In Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus, he frequently used the Greek word 'hugiaino' which is often translated - 'sound' (2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:8-9).  The word really means to become 'healthy', 'whole' or 'wholesome'.  Although it is often used as an adjective ('sound doctrine'), it is really intended as a verb ('to become sound in doctrine' or 'to be sound in doctrine').  As the church was being molested by many false teachers (Titus 1:10), Paul urged Titus and Timothy only to teach truth from God which would build up people’s faith and lifestyle.  In that way, the church would become whole in Christ, and live in a way that pleases God and is spiritually and morally ‘sound’.

Titus was one of Paul’s trusted representatives among the churches (2 Corinthians 8:23).  Titus’s role was as an apostolic ambassador of Christ; his work was to teach the ‘apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42), as commissioned by Jesus.  That teaching was not an intellectual exercise in which clever people dissect what God has said; it was intended to result in a heartfelt personal relationship with Jesus and a radical change of lifestyle to match (Acts 6:7).

Paul started with the needs of the older men.  Their former lifestyle of laziness, alcoholic excess and meaningless talk robbed them of respect in the community; and gave them no incentive to serve others in love.  Titus was to instruct these mature men, but infants in the faith, that the joy of salvation should precipitate a God-pleasing and purposeful way of life (Titus 2:12).  That sort of teaching is healthy because it complements the inner work of the Spirit, and because it enables us to productively work with God who is at work within us (Philippians 2:13).

Bible-based preaching has gospel power to start transforming lives (2 Corinthians 5:17).  Changed behaviour starts when we believe the truth and God changes our hearts.  When we listen to teaching, we should also be asking ourselves the questions ‘What does God want me to change?’ and ‘How does He want me to do it?’  Some who are reading this will be older men.  Even if your working days are over, you still have a purpose every day until the Lord calls you Home.  Do not waste the opportunity or lose precious hours in lazy habits, drink and vain talk.  Instead, know what you believe and be ready to put it into practice, loving God by serving others and continuing to do so until He calls you to be with Him for ever.