Scripture:
Titus 2:1-10 ESV
[1] But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. [2] Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. [3] Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, [4] and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, [5] to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. [6] Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. [7] Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, [8] and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. [9] Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, [10] not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
Observation:
After Paul’s conversion to following Jesus Christ from Judaism. He started teaching and preaching the gospel. But it was more than just eloquently spoken words. Paul walked out salvation. Along the way, others noticed and wanted what Paul had. Titus was one of those men. Timothy was another. Paul wrote this letter to Titus, giving him instructions on who not only to walk but to teach as well. It seems that both Titus and Timothy had started churches, and he wanted them to be successful in the ministry. Here in Titus chapter 2, we see Paul telling Titus to teach sound biblical doctrine and make sure his mind is clear. Not allowing anything to control him such as emotions or other intoxicating things like alcohol and so on. Self-control was very important and needed to be seen by all those around him if he was going to teach. His steps would have to be ordered and steadfast in proper teaching. He goes on to tell Titus how to instruct all of those who were placed under his care as a pastor. Paul’s instructions included how women should conduct themselves walking with integrity and honor. Not as drunkards or slandering those around them. But with dignity and self-respect. Notice also that the older women have an objective and obligation to teach the younger women how to love their husbands. I believe this is a very important principle and can get missed. But it’s part of the ministry and should be spoken about. Verse 5 is one of those verses that can cause a little tension if it’s not approached from the right standpoint. So let’s look at it from the men’s side of things. Women are not to be dominated into submissiveness but loved into it. If a man is wholeheartedly chasing after Jesus, a wife should have no reason not to submit to him as he submits to the LORD. In other words, what Paul is saying here is that men work with men and women work with women so that the word of GOD is not brought into question. I want us to notice that the phrase “self-control” has been used a few times in a short amount of verses. It’s a very important aspect of what is being taught by Paul to Titus and all of us, for that matter. What it all boils down to is integrity. Walking in a manner that leaves nothing that anyone can question. Paul’s instructions to Titus are basically this walk worthy of the calling that GOD has given to you so that others will be attracted to a peaceful, loving spirit that rests in you and has nothing bad to say about what it looks like to be a follower of Christ.
Application:
You have heard me say this, but I believe it bears repeating. You may be the only bible someone ever reads. So what is your walk saying? Are you making a relationship with Jesus attractive by allowing self-control to lead you through thought and action, or are you giving over to the intoxicating effect of emotions and making rash decisions? What you do and how you speak is a reflection of the kingdom. If you bear the name of Christ… in other words, if you call yourself a Christian, you are a reflection of HIM, and if you are involved with ministry, that reflection is vital. For a long time, I was unaware of the damage I was doing. Live like hell, but saying I loved Jesus. It took two good friends dying in a bad car accident to open my eyes. My walk matters. Now I don’t want you to get me wrong because I know it’s not me that leads people to Christ. No one comes to the Father unless HE draws them. However, if our life is not a beacon of hope, there is no reason to be drawn to the kingdom. Let your light shine so that all may see and glorify the Father. HE saved you to use you by placing a spirit of peace and self-control in you that will draw others to HIM. So let Christ dwell richly in you in all that you do. I never want to push someone away from the kingdom. My walk is vital and so is yours. Think about it. How many times have you thought or heard the phrase…and he calls himself a Christian? Look at what he is doing. Our job is to love them into the kingdom. The old phrase “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” It’s true, but salt will make someone thirsty, and we are the salt of the earth. Our walk should create a thirst in others that draws them to the living water.
Prayer:
Father, you know who you have called us to be. Our desire is to walk in that. We want to live in a manner that brings you glory and honor. Help us to walk is integrity, leaving nothing to question about the transformation that you have made in us. You are our GOD, and we are your people. Use us to draw others to your kingdom. Our lives have been bought at a steep price, and we want them to be a reflection of you. So let our light shine so that others will praise YOU. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.