"Does that preacher preach sound doctrine?" "Does that church stand for sound doctrine?" What do we mean when we use the term "sound doctrine"? In most cases we equate sound doctrine with teaching that is consistent with the Bible. Especially do we mean teaching about issues concerning the work of the church, worship, salvation, etc. There is nothing wrong with that definition except that it is incomplete. Sound doctrine is teaching that contains the Bible's views on "theological" and "church" issues, but according to the Word of God it is also much more.
Titus 2:1 states, "but as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine" And what is the sound doctrine that the apostle Paul tells Titus to teach? The verses that follow speak of the day-to-day behavior and attitudes that people are to possess. That, among other things, older man are to be sober, loving, and patient. That older women are to be reverent and not slanderers. That young women and to love their family, be discreet and chaste. That young men are to show integrity.
What we have in Titus 2:1-8 is the foundation for sound doctrine. It is very important to teach and stand for the Biblical truth on worship, salvation, etc. But unless our personal lives are in order, unless we are displaying righteousness and holiness in our daily life, the positions we take and principles we preach are useless. Let us realize that "sound doctrine" is not just something that we practice.
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 6/29/97.