Definition: Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Titus 1:9. It's a really important verse about teaching and sharing God’s truth. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort (speak up) and to convince (explain and persuade) the gainsayers.” Let's unpack each part: “Holding fast the faithful word” : This is like protecting a precious treasure. “Faithful word” refers to God’s truth – His message, His plan, and His will for our lives. It means sticking to what He has revealed in Scripture. It’s about keeping it safe and true. “as he hath been taught” : This is saying that the Bible (and the teachings of the Church) were given to us by God. We learned it from Him. “that he may be able by sound doctrine” : “Sound doctrine” means a clear, logical explanation of God’s truth – like a well-built building. It’s not just random ideas; it's based on the Bible and its teachings. “both to exhort (speak up)” : This means to actively share God’s message with others. To speak out about the good news! It’s about inviting people to understand and believe in Jesus Christ. “and to convince (explain and persuade) the gainsayers” : This is a bit more complex. “Gainsayers” are people who don't necessarily know God or his message. "Convince" means to make them think, feel, and act differently – to change their minds. It’s about gently and effectively explaining why things matter and how we can be saved. In short: The verse is saying that the Church (and anyone teaching the Bible) needs to persistently and clearly teach God's truth, encouraging people to understand and accept it, while also trying to change their minds about what’s important in life. Why is this important? This passage emphasizes that sharing God’s truth isn’t just about telling people things; it’s about changing them – helping them grow closer to God and live a life according to His will. It's a call for consistent, thoughtful teaching! --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give an example of how this verse applies to real-life situations?