June 19, 2022
Morning Service

I would not be truthful with you today if I said this is a fully joyous day for me.  This is the first Father’s Day for me without my father.  As I look back over the years, I certainly hope I truly honored him on this day that is set aside to do so.  Many times we get so busy, we miss out on opportunities to honor those around that have loved us, cared for us, invested in us, and supported us.  If your dad is with you today, don’t miss this opportunity to tell him what he means to you because, if the Lord tarries, there will be a day where you cannot do that.  Many others have told me that you never quit missing your father and I agree with them.  I am happy that I do bring a part of dad with me today as I am using his Bible to honor him today.

What makes a good father?  Is it the money he brings home or the way he can fix anything?  It is not.  It is what lies on the inside of a man, his heart, that makes a good father.  We often refer to this as his character.  His actions originate from that character and the choices he makes and the attitude he displays on the outside are simply a reflection of who he is on the inside.  Our world today is in dire need of men of good character; it is hard to make a long list.  Our children need role models to look up to and imitate who are truly following Jesus and displaying the character He builds within them.  Today I want to look at some of those character traits and challenge the men here today, even if you are not a father to be a man of Godly character.  We will begin with the “older men” as Titus addresses us today.

Tit 2:1-2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: (2) that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;

            These are two short verses, but they are packed with a challenge for each of us to be men of character.  First, we are to be sober.  This can refer to the moderate use of alcohol, but also can be applied to using moderation is all that we do.  We don’t get stirred up easily and display a calm in times of trouble; keeping an even keel.  We are to be serious, sensible, solemn, and steadfast in our journey with Jesus as we set the example for the younger generation.

We are also to be reverent which means “showing deep and solemn respect.”  We are to be humble and acknowledge those around us showing respect, thus creating respect for yourself.  I remember growing up in Liberty Baptist Church and the watching the deacons there with a great respect as they lived in such a reverent manner that they deserved it.  They took their role of leadership seriously, reverently as they acted according to their faith in God and you could see it in how they carried themselves.  Jerry and many of the men in our fellowship set the example for us here at the Bride with their reverent approach to their faith.  That reverence shows that they realize the cost of their salvation was one they could never pay; but Jesus paid it for them.

Thirdly we are to be temperate in all our ways; which means showing self-control and self-restraint.  We are to allow the Spirit to control us keeping us discreet and not self-centered.  Life is not about us, but about investing the wisdom and knowledge we have been given with others.  We are comfortable in who we are in Jesus, and don’t need to be acknowledged or identified as anything other than as a faithful follower. We like Paul need to learn to be content in whatever state we find ourselves in not always pursuing that one more thing that will make us happy.  Be content in Jesus alone.

We are to be sound in our faith.  It is our faith that saves us and it is our faith that transforms us into the men God has designed us to be. We must be students of the Word of God and be a guide to those around us sharing the wisdom and truth that comes from Bible study.  Men when you take time to sincerely study God’s Word you make yourself better, your family better, and those around you better.  Your knowledge of the scriptures places you upon a firm foundation that will not fail you in the time of storms and temptations. A man of character knows, lives out, stands firmly upon, and freely shares his faith. Our faith in Jesus is the basis for all we do.  He is leading and we are following.  Study to build your faith and then allow your faith to strengthen you character.

Love is another character trait to be on display in all that we do.  Paul told the Corinthians this:

 

  1Co 16:13-14 Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  (14)  Let all that you do be done with love.

            We are commanded to stand fast having courage and strength, but also do everything in love.  Love does not show weakness, but strength.  We love because we are loved.  A man of character walks, talks, and displays love to those around him as He reflects his Heavenly Father’s love for him.

            Finally, we are to be patient (ouch).  Growing older can be very difficult especially for us men who do not like to be limited in what we do.  We must be patient in our own infirmities, aches, pains, and limitations not allowing them to sour our attitude towards others.  We must be willing to accept change and move forward graciously; finishing our race well.  Patience is a character trait we are being challenged to display and we know it only comes through trials.  Now we turn to the young men:

 

Tit 2:6-8 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, (7) in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, (8) sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.

            Young men, let your life be a “pattern of good works;” which means doing good all the time.  Set a good example for your children and those around you creating a life that is built around doing the “right thing.”  This week I heard the old song “Cats in the cradle” which talks about a man who becomes a father and chooses to place his main focus on his career and hobbies rather than his son.  In the end the father desires to make things right and spend time with his grown son only to find that he has become just like him, too busy to slow down and enjoy the truly wonderful things of life.  Men don’t ever be too busy to invest your time in your children.  Make it a pattern in your life to keep your priorities in order.  Don’t let your career, hobbies, to do list, or what you are looking at on your phone come before spending time with the Lord or your family.  A father of character creates habits that are good for his children to imitate.

            Integrity is an attribute that is worthy of being imitated.  It is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles and uprightness.  Integrity is who you are when no one is around.  It is being a man of your word even when it is very inconvenient or uncomfortable.  We must stand strong for what we believe not only with our words, but also with our actions.  Integrity also means owning up to your mistakes, not running away from them.  When we own up to our mistakes we show a transparency that shows humility not hypocrisy.  Hypocrisy and integrity are polar opposites.

            Young men also are to be reverent, showing respect to those around us.  Respect the older generation of men who are investing in you and also the younger generation in which you are investing.  Be especially reverent to how the things of God are viewed in your home.  Don’t ever make prayer, Bible study, or church attendance something that is taken lightly or nonchalantly. Display reverence to the privilege it is to have a God who hears you, speaks to you, and loves you.  Show reverence in choosing to say as Joshua did; “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”  Your reverence, or lack of it, for the things of God set the tone for how your children value and respect His ways.

            Paul also calls for us to be “incorruptible.”  We must set guard rails in our lives to prevent us from getting off of our chosen path of following Jesus.  Know the places that you should not go and the people that you should not be around.  Choose to go to extremes to remove yourself from situations that might bring temptation to do things that are against good character.  Mike Pence refuse to have dinner alone with any woman other than his wife is a good example of this.  Make church attendance a priority and find a brother with whom you can be held accountable to.  Being incorruptible does not come easily, but with great effort, planning and attention.

            Finally, sound speech is encouraged which cannot be condemned.  Be careful what you say because there are little ears that hear everything.  James tells us to be quick to listen, and slow to speak and slow to wrath which is very good advice.  I think we can extend this also to not only what we say, but what we listen to.  Does your music, television shows, or pod casts use language that is appropriate for your children to listen to?  Be careful not to conform to what the world says is normal, but keep your mind pure from being exposed to things that corrupt it.  Don’t conform, but be transformed.

            All these character traits create a life that cannot be condemned nor spoken evil of.  Men, strive to be that man of character that your children, your wife, and the world needs to step forward.  We like Paul should be able to say; “imitate me as I imitate Christ.”

            Ladies, I know today I have not really spoken directly to you but these character traits are vital in your life as well.  Also when you see your husband stand strong and display a character trait that is spot one, praise him for it.  Men often seem callus to being exhorted for doing right, but I can tell you that your praise can be the wind in our sails to try harder.  The opposite is also true in that the lack of praise or respect can be just the thing that causes us to just give up.  It is much easier to be a man of character when you know the woman who walks with you respects and admires your efforts to lead your family well.

 

Heavenly Father, thank You for challenging us today to be men of character that reflects Your influence on us.  Grant to us the ability to yield to the Spirit’s control and make the changes needed to be that man You desire us to be.