May 19th TITUS 2

In contrast to our discussion last week about “false teachers”, Titus is instructed by Paul to “SPEAK THE THINGS WHICH BELONG TO HEALTHY DOCTRINE”. 2:1 

False teaching does to the spiritual body what germs are to the physical body.  In chapter 2, Paul discusses several different areas of ministry in the local church…blending doctrinal teaching and practical admonition…as the two must go together!!!

The older SAINTS v. 1-4  A church needs both the old and the young, and they should minister to one another.  It might have been easy for young Titus to overlook the role of the older saints.  The older and younger should work together and both should live up to the standards that God has for each. 

The older men were to be sober—temperate in the use of wine.  Old men with time on their hands might find it easy to linger at the cup.  Dignified – old age that produces respect and this respect gives an older saint authority.  (Wes’s talk on Friday at the Conference on Friday…standing ovation!)  Temperance describes an attitude of mind that leads to prudence and self-control in life.  It is opposite of frivolity and carelessness based on ignorance.  Seriousness and purpose are important in the Christian life…especially to older saints who cannot afford to waste time, for their time is short.

SOUND in faith, in love, in patience all go together.  They should know what they believe, and their doctrinal convictions should accord with God’s Word.  Knowledge of doctrine – no substitute for the virtues…a right faith in God’s Word should encourage a believer in love and endurance.

Likewise in Verse 3 possibly means that the older women were to have the same qualities as the older men, plus the additional ones listed.  Paul is emphasizing TEACHING to the women. 

It is not only that the older women should show the younger women how to keep house, but that they put within their hearts and minds the right spiritual and mental attitudes. 

OLDER WOMEN…

To be reverent in the way they live (worthy of respect)

Not to be slanderers (malicious talkers)

Or addicted to much wine (temperate)

Teach what is good

THEN, They can train the YOUNGER WOMEN TO…

*Be sober

*Love their husbands

*Love their children

*Be discreet

*Be chaste

*Be keepers at home

*Be good

*Be obedient to own husbands

The Older Woman…

Worthy of respect –

      to be reverent in behavior

      respectful lifestyle

      reverent, dignified

              Phil.4:8, Prov.23:7

      teaching through example

be not malicious talkers –

                not slanderers

            James 3, John 8:44

         SOLUTION: James 4:7,8

Kinds of GOSSIP

   Malicious – consciously, deliberately hurtful, based in envy,     

                rooted in selfishness

   Rationalization – self-deceptive …convinced doing “for good”

                destructive

   Innocent – truly concerned, unwise, insensitive, poor judgment

Pro.18:21,21:23,25:11,18

Not given to much wine   (temperate)

lack of control is a mark of spiritual immaturity

“escape” routes Overindulgences -

      drugs, tobacco, delicious foods, beautiful clothes…etc…

I.Cor.10:23 – 11:1

Teach what is good

        I.Cor.11:1, IThess.2:10  Demonstrating goodness 2:7-8

       “show and tell”

Showing gravity   Sound, fit, wise, wholesome, vigorous, irrefutable

Teaching God’s Word – not tales and myths

Knows God’s Word    “Train self to be Godly” ITim.4:7

So that they THEN can teach:

 *To be sober (self-controlled, wise,                             prudent, emotions under      control!)

 *To love their husbands

       (GREEK) phileo

        train

        positive actions

“feelings of affection can be learned!”

Love their children

(GREEK) philoteknos –

*“child lovers”  *Children need mature adult models

*A person who loves children is patient, long suffering, has a

  sensitive spirit, submissive and humble

To be discreet

*Sound mind, self-control  II Tim.1:7,Titus 1:8, 2:2,5-6,12

*Sensible    Romans 12:3,  I Tim.2:9 *Propriety I Pet.4:7

*Older Women, by the process of being self-controlled enable those who watch to become self-controlled

To be chaste/pure

PURE from carnality,  To be chaste, To be modest

I Tim.5:2, 22, Rom 13:13-14, I Cor.6:18-20, Phil.1:9-11, Col.3:5-8, Heb. 13:4

To be busy at home – keepers at home

*IF married – God-ordained role!

*What if you are single?

*PRIORITIES OF WIFE/SINGLE

      “pursue love” not marriage  (I Cor.13)

To be good/kind

      *To excel in any respect *To be distinguished *To be good (Dorcas)  *“helping the poor”  *“showing hospitality”  Rom.12:13, Heb.13:1-2, I Pet.4:9,  I Tim. 3:2

To be submissive

*Acknowledging God’s order   Gal.3:28

 “Yielding humbly and in intelligent  obedience to an ordained power/authority”

*An attitude NOT an act  *A decision NOT an emotion

*Getting under the protection of  *Attitude of teachableness toward the members of the Body…willing to submit to another’s control.

The Christian was totally a new thing and young women saved out of paganism would have to get accustomed to a whole new set of priorities and privileges.  Those with unsaved husbands would especially need encouragement. 

That the Word of God be not blasphemed is a good motive for cooperation and obedience at home.  It is sad to see the way family problems, divorces, and fighting among Christians cause unsaved people to sneer at the Bible.

Paul wrote more about Titus the EXAMPLE than he did about Titus the EXHORTER.  Best preaches is done through the example of the life.  What the pastor wants his church to be, he must first be himself.  The Lord said when speaking about the Pharisees “they say and do not.  This is hypocrisy.  

Titus was to live so that his life would be a “spiritual die” a mold that would impress itself on others.  So that no one – not even an enemy could condemn.  Our lives must be above reproach!  

Paul always linked doctrine and duty.  He is warning the Christian slaves about three common sins they must avoid.  1. Disobedience…obey from the heart.  2. Talking back  3. Stealing…easy to pilfer when you are a slave.  Employees today must obey orders and not talk back.  They must not steal from their employers.  No attitude,  “They owe it to me!”  OR “Well, I have earned it.

Paul is making it clear that our behavior “embellishes the Word!”  … we make the message more attractive to unbeliever.  

Paul emphasizes God’s grace! V. 11 -   His grace redeems us, reforms us and rewards us.