Elders must Hold to Right Doctrine
Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
In other words, an elder much have fortitude in holding to the message of which the Bible teaches. There are those who don't have this fortitude which reflects deep conviction, esteeming the Word of God above opinions of man. This is particularly necessary among those of religious office, where there is such temptation to become conceited and so modify the message to accommodate whatever pleases people.
The measure of good teaching is not whether it makes people feel good, but rather whether it is in fact sound - conforming to the Bible's intended meaning and application. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2Tim 3:16,17
"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." 2Tim 4:2-4
2Cor 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
In other words, an elder much have fortitude in holding to the message of which the Bible teaches. There are those who don't have this fortitude which reflects deep conviction, esteeming the Word of God above opinions of man. This is particularly necessary among those of religious office, where there is such temptation to become conceited and so modify the message to accommodate whatever pleases people.
The measure of good teaching is not whether it makes people feel good, but rather whether it is in fact sound - conforming to the Bible's intended meaning and application. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2Tim 3:16,17
"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." 2Tim 4:2-4
2Cor 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."
