Titus 2:9–10
[9] Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, [10] not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. (ESV)
Wed nights study – A Church Built for Discipleship: Titus 2:1-10
Wednesday night during Bible study at Tabernacle, we walked through Titus 2:1–10 and the clear call for believers to live in a way that reflects the gospel. One phrase I mentioned, “not argumentative,” stood out, but I didn’t have time to fully unpack its meaning. While the immediate context speaks to submission under rightful authority, this small phrase carries a much broader application for how we carry ourselves in our world today.
As Christians, we are called to be bold, courageous in our convictions, confident in the truth, and clear about the gospel. But boldness is not the same as being argumentative. And while we stand for truth, we must be careful not to develop a combative spirit that undermines the very message we proclaim.
So how do we navigate this tension? How can we live with conviction without combativeness?
Here are a few biblical and practical points to consider as we seek to live out gospel boldness with humility, grace, and clarity.
Speak the Truth with Boldness
- Boldness means we don’t water down the gospel, avoid hard truths, or back away from clarity.
- God calls us to stand firm (1 Cor. 16:13), especially in a world of compromise.
- But boldness doesn’t mean being abrasive. We are not trying to win fights, we’re trying to win souls.
Focus on Scripture
- Let the Word of God be the authority. We are bold because we know we stand on truth.
- Preach the word… with complete patience and teaching. – 2 Timothy 4:2
- For the word of God is living and active… discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12
Show Care and Compassion
- “Love the person but hate the sin” isn’t the best approach. It falsely separates the sinner from their sin, as if the two can be detached. We sin because we are sinners by nature.
- Yet, we are not called to hate people, we are called to minister to them with truth and grace, pointing them to the only One who can rescue them from both their sin and themselves.
- If our goal is simply to “love everyone,” we are in danger of compromising truth to avoid offense.
- If your goal is just to “prove someone wrong,” we may win a debate but lose the heart.
- Speak the truth in love… – Ephesians 4:15
Our Goal is Gospel Transformation
- If your goal is gospel transformation, you will speak clearly and compassionately, trusting the Spirit to convict.
- Bold discipleship aims to convict and restore.
- Jesus spoke boldly to sinners, but His ultimate goal was life change.
- God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance. – Romans 2:4
Boldness is not brashness.
Truth must never travel without grace.
Christlikeness is seen not only in what we say, but in how we say it.