He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. – Titus 1:9
Standards are essential—everyone needs them. Cooks rely on a teaspoon of baking soda being truly a teaspoon, just as truckers trust that a gallon of diesel fuel is actually a gallon. The necessity for accuracy in weights and measures was observed by John Quincy Adams in the early 1800s at a time when they lacked uniformity. He said, “Weights and measures may be ranked among the necessaries of life, to every individual of human society. They enter into the economical arrangements and daily concerns of every family. They are necessary to every occupation of human industry; to the distribution and security of every species of property; to every transaction of trade and commerce…”
Imagine the chaos that would exist if every person had his or her own “truth” about the size of a pound of ground beef. You would not accept that. Yet, many followers of Christ have become accepting of others’ beliefs about moral issues, the worldview, and what the Bible has to say. There are deep divisions in America, and many of them center on moral issues—issues about which the Bible has set clear standards.
President Ulysses S. Grant said, “Hold fast to the Bible as the sheet-anchor of our liberties; write its precepts on your hearts and practice them in your lives. To the influence of this book we are indebted for the progress made in true civilization, and to this we must look for our guide in the future.” In today’s verse, Paul tells Titus this is especially true for leaders and teachers in the church. However, every believer should cling to God’s standards, without apology, being ready to defend them when challenged. “Rebuke those” who contradict the Word, today’s verse says. Theologian Dr. G. Campbell Morgan said, “There are forms of evil which require the surgeon’s knife. The reason for the severity is that the highest purposes of love may be realized.” Stand for what is true and do not waver. Pray for pastors, teachers, elders, and others who are held to this high standard.
Today’s Verse: Titus 1:9
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Titus 1:7-13
7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
