At Reformed Man, we feel that Christians are not outside of this. There are so called “modern” false teachings that have crept into the church or Christian circles that have already been disputed throughout church history and found to be false. We feel that if believers would take a little time to learn historical orthodox Christianity, this would not happen quite as often. That is why we present to you the Sound Doctrine Men's Bible Study. As we begin this journey together, there is some groundwork we need to lay before moving forward:
1. We are not a church and this is not meant to replace church. It is meant to be supplemental to church. We strongly recommend that everyone be an actively serving member within a sound local body of believers. This study is meant to be a place that men can come together and learn the fundamental beliefs of the historic and orthodox Christian faith, leading to a greater understanding of who God is and who we are. It is also a place for fellowship hopefully leading to friendship.
2. We will be systematically covering the beliefs that are foundational to the Christian faith by way of different sound teachers and pastors around the area. We have 5 churches in total that will be represented here this year. Each teacher will take a subject/topic and break it down the best they can in order to give everyone the best shot at having a decent understanding.
3. While each teacher will have their own style, we are going to try and make the lessons interactive throughout but leaving the majority of the questioning for the end to be honoring of everyone’s time.
4. I would strongly encourage note taking to reference for further home study. As men, we are to be students of the Word and workers in the faith. Learning and work are not always fun, they are work, and sometimes hard work. I challenge you all to stick to it and dedicate yourself to this work in the Lord.
We start off with Paul giving a greeting to Titus who he calls his true child in their common faith, a student of Paul and of Christ.
Now, there are a few questions I want us to consider:
1. What was Paul's purpose for leaving Titus in Crete?
2. What are some qualities an elder must have?
3. Are these qualities completely unique to an elder?
4. Is every believer expected to pursue these qualities?
The ten commandments which are summed up by what Jesus calls the two greatest commandments, loving God with all our heart mind and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves, tell us that these are qualities that every believer is meant to pursue.
Now, I believe this next part is where we do get semi-unique to elders and overseers.
I believe this is unique to an elder or overseer in the sense that they may run into these situations more often. But we are all also to hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught. So that as 1 Peter 3:15 says, "but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect."
I don’t know about you, but I don't want to find myself in this second category of people. I don’t want to be detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
Now, this leads us to the verse I really want to focus on.
This really locks in the fact that this is not just for elders alone. In fact the next verses give an even greater case for this being for all believers because it starts talking about women.
What does sound doctrine mean? I love this simple definition by hip-hop artist Omri in the song Sound Doctrine by Wrath and Grace, “Doctrine meaning teaching and sound meaning it’s healthy.”
Let’s explore this, who is to teach what accords with sound doctrine?
Pastors, elders, presbyters, teachers; but what about in the home? Who is in charge of the sound teaching in the home?
As men, we are!
The charge I bring to you gentlemen, myself included, is this:
I want to finish with the reason why we are all really here. What is the most sound of sound doctrines? What is the most important of all doctrines? That is the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Romans tells us that we have all sinned and we’ve all fallen short of the glory of God, that we all had an eternal destination and that is in hell. But Christ came into the world and died on our behalf, justifying us before the Father. He who knew no sin became sin for us. And all we have to do is look upon him and be saved.
Repent of your sins, turn from them and look upon Christ for salvation. It is insane to me that we stand here, those who do believe, as justified men. I will be the first one to say that I am a wicked sinner. I still am, I still sin constantly, daily, all the time. But God‘s Word tells me, because I’ve been set apart and he’s led me to himself for salvation, that I can freely approach the throne of grace anytime I sin. I come to the Lord and ask for forgiveness and he assures me that I receive that forgiveness. And now I, and any of you who have truly looked upon the Lord for salvation, will get to spend eternity, not just in heaven but with our Lord, in his presence forever.
The gospel is the most important doctrine. Repent and believe. It really is that simple.
CREED GALBRAITH
Creed is a Barber and a Co-Founder of Reformed Man as well as a worship leader at Community Baptist Church in Victoria, Tx. He and his wife have been married for ten years and have three children.