Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
This passage of scripture teaches us the importance of understanding, believing, and applying sound doctrine, for whatsoever we believe has a direct bearing on what we will do, and also what decisions we will make. The enemy of souls understands this, and therefore it has been his steadfast purpose to cause people to conclude that it matters not what they believe, once the name of Jesus is adopted.
But a closer look at the above verses shows that sound doctrine affects the entire spectrum of our behavior and conduct, from being sober and temperate, to avoiding sexual immorality and indiscretion. Furthermore, for every evil or good mentioned above there is a biblical doctrine which speaks clearly on it, thus teaching us God's will. For instance, on the very first behavior mentioned, which speaks about being sober, the Bible has a whole lot to say on the matter, dealing with a wide range of human experiences in which soberness is required.
When we think of the word sober, the consuming of alcoholic beverages immediately comes to mind, since soberness is the antithesis of drunkenness. Now there has been much debate and research by scientists and scholars as to the benefits of imbibing wine or liquor, and some have indeed come up with what are supposed to be great benefits, such as those antioxidants which are found in grapes, and which have been proven to be beneficial to humans.
While this is all well and good, yet the Bible does not speak anything against antioxidants, but rather lays the reproof at the feet of fermentation which produces alcohol, for God is the one who first introduced antioxidants to this world, through the many different kinds of grapes and fruit He called forth into existence. Thus the issue is not those beneficial elements in grapes, but rather the fermentation process, which produces alcohol, and consequently drunkenness in those who consume it, contrary to what the scriptures clearly teach on this matter. Let's read:
Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? 30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. 31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. 32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. 33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. 35 They have stricken me, shalt thou say, and I was not sick; they have beaten me, and I felt it not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.
Again, when our first passage speaks about wives being discreet and chaste, whilst loving their own husbands, the doctrines of the Bible figure prominently on these matters, guiding the feet of the obedient into the paths of peace. Being chaste and discreet is especially pertinent to our day, where a whole lot of graphic selfies, and sexually explicit garments and outfits are readily available to those who wish to indulge the desire to expose themselves in public. The styles and standards of the world should never be allowed to modify the Christian's behavioral patterns, and therefore, sound doctrine will play a critically important role in guiding us in the way we should go. Let's read:
1st Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of".... "wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves"....
Let us therefore be certain to only follow sound, Biblical doctrines, for they were inspired of God, so that we may have a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which again reiterates the need for sound doctrines in the life of Christians, for our decisions and choices are always molded by whatsoever we believe. Let's read:
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!