WHAT MAKES A SOUND CHURCH?

PART ONE: SOUND DOCTRINE

TITUS 2:1 – 8

INTRODUCTION:

1. The word “sound” has this meaning: “healthy, that is, well (in body); figuratively true (in doctrine): - sound, whole. to have sound health, that is, be well (in body); figuratively to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine): - be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole (-some).

2. This “sound” appears some five times in the book of Titus alone: a book wherein HEALTHY, UNCORRUPT TEACHING IS THE NECESSITY WITHIN THE CHURCH AT CRETE.

a. QUALIFICATION OF ELDERS – TITUS 1: 6 - 14

b. TITUS 3:8 – 15

3. IT SEEMS EVIDENT THAT THE MAKING OF A SOUND CHURCH REQUIRES SOUND DOCTRINE.

I. NOTING THE DOCTRINE

A The astonishing quality of the DOCTRINE OF CHRIST

1. MATTHEW 7: 28 – 29

2. REBUKING THE SADDUCEES -- MATTHEW 22: 23 – 33

3. Mar_11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

B JESUS’ EXPLANATION OF HIS DOCTRINE

1. JOHN 7:16 – 18

2. JOHN 18: 19 – 23

II. THE DOCTRINE OF THE APOSTLES

A Acts 2:42

B Acts 4: 16 – 20

C This doctrine continued to astound hearers

1. Acts 13:12 – After via Paul, Elymas the sorcerer was blinded -- Act 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

2. 1 Ti_4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

3. 1Ti_4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

III. SOUND DOCTRINE STANDS WHILE DOCTRINES OF MEN FAIL

A As a rule, if you see the word “doctrine” in the singular, it is speaking of the DOCTRINE OF CHRIST. If plural, the Scriptures will speak of Man’s falsehoods.

1. Mat_15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

2. 1 Tim. 4: 1- 3

3. Heb_13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

B Rom_16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

C 1Ti_1:3 - 4 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

IV. WE MUST LEARN THIS DOCTRINE, PREACH THIS DOCTRINE AND DEFEND THIS DOCTRINE

A ROMANS 6:17 -- But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

B 1Ti_4:13 – 16

C 2 TIMOTHY 3: 16 – 17 -- 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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

D 2 TIMOTHY 4: 1- 8