In 2nd Timothy 1 the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to pursue sound teaching. In 1:13 the Apostle admonishes Timothy to pay attention and remember what he has spoken to him. "What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus." He then empowers him to "guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us" (v.14).
Often times we simply stop at these verses to illustrate how important the truth is and how we must hold onto tightly the sound teaching. If we are to read further into the chapter and into the totality of Paul's relationship with Timothy we see more then just sound teaching being communicated. As I read this passage I see two themes emerging. The first and obvious theme of sound teaching, which we previously discussed, as well as the subtle, yet just as important theme of sound living. You see I believe the apostle Paul talks of sound teaching and illustrates it with sound living. In verse 16 Paul speaks of Onisphorus & his life as an example of sound living. Another example, though not explicit in the text, is the relationship Paul has with Timothy.
Sound teaching and sound living go hand in hand, they must be communicated together. However, this is easier said then done. I believe it is easier to speak the truth and declare it because we have the Bible and can refer directly to it. On the other hand it is not easy to consistently live a sound life.
Why is this? Do you agree or disagree? What are some additional thoughts you might have when pondering over sound teaching and sound living.
Open Source CS Degree
8 years ago
2 comments:
I hear ya. I believe the struggle with living a sound life is because of a lack of faith in our own sound teaching.
I do have a question though. What good is sound teaching apart from sound living? What is missing if doctrine is of the utmost importance for one, but they are not pursueing sound living?
For me it is/was the element of a personal relationship with Christ that called me up, out of, and above the standards of this world...but what if this doesn't get through to someone?
Any thoughts?
David - Great question. Sound teaching is useless without sound living. What good is a mouth that talks of truth when the heart is removed and distant? I would say that true sound living can only come from the heart which is why the relationship with Christ is key. It is from our relationship with Christ that we seek the truth as we continue to live it out in our walk.
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