Adorning The Doctrine
by Micky Galloway
As Paul wrote to Titus on the island of Crete, he said, “But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Titus was to teach the older men and older women, the young men and young women how to live. Titus was to be careful to maintain his good influence, “that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us” (Titus 2:8). Servants likewise, were to be “in subjection to their own masters, (and) to be well-pleasing (to them) in all things; not gainsaying; not purloining (i.e. embezzling, mg) : but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus 2:9-10). Even those who were servants could influence those about them by a godly life. Every Christian must live a powerful, attractive life in the midst of a wicked and sinful world.
Considering Paul’s instructions to Titus: (1) What are we to adorn? “The doctrine” (singular). There is only one doctrine that is “of Christ” (II John 9). There are many doctrines (plural) of men (Matthew 15:9). (2) Whose doctrine? “The doctrine of God.” The originator is God. Paul pronounced the curse of God upon any who would preach another gospel (Galatians 1:6)! (3) To what extent are we to adorn the doctrine of God? “In all things.” In every aspect of my life.
What is the meaning of the word “adorn” (kosmeo) ? W.E Vine says, “To arrange, to put in order. It is from this word we get our English word ‘cosmetic.’ Hence, to adorn, to ornament, as of garnishing tombs, Matthew 23:29; buildings, Luke 21:5; … one’s person, I Timothy 2:9; I Peter 3:5; Revelation 21:2; metaphorically, of adorning a doctrine Titus 2:10.” This cosmetic is applied from within. We see then that to “adorn the doctrine of God” is to make it attractive by our life. Do we make the gospel attractive? Do we commend it to others using our lives to draw men to Christ? How may we make it attractive?
By having courage in the midst of fear. We live in a time of financial uncertainty, a time of national conflict and moral decline. During these times of uncertainty, a Christian must not be consumed by anxiety (Philippians 4:6). He knows “that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Daniel 4:32). He trusts (Hebrews 13:5) and prays (I Timothy 2:12), knowing that he is a part of a “kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28). A Christian doesn’t fear if material standards fall. God, not gold, is his refuge (Psalms 46:1-2; Matthew 6:33). As it is often said, “The Christian doesn’t own or rule the world, but his Father does”! Therefore, in a shaking world, Christians “adorn the doctrine of God” by courage from above. The most important question is not, “Is it well with the economy, my business, with the country, but is it well with my soul?”
By purity of mind and life. Man has historically departed from God’s way. In Noah’s day, “every imagination of the thoughts of his (man’s mg) heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). The state of morals in Corinth was notorious for debauchery. In this city stood the temple of Aphrodite which reportedly housed a thousand temple-slaves, both men and women dedicated to the goddess. Prostitution was so rampant that “to corinthianize” became a verb meaning “to practice fornication.” The world may be given over to impure books, movies, talk, and attire. The day may come when preaching against homosexuality may result in imprisonment. But in the midst of impurity Christians, rather than become desensitized, are to let the beauty of the Gospel shine in their lives. Christ needs men, women, boys, and girls strong to oppose sin. Strong to show the world there’s something better. “Adorn the doctrine” as a “new creature,” by a transformed life. Romans 12:2 says, “And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Indeed, we are raised from baptism to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4). We must live in the world, but the Christian must think, talk, and act different from the world.
By having a purpose in life. To many life is like a squirrel cage; we run hard and get nowhere. Yet, the life that is fulfilling is the one that “fear[s] God, and keep[s] His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). It is so very hard to stay focused on the purpose of life. The Christian who “adorns the doctrine” recognizes that his purpose must not wander. Listen to Paul in Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ.” Does that accurately represent your life? Paul further said, “It is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me …” (Galatians 2:20). This purpose helped him to “press on toward the goal …” (Philippians 3:13ff). Adorn the Gospel with that purpose in life.
By kindness, compassion, and patience. In a hurry-up world there is little patience and a lot of irritable people. It is only a split second between the signal light turning green and the fellow behind you blowing his horn. Unfortunately, most appear to be mad at the world. There is no place for sympathy, kindness, and consideration. The forever applicable commandment of God is, “ Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
Are you adorning the doctrine of God? Does the world see the beauty of Jesus living in you? Does the gospel look attractive to the world as they see your life?