Adorning The Doctrine

by William Fullarton, Barrhead, Scotland | Category: General | Aug 1995

In its secular use the concept of adorning usually suggests embellishment, ornamentation, outward display, things of beauty to behold, products of the handiwork of men and women.

'Adorning' in Scripture implies moral and spiritual qualities; the product of the work of the Holy Spirit in conformity to the will and Word of God. This will involve giving effect to the teaching of our Saviour, which, together with subsequent revelation in the New Testament, constitutes 'the whole counsel of God' (Acts 20:27).

The challenge to respond to the exhortation to 'adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things' (Tit. 2:10) is firstly an individual responsibility. Responding involves observing our understanding of God's sovereign will. Through obedience to divine principles in the conduct of our lives, we can 'adorn' the doctrine. When we do respond, it has an effect upon our family lives and the witness of the assembly. As the Lord said, 'if ye know these things, blessed are ye if ye do them' (John 13:17).

An outstanding example of 'adorning the doctrine' is provided by the experience of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin. The members of the council were so impressed with the disciples' actions and words that they marvelled and 'took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus' (Acts 4:13). A personal example is provided by Paul who could say to his young convert Timothy, 'But thou hast fully known my doctrine' and 'manner of life' (2 Tim. 3:10 AV). May we be like the saints in the Church of God in Rome of whom it was said, 'you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered' (Rom. 6:17 NKJV).

William Fullarton, Barrhead, Scotland | Aug 1995
General