Exhort in Sound Doctrine Greg Weston One of the works of an elder is to "exhort in sound doctrine" (Titus 1:9). The phrase ‘sound doctrine’ simply means ‘healthy teaching’. The elder must know sound doctrine and have the ability to exhort others in sound doctrine. Sound doctrine includes all of the New Testament. We must have all the teaching, and not just part of it. To exhort in sound doctrine is to be able to proclaim God and his Son, Jesus the Christ. It is the ability to demonstrate how one becomes a Christian. Sound doctrine teaches us how the church is organized, how we worship, and how we live. For the congregation to grow, each member needs to grow. The elders have charge of the growth of the congregation and the responsibility of making certain the saints are fed a balanced spiritual diet. Elders do not stand alone in this responsibility. The preacher is to preach the word (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul’s actions are the preacher’s example. As Paul did, preachers are to preach the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). Our sermon schedules should reflect proper balance. And, we should review our own schedules to adjust where necessary so that we do not hold back anything that is profitable (Acts 20:20). Preachers and elders must work together to provide sound doctrine for the congregation. Love, mercy, grace, justice, wrath, and holy living all have a part in sound doctrine. Through sermons, Bible classes, written materials, and personal teaching these truths of God can be taught. But just as we recognize the need for elders and preachers to provide the sound teaching, so we need every member to desire those truths of God. Learning when taught and continued study at home demonstrate that hunger. The growth disciples make is the fruit of that hunger, and evidence that the disciple is being fed. Elders - exhort in sound doctrine. Preachers - preach the word. Every disciple - earnestly desire to know all of God’s will.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:58:59 +0000
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