9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
both to exhort [reprove]
“Exhort” is to rebuke; this is strong rebuttal (1 Ti 5:20). Pastors are to rebuke false teachers sharply (1:13). They are to rebuke with authority (2:15).
2 Ti 3: 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
and convict [refute]
A bishop must oppose those who are not true to truth. This requires the ability to convince those who stray from truth. He is to refute those who oppose sound doctrine. “Convict” means to bring to light, to cross-examine carrying the ideas of refute or prove. The bishop-pastor must expose distortion of truth. This refutation is on an intellectual level. The ability to teach is fundamental to this.
PRINCIPLE:
A pastor must confront false doctrine.
APPLICATION:
It is not enough to contradict the contradictors but to overthrow their arguments. Many people view this kind of thing today as negative. Failure to do this will cause doctrinal confusion and apostasy.
