Scripture:
Titus 2:6-10 NKJV
[6] 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. [9] Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, [10] not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Observation:
Just like the two letters to Timothy, Titus was written by Paul. It was a letter to guide Titus into the calling that GOD had placed on him and, in fact, much of the same information you find in the letters to Timothy you can find in Titus as well. Titus, however, is a much more concentrated version. Paul seems to get right to the point. Maybe that’s because Timothy was younger than Titus. I’m not exactly sure why that is. Here in the second chapter of this letter, we see Paul giving Titus instructions on how to teach the men in his congregation. Explaining that remaining sober-minded is of the utmost importance. Now, most people, when they hear the word sober, think about mind and mood-altering drugs. I would challenge you to think a little differently and include emotions that intoxicat you as well, such as anger, lust, depression, and anxiety as well. Just to mention a few. Paul moves on by guiding Titus to be an example. To let his good works speak of the salvation that had already been obtained. Showing integrity, reverence, and incorporabbibility. This played out even in the way that Titus talked. The ability to say the right thing at the right time so that no one could say anything about him or the way he conducted himself. Verses 9 and 10 finish us up today, bringing Titus to the bondservants that were in his congregation and his to instruct them. It was Titus’s job to lead everyone in the church… including those who chose to be servants. That ultimately, what the word bondservant means. So the instructions Paul gave were right on time. The instructions were that the bondservant was to obey his master. Not talking back or being disrespectful in any manner. Staying tightly to what the Bible teaches.
Application:
I believe people are tired of hearing the would and not seeing any action behind it. I don’t want to be the guy that says one thing and does another. I want my yes to be yes and my no to be no. To be a man of my word. After all that, what the bible calls us to do and I don’t know if you know this or not, but the world is watching. Everyone of us is leading someone no matter if we think so or not. Our integrity, reverence, and incorrectability are being paid attention to. Whether it be our children or someone at work that looks up to us. Some want to see us fail, and others want to see us succeed. Our job is to be an example to the world, just like christ was an example to us. Whether we are just employees or the owners of the company. The way we conduct ourselves is vital as to whether or not the world sees that Jesus is alive and well, living bemreathing and moving inside of us. That’s honestly the key to all of this. We have to live as though the word of GOD is true. What does that mean. Well, to me, it means that when the bibke says the sane spirit that rose christ from the dead lives in me, I have to pay attention to that and live it out. We are all called to be examples to someone. The way we talk, the way we act, the way we love our spouse, the way we treat our children, all of it. I know I have been on a kick about it recently, but it’s not without reason. We are the church. I’m not talking about just the church you go to. I’m saying if you know Jesus Christ as your LORD and SAVIOR, you are the church, and the world is paying attention to you. We are meant to lead. This is a call to love your neighbor, to do good to those who treat you poorly, to pray for your enemy, to be kind to them, and not because it heaps hot coals in their lap but because it’s the right thing to do. My question is, do you bear the name of christ? In other words, are you a Christian. If so, the way you walk matters.
Prayer:
Father, I know we all struggle at times, and honestly, the world sees us in our weak moments and pays little attention to the good. What we are asking this morning is that we are a reflection of you in everything we do. Help us to do the right thing even when no one is watching. Show us what that right thing is and keep us moving forward in what you have called us to do. I know that sometimes the pressure seems unbearable, but if we lean on your strength in our weak times, your glory will shine through, and ultimately, that’s our goal we want you to be seen living in and through us. You are such an amazing GOD, the one who makes a way when there seems to be none, and we are grateful to be a part of what you are doing. We ask you to move in our hearts and in our situations so that the world can see your face. It’s in the might name of Jesus I pray amen.