January 11, 2015
Morning Service

We are working our way through the “Pastoral epistles.”  We have completed I and II Timothy and began Titus last week.  These letters are from Paul as he tries to set in order the structure, leadership, and doctrine of the church.  We found in chapter one that Titus was left in Crete to “set in order the things that are lacking.”  One of those things was establishing the leadership of bishops (pastors) and deacons in each fellowship and he again gave us the qualifications needed as we had read in I Timothy.  He also warned against false teachers who are “insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers.”  He described them further like this in verse 16:

Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God, but in their works they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient and reprobate to every good work.

·         Their words profess Christ, but their works deny they know Him.  Each of us needs to examine our own lives and be sure this statement is not true of us.  Our words should be backed up by actions that prove we believe what we are saying.

 

Tit 2:1 But you speak the things which become sound doctrine:

·         Paul’s charge to Titus is to teach the things that are “sound doctrine.”  That is the teachings of true Christ and the Holy Spirit.  He now begins to lay those teachings out very openly and in a manner that they are very easily understood.

 

Tit 2:2 that the older men to be temperate, sensible, discreet, sound in faith, in love, in patience.

·         Older men, your lives should be a pattern of these attributes.  You should be well grounded in your faith showing it by your love and patience.  You are being asked to finish your journey with Christ as an example for others.

·         Getting older is not easy.  It has many frustrations that can easily cause us to become bitter.  The challenge is to endure these hardships graciously and with fortitude.  “Finish strong, finish well!”

 

Tit 2:3-5  Let the aged women likewise be in reverent behavior, not slanderers, not enslaved by much wine, teachers of good;  (4)  that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,  (5)  to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, subject to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be blasphemed.

·         Sound doctrine is for the older women to do likewise, living reverently.  They are also given the task of teaching the younger women what God wants of them in their roles as wife and mother.  “Love their husbands and to love their children.”  That seems so simple, but it is greatly profound as well.

·         Young women are taught also to fulfill their role in the household as good homemakers and being subject to their husbands.

·          These teachings are vital for a marriage and home to succeed.  I would guess many of you women are thinking of the teachings of your mother, grandmother, or some other woman in your life that gave you some of this very advice.

 

Tit 2:6-8  Likewise exhort the young men to be discreet;  (7)  In all things having shown yourself a pattern of good works: in the doctrine, purity, sensibleness, without corruption,  (8)  in sound speech that cannot be condemned, that he who is opposed may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

·         Young men are to be in control of their life and show “yourself a pattern of good works.”  We are challenged to live a life that proves the doctrine we profess to believe.  Our goal is not to be just better than others, but “without corruption.”  We are to strive to live a life that if examined there will be no evil thing to say about us.

·         That certainly includes our leadership of the home and our work ethics on the job.  Our words are to be reflected in the life we live for Christ.

 

Tit 2:9-10  Slaves are to be obedient to their masters, to please them well in all things, not talking against,  (10)  not stealing, but showing all good faith, so that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

·         Slavery was prevalent in this culture and Christians were commanded to be faithful even in that capacity as they “adorn the doctrine.” 

·         As employees we too should demonstrate these traits as we work for others.

·         Paul now summarizes this idea in explaining why:

 

Tit 2:11-14  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,  (12)  teaching us that having denied ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live discreetly, righteously and godly, in this present world,  (13)  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.

·         We are not to do these good works in order to “earn” our salvation.  Jesus said “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”  It is our love for our Savior that will radically change our lives and actions. Reread verse 13-14.

·         When we come to the realization of what the cross truly means, it will transform us into that “special people, zealous of good works.”

·         Is that hope in you today?  Are you longing for His appearance?  Are you one of His “special people?”

·         Are you striving in your life to bring glory to your Savoir?

 

1Co 10:31 Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Tit 2:15 Speak these things, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

·         This is the church’s job to teach, encourage and hold you accountable for following this sound doctrine.

Lord, may our lives prove our words that we are Your children.