Living Doctrine: The Book of Titus (Transformative Word)

by Daniel L. Akin

Publishers:

Lexham Press; St. George’s Centre

, 2017

Living Doctrine

Good Christian doctrine is not simply getting the facts right: it is something transformative, brought to life in obedience to Christ.

In his letter to Titus, the Apostle Paul implores the reader to take truth seriously and to ensure that the good news of gospel is being passed on in its full force. Solid Christian doctrine and a passion for godly Christian life are twin themes weave their way throughout this short epistle. In Living Doctrine, Danny Akin unpacks this powerful message and shows how these themes are still vital for Christians today. Accessibly written but informed by deep scholarship, this book will benefit readers from all walks of life. Like the biblical book it covers, Living Doctrine is concise, gospel-centered, and immensely practical.

Praise for Living Doctrine

Big things indeed come in little packages, and this short commentary on the small but powerful epistle of Titus packs a big punch. Daniel Akin's masterful treatment of the true life changing power of grace in the cornerstone passage of 2:11-15 is worth the price of the book and lays to rest any concept of "easy believism" or cheap grace. This is a must addition to the bookshelf of every pastor and Bible teacher.

—James Merritt, pastor, Cross Pointe Church, Duluth, GA

Like Paul, the author of Titus, Danny Akin combines the mind of a theologian, the heart of a pastor, and the missional zeal of an evangelist/church-planter... As Akin shows with crystal clear clarity, it’s not enough to be theologically sound without the heart of a missionary or the love of a servant. Truly, this is “Living Doctrine”!

—David Alan Black, Dr. M.O. Owens, Jr. Chair of New Testament Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Living Doctrine is a gift to the church. This devotional-like study explores the riches of Paul’s letter to Titus. Daniel Akin connects the dots between sound doctrine, church leadership, and the church’s witness while putting them to work in daily life. This little book accomplishes the big task of providing insights from the storyline of scripture while diving deep into the nuances of Paul’s important letter.

—Walter Strickland, assistant professor of systematic and contextual theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Top Highlights

“Being sound in doctrine and zealous for good works are twin themes that tie this short, powerful epistle together. In the book of Titus, Paul teaches that Christian doctrine and Christian living are to be sound (1:9, 13; 2:1–2, 8) because they are intimately tied together. Saved by grace means saved unto good works (1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 5, 8, 14) because God’s grace leads a person to live a godly life (1:4; 2:11–15; 3:7, 15). Other themes concern the qualifications and responsibilities of pastors (1:5–9), the ethics of the believer (2:1–10), the return of Christ (2:11–14), and the nature of salvation (3:3–7).” (Page 4)

“This short, three-chapter, forty-six-verse letter weds beautifully the Christian sonnet of doctrine and deeds, belief and behavior, conduct and creed.” (Page 5)

“The Christian, of all people, should be patient and steadfast; he should exhibit ‘endurance.’ Because we know how it will all come out in the end, we can endure testing, work through hardship, accept disappointment, and not give up under pressure and adversity. The mature, godly man does not lose heart, throw in the towel, or drop out of the race. Rather, he runs the race with endurance, fixing his eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith (Heb 12:1–2).” (Page 29)

“The term ‘apostle’ also has a general meaning that applies to every one of us, for we are ‘sent ones’ as those who go out on behalf of Jesus Christ. This speaks of our calling and authority as missionaries of our Savior. His ministry, like ours, exists for the salvation of the lost among all the nations through the proclamation of the gospel.” (Page 8)

The Transformative Word Series

God’s Word is transformative. It is this conviction which gives the Transformative Word series its name and its unique character. Series Editor Craig G. Bartholomew has worked alongside authors from around the world to identify a key theme in each book of the Bible, and each volume provides careful Biblical exegesis centered on that gripping theme. The result is an engaging, accessible thematic exploration of a biblical book, poised to offer you new and refreshing insights.

Learn more about the other titles in this series.

Contents

• Introduction
• Saved to Serve
• Qualifications of a Godly Leader
• The Ministry of Confrontation
• Pursuing Godliness: The Roles of Men and Women in the Church
• Servant Evangelism: A Biblical Perspective on Slavery
• The Amazing Grace of God
• New Birth for a New Life
• Church Discipline: A Missing Essential in the Life of the Contemporary Church
• Conclusion

Product Details

• Title: Living Doctrine: The Book of Titus
• Author: Daniel Akin
• Series: Transformative Word
• Publisher: Lexham Press
• Publication Date: 2017
• Pages: 96
• Format: Logos Digital, Paperback
• Trim Size: 5x8
• ISBN: 9781683590606

About Daniel L. Akin

Daniel "Danny" L. Akin (MDiv, PhD) is the president and professor of preaching and theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is most recognized for his expository preaching and focus on the Great Commission. Akin has authored numerous books, including God on Sex and the NAC commentary on 1,2,3 John.