls them "unfit".  Hmmm.... that seems like someone who is not healthy!  

When you're not keeping a daily balanced diet in the Word of God, you get out of shape, and your testimony is rocked.  Let God feed you the whole counsel.  It's a great way to stay in shape.

PRAYER:
Father, keep me from playing favorites with Your Word.  Help me to let it speak to me.  To be unashamed in teaching the totality of its emphasis.  I ask you for help, Holy Spirit in this area as I typically do a lot of topical living and preaching.  Keep me grounded.  In Jesus' Name.

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