Christ and His Sound Doctrine

"Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine." -Titus 2:1 [KJV]

“Like people, like priest,” is a Scripture adage, (Hosea 4:9.) Professors generally possess the same ideas of the minister they sit under. Our Lord advises, “Take heed what you hear,” (Mark 4:24.) The seeds of all heresies are in our nature; they are sooner learned than sound doctrine. Hence Paul’s jealousy of, and advice to Titus. He was not only to preach sound doctrine, but the things also which become it. Sound doctrine is to be highly prized, yet it is not to be alone. Good as it is, to have a sound judgment in the doctrines of grace, yet we are ever to consider, they are all according to, and tend to promote godliness. 

They are all of a practical and experimental nature: productive of love in the heart, and holiness in the life. Many err here. Some make little of sound doctrine. They cry out, Away with your doctrines, give us practical holiness. These cast contempt upon the word of truth, and impeach the wisdom of the Spirit of truth, in revealing the doctrines of the grace of the everlasting covenant. However they may talk of Christ, yet they lightly esteem the truth as it is in Him. 

From such turn away. “For the law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple: the statutes (or doctrines) of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes,” etc. (Psalm 19:7, 8.) 

Again, there are others, who think and speak of nothing but doctrines. They care nothing about the things which become sound doctrine, such as a self denying life, a holy walk, a careful abstaining from the very appearance of evil, living in the exercise of spiritual grace, and in the discharge of every Christian duty, striving to “adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things,” (Titus 2:10.) 

Alas! it is common to see such. Like the wild ass, they snuff up the wind of doctrine, bray it over, while their hearts are as cold and dead to spiritual communion with Christ, and the life and power of godliness, as the world which lieth in wickedness. Beware of such. Christianity is life, as well as truth. The gospel is to be experienced in its power, as well as believed in its word. 

Christ is to be lived upon by faith, and lived to by love, as well as talked of with the tongue. O let us not be content with a form of sound words in our heads: but let us cry earnestly and constantly to our Lord for the life and power of them in our hearts, to influence our lives; so shall we, from precious, heart-felt experience joyfully say, “truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ,” 1 John 1:3.

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)