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In Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus, he frequently used the Greek word 'hugiaino' which is often translated - 'sound'. The word really means to become 'healthy', 'whole' or 'wholesome'. Although it is often used as an adjective ('sound doctrine'), it is really intended as a verb ('to become sound in doctrine' or 'to be sound in doctrine'). As the church was being molested by many false teachers, Paul urged Titus and Timothy only to teach the truth which would enable people to become whole in Christ and live morally healthy lives.
Teaching is intended to result in lifestyle change. It is not an intellectual exercise in which clever people dissect what God has said. Instead it is a spiritual dynamic in which people believe what God has said and obey the teaching. Paul started with the needs of the older men. Their former lifestyle of laziness, alcoholic excess and meaningless talk robbed them of respect in the community; and gave them no incentive to keep on serving others in love. So Titus was to instruct the new believers that salvation included living a God-pleasing and purposeful way of life. That sort of teaching is healthy because it does not conflict with the teaching (therefore peaceful), and because it enables us to work with God who is at work within us (therefore productive).
Bible-based preaching has gospel power to start transforming lives. Changed behaviour starts when we change our beliefs: and so teachers should expect their message to have a significant effect on the choices people make about their lives. When we listen to teaching, we should also be asking ourselves the questions "What does God want me to change?" and "How does He want me to do it?" Some who are reading this will be older men. Even if your working days are over, you still have a purpose every day until the Lord calls you home. Do not waste the opportunity or lose precious hours in lazy habits, drink and vain talk. Instead know what you believe and be ready to put it into practice, loving God by serving others and continuing to do so until He calls you home.
Prayer: Living Lord. Thank You for this reminder that Your Word is intended to make a difference in my life; taking me away from unhealthy living to a wholesome way of life in which I have a purpose every day. Please forgive me for my laziness and the ease with which I am diverted from serving others. I am sorry when I have listened to teaching without any thought of putting it into practice. Please help me to listen to teaching which is healthy for my soul and do what You tell me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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