ADORN THE DOCTRINE.

"...that they may adorn the doctrine..." (Titus 2:10)
ADORN THE DOCTRINE
Webster defines adorn as follows: (1) To decorate; (2) to make beautiful; (3) to embellish; (4) to display the excellence of something. A number of synonyms are listed — decorate, embellish, ornament, garnish, beautify, grace, exalt, and honor.
When Paul wrote Titus to exhort servants to be obedient to their masters, he said for them to seek to please, not to back talk but to show good fidelity "that they may adorn (beautify, embellish, exalt) the doctrine of the Lord."
Sadly, many are saying that doctrine is unimportant. Some have said that doctrine divides, but love unites. True Biblical doctrine is the only thing that can bring the unity God approves. Not only is doctrine important, but it is so important that the Christian is called upon to "adorn" it in his life. BUT HOW?
1. BY BELIEVING IT. Like Paul we need to say, "We also believe, therefore also we speak," (II Corinthians 4:13). Faith in the doctrine will give boldness to speak it.
2. BY MEMORIZING IT. David says, "Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against thee" (Psalm 119:11). The doctrine is not adorned by just hearing and believing, but by committing it to our hearts. When it is hidden away in your mind you’ll always be ready to give an answer (I Peter 3:15).
3. BY STUDYING IT. Paul urged Timothy to "be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the Word of truth" (II Timothy 2:15).
4. BY OBEYING IT. James said, "But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22). Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and observe it" (Luke 11:28). What point is believing, memorizing, and studying without obeying it?
5. BY DEFENDING IT. Paul said, "I am set for the defense of the gospel" (Philippians 1:16). Truth will always be vilified and attacked, and Christians should be prepared to answer with meekness, yet boldly.
6. BY LIVING IT. This is what Paul was emphasizing in Titus 2. He challenged older men, older women, young women, young men, and bond-servants to live in integrity, respect, and proper speech and thus adorn the doctrine.
7. BY PROCLAIMING IT. "Let the redeemed say so," and "with my lips I have declared the judgements of thy mouth," exclaimed David (Psalm 119:3).
What a beautiful thought! We are called upon to adorn (beautify, embellish) the doctrine of Christ by believing, memorizing, studying, obeying, defending, living, and proclaiming it.
Clarence DeLoach

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