Scripture:
Titus 2:1-5 NKJV
[1] 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; [3] the older women likewise, that they are reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— [4] that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [5] to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
Observation:
The letter to Titus was written by Paul to encourage the young pastor in his work as a shepherd over one of GOD’S churches. Before the gospel was presented, Crete they were following false gods. So Paul felt it necessary to establish YAHWAH and HIS Son Jesus Christ as the one true GOD. The instructions given on how to conduct yourself here in chapter 2 seem to be directed towards the elders in the church, and I believe their purpose is to focus on those coming to faith after them. So, in fact, the letter to Titus is much like the letter to young Timothy that Paul wrote. Putting order into the church and guiding the doctrine so that the truth could not only be heard but also seen as well. First, he directed his attention to the men in the church as he should because they were made to lead everyone else in the spiritual matter. He focuses on the way they conduct themselves. Making sure that they understand the importance of staying clear-minded. Not allowing thing to cloud their judgment, including but not limited to intoxicating emotions, such as anger, just greed, and things like that. Being even-tempered, sure in their faith, and loving those around them with patience and kindness. Then Paul switched gears to the ladies in the church. Giving them some of the very same instructions. One thing that I noticed is that the ladies are directed to teach the ladies. In fact, the last 3 verses in today’s scripture have to do with ladies teaching younger ladies how to be what GOD has called them to be. Reverent in their conduct, not slanderers, not allowing the mind to be clouded or given to drunkenness. Teaching good things to those after them. Being discreet in their appearance, and taking care of the home. I know this next phrase may cause some uproar, but it’s the bible, so you’re not going against me or my opinion. It’s just right from the book. And if men are doing their part, then it makes it easy for women to do theirs. So here we go. Obedient to their own husbands. So that the word of GOD is not blasphemed.
Application:
Let’s look at that last phase, and I will take the women part out because I believe it pertains to all of us. But let’s say it like this; being obedient to Jesus so that the word of GOD is not blasphemed. One thing I have noticed in the last several years of my walk is that people are tired of lip service. They want to see someone who walks their talk. I have heard it said that ” the number 1 cause of atheism today is someone who professes to be a Christian with their mouth but denies HIM with their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” The way we walk and conduct ourselves is very important. The world is watching. I don’t know about you, but I want my life to not Jesus say Jesus has transformed me. I want it to be screamed from the rooftops without saying a word. I want so much of the Holy Spirit to fill my cup that everyone I come into contact with not only sees it but can’t help but get a little bit of it on them. When the way we conduct ourselves is upright to the very best of our ability, it attracts others who want to do the same. I desire to empty out hell. So that the only ones who go there are Satan and his demons. Jesus made a statement in the gospel, saying,” On this rock, I will build a church that the gates of hell will not prevail against.” Listen, I want you to know that’s “YOU”… you are that church you conduct matters. It’s what people see as real. We need real people loving on others… not just telling them the right way but showing them how it’s done. I want my talk to be my walk. Yes, I am a flawed human… but when I mess up, I fess up and do what is necessary to make the changes so that people see Christ in me. If you have been around the church for a while, that’s your job. To walk worthy of the calling GOD has placed on you. Not in a judgmental fashion but in a loving manner to draw others away from hell into the kingdom. When they see that you are different, they will want to be different as well. If you can do it, I can do it. Let’s lead them to the kingdom, men focused on men and women focused on women. That’s the design. If godly men teach other men how to be godly men and godly women, teach other women how to be godly women, the church would empty hell in a heartbeat.
Prayer:
Father, our lives are yours. Let your spirit flow through us today. Guide every step so that it is in step with you. Put those in our path that you have specifically chosen because you know that we can reach them for your kingdom. We know that you have a plan, and that plan is that hell would not take even one more captive. You are the chain breaker. Let our conduct prove that. Here we are send us. We are willing and want to be used by you. Fill us with the fruit of the Holy Spirit so full that it’s contagious worse than covid 19. I know that you are capable of breaking out a revival, so powerful that the world would shake. I want to see that. Revive in me a right spirit. That revival doesn’t start with them it starts in us and spreads to them so that there is no us and them just we the body of Christ. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen