Sound in Doctrine

Titus 1:7 described elders as “overseers,” pointing out the authority committed to them to rule the church in Christ’s name and by his Word. If there is a danger that guardians would fail to keep watch against error, then it is essential that these watchmen themselves be sound in doctrine. The word for “doctrine” is simply “teaching” (Greek: didaskalia). It informs us that there is a body of truth taught by the prophets and apostles and recorded in Scripture. The gospel consists not merely of sentiments and ideals but of truths that can be taught and learned by Christians. Since Paul emphasizes “the trustworthy word” (Titus 1:9), there must be an unfaithful contrast; since Paul calls for sound doctrine, there is obviously unsound teaching that must be opposed.

教义上的健全

提多书 1:7 将长老描述为“监督”，指出他们被赋予奉基督的名和话语治理教会的权柄。如果存在监护人无法警惕错误的危险，那么这些监护人本身就必须在教义上保持健全（和合本译作“纯正”）。 “教义doctrine”这个词就是“教导teaching”（希腊语：didaskalia）。它告诉我们，有一套由先知和使徒教导并记录在圣经中的真理。福音不仅包含情感和理想，还包含基督徒可以教导和学习的真理。既然保罗强调“道是可信的”（多 1:9，和合本译作“真实的道理”），那么必然存在着不忠实的对比。既然保罗呼吁健全的（纯正的）教义，显然就必须反对不纯正的教义。

Elders must be characterized by a firm hold on the trustworthy and sound teaching of Scripture. This soundness comes from the faithful teaching they receive, ideally through the exposition of Bible texts by ministers who are called and equipped to preach. We are living in a time when church attenders often prefer an impressionistic approach to teaching. Instead of the didactic proclaiming of the Bible’s message, they prefer moving stories and explorations of the pastor’s feelings. Since some believe that such an approach is more likely to fill the pews, too many preachers abandon or neglect their primary calling as teachers of biblical truth. Paul urges Titus, “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). In 2 Timothy 4:1–2, Paul urged his other protégé, Timothy: “I charge you in the presence of God …: preach the word.”

长老的特点必须是牢牢抓住圣经中值得信赖和健全的教导。这种健全性来自于他们所接受的忠实的教导，最好是通过被呼召并有能力传道的牧师对圣经经文的解释。我们生活在一个教会参加者往往更喜欢印象派教学方法的时代。他们不喜欢说教式地宣讲圣经的信息，而是更喜欢感人的故事和对牧师感受的探索。由于有些人认为这种方法更有可能填满座位，因此太多的传道人放弃或忽视了他们作为圣经真理教师的主要使命。保罗劝告提多，“但你所讲（laleō）的，总要合乎那纯正的（hygiainō）道理（didaskalia，教义）”（多 2:1）。在提摩太后书 4:1-2 中，保罗劝告他的另一位门徒提摩太：“我在神面前、、、嘱咐你……务要传（kēryssō）道（logos）。”