Adorning the Doctrine

Posted by on January 1, 2010 under Articles

In Titus 2:10 Paul told Titus that servants are to adorn the doctrine of God.

To adorn means, “to arrange, to put in order,” (W. E. Vines, NIV, Titus 2:10) so that in every way the servant or teacher will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. Therefore, the servant or teacher must conduct himself in such a way that his message will be acceptable and attractive.

Paul told Timothy to “Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (I Timothy 4:16).

Personality traits of the successful teacher:

  • His personal life must be pure (I Timothy 5:22).
  • He must be emotional, compassionate in nature (Matthew 9:36).
  • He must be optimistic in outlook. He knows that the word of God will not return unto God void (Isaiah 55:11).
  • He must show his appreciation for the good qualities in his students. Remember Jesus’ words when he met Nathaniel: “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile” (John 1:47).
  • He must be patient. Many students will be ungrateful and unkind. He must remember that “God is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish” (II Peter 3:9).
  • He must be tactful. Not only must he know the Bible, but he must know human nature. He must follow the instruction given by Paul to the church of Colosse. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6).

If you follow these instructions, then it can be said of you, “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things” (Romans 10:15).

Let us adorn the doctrine of God by the life we live.