June 23, 2013
Morning Service

We have been looking at the teaching of the apostles that include the second coming of Christ.  Last Sunday morning we looked at Paul’s encouragement to the Colossian church to be mindful of the realities of heaven.  Our attitude is to be one that we are physically on this earth, but our thoughts are on “those things which are above.”  In other words, don’t get caught up in the affairs of this world and let your faith be choked out by them.

Sunday night we studied where Paul instructed us to contend for the faith (flee, follow, fight, and lay hold of).  We are to strive for perfection in our walk with God, until His appearing.

This morning we will look at the letter Paul wrote to Titus.  His encouragement here is very personal, but is written to the church as a whole.

 

Tit 2:13-15  Looking for the blessed hope, and the appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  (14)  who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify to Himself a special people, zealous of good works.  (15)  Speak these things, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

• Verse 13 has become our theme verse for this study.  We are to be looking, anticipating, and even seeking His coming.  Last week we were told to be thinking on these things and let it occupy our mind and guide our actions.
• Paul next reminds us why we should be “looking.”  Christ is returning for those He has redeemed and purified. He came the first time to become our Savior, Redeemer, even our Salvation. He promised to return the second time for those who have accepted His invitation.  John 14:1-3
• Notice at the end of verse 14, he refers to us as “a special people, zealous of good works.”
• We are “special people” in God’s eyes.  He loved us so much that He would send His only Son to cleanse us from our sins.  That cleansing creates the path by which we can have a relationship with our Creator.  He held nothing back on His part.  He offered His all for us.  Now that is what he expects us to do for Him. 
• He has called us to be “zealous of good works.”  Good works are things we do for others, but ultimately for Him.  That is where we now start at the beginning of the chapter.  We have said all this to answer the question “why?” 
• Let’s now look at “What” we are to do.  Notice how this is broken down into groups within the church.  We are being shown our responsibilities towards one another.
• Paul instructs Titus to promote the church to live like this teaching.

 

Tit 2:1-2  But you speak the things which become sound doctrine:  (2)  that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.

• Sober-using wine with moderation, but also careful in all areas of conduct.
• Reverent- acting with dignity but not gloomy and condescending.
• Temperate-showing moderation, balance and discretion in all things.  Always acting with a calm demeanor. 
• Sound Faith-As we grow older and more mature, so should our faith.  We should gain a greater understanding of what God wants from us and how to do it.
• Love-always acting in a manner that is looking out for the best interest of others; not self-centered.
• Patience- Growing old is not easy.  We can’t do what we used to do and we must not let that create a bitter or cynical spirit within us. We are to persevere until He comes.

 

Tit 2:3  The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

• Reverent- acting with dignity, not giddy with their thoughts centered on frivolous things.
• Not slanderers-refrain from harmful gossip and untruths.
• Not given to too much wine-do not be slaves to alcohol, or even any food or medicine.
• Teachers-fulfilling the ministry to share your wisdom with the younger women to help them to be what God has called them to be.

 

Tit 2:4-5  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,  (5)  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

·         Love their husbands-this means the full scope of love which includes; respect, acknowledging his headship, helpful, keeping up of the home, and yourself.

·         Love their children-nurturing, teaching them of God, and by disciplining them fairly and firmly.

·         Discreet-knowing what is appropriate and avoiding extremes.

·         Chaste-faithful to their husbands and avoiding impurity in thoughts and actions.

·         Keepers of the home-realizing this is a divine service and should be done for the glory of God.

·         Good-not self-centered be hospitable and generous.

·         Obedient to their own husbands-acknowledging his headship and encouraging and aiding him, rather than being dominating and manipulative.

 

Tit 2:6-8 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.  (7)  In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing integrity, reverence and incorruptibility, (8) Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he is an opponent may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

• The young men are encouraged to be sober minded, being careful to think before acting.
• Titus, and all of us, is charged with living lives that portray a good example to others showing forth the attitudes that come with a committed life.
• Our words are to be sound and truthful, free from sarcasm and inappropriate comments.

 

Tit 2:11-12 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,  (12)  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

• We are not to become conformed to the ways of the world, but be transformed into living a life that reflects our Savior. 

 

Lord, may we look upon these things in our life as a ministry to Your glory.