In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned …
Summary: After a short rant about languages and their idiosyncrasies we discuss the component ideas that Paul used to convey the idea of ‘integrity in teaching.’
Sometimes it feels like English is an old black and white television set when compared to the modern BIG SCREEN color video system known as Greek. It seems odd, doesn’t it? Greek is the older of the two languages. Yet the more I study the construction of Greek words and language, the more it feels like our “modern” language is a cardboard cut-out of the real thing.
Paul thinks in complex, three-dimensional sentences. God bless the translators who work so hard to faithfully capture the essence of what Paul was saying. Yet, we are even more blessed if we understand the limits of English and look to the original language.
Today’s passage is a fragment of a much larger sentence. I am basing the meditation on the word structure in English, but keeping an eye on the underlying Greek. Please bear with me if it seems I sometimes wander off-topic.
What does it mean to show integrity in teaching? How about the seriousness of teaching? Does that mean no puns are allowed? And what about “soundness of speech?”
The Mounce Reverse Interlinear translates the Greek this way: “[Be] pure and dignified in your teaching, beyond reproach in your healthy instruction…”
Do you see the correlation between the two? It is challenging. Paul’s thoughts are not short thoughts.
It sounds like Paul wants Titus to take his teaching seriously. Hmmm… Who does that remind us of? Maybe Paul himself? Think about Paul’s teaching for a moment. If you have read any of his letters, you have a sense of who the man is. If you have read them all, then you know that he does not treat any of them lightly. Our Lord made a good choice when he chose Paul to be His Apostle.
As to integrity, that sounds to me like Paul expects Titus to ‘walk the talk.’ Paul expects Titus to live by his own words. No hypocrisy allowed.
The “soundness of speech” concept is a bit more challenging. The Mounce translation is interesting. It reads, “in your healthy instruction.” If the instructions you give are healthy, they are good for you. If they are “sound,” then they are solid teachings.
This brings to mind the teaching of Jesus. When he introduced what we call the “Lord’s Prayer” to them he gave this instruction:
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”
The same holds true for anyone teaching God’s Word to others. Don’t babble like pagans.
Application: We can testify about what God has done for us and what he means to us in our own words. Yet when we testify about God’s Word, it is important to remain true to the ‘trustworthy message.’
Food for Thought: How do you recognize integrity in teaching?
To recognize integrity in teaching, I think you would have to know two things.
First, you would need to know God’s word well enough to determine if a teaching were consistent with the truth standard of His word.
Second, you would need to know the teacher enough to know if what he or she is teaching is consistent with their own lives.
Above all… no puns 😉.
Thank you, Rich.
I agree with items (1) and (2). Still thinking about the last one. 🙂
Integrity in teaching is when the church leaders’ words and beliefs match those of the bible. Their interpretations are consistent with Jesus’ teachings and what the bible has to say about a particular subject/topic. They don’t waiver based on what’s popular in society For example, in today’s society, open marriages seem to be becoming more and more approved. Despite society’s approval of open marriages, a church would not change its teachings on the subject of marriage. It would continue to teach what the bible says about marriage. This is just one of many examples.
There are many verses in the bible about standing firm in what the Word says, the integrity of its teaching. 1 Cor 3:11; Matt 7:24; Psalm 18:2
Darla,
GREAT VERSES! Thank you!
You bring up a good point about churches, too. Do their teachings align with the world or with the Bible. Sadly, it is not too hard to tell these days.
How do you recognize integrity in teaching?
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word translated “integrity” means “the condition of being without blemish, completeness, perfection, sincerity, soundness, uprightness, wholeness.” Integrity in the New Testament means “honesty and adherence to a pattern of good works.”
Integrity in teaching will be Gods truths being accurately communicated by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have Gods written word, and the Holy Spirit as our guide and teacher to verify whether or not Gods truths are being conveyed.
John 15:5, John 16:13, James 1:17,
Ron,
Thank you! Having the Word of God as a reference point makes checking for the Truth possible.