Being A Christian Woman In A Pagan World

Titus 2:1-5

Titus 2:1–5 (NLT)

1 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.

2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.

4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,

5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

INTRODUCTION:

I- MAINTAIN A LIFE THAT GLORIFIES CHRIST (TITUS 2:2-3).

Titus 2:2–3 (NLT)

2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.

A- Live in a way that honors God.

(Πρεσβύτιδας ὡσαύτως ἐν καταστήματι ἱεροπρεπεῖς[1])

ὡσαύτως= in like manner, likewise... the previous qualities plus some additional ones. The term indicates that the verb forms, which are lacking in the exhortations to the older women, are to be supplied from the exhortations to the “older men” given previously.[2]

Πρεσβύτιδας = older, aged woman

καταστήματι= deportment, demeanor, behavior

The term translated “live in a way ” indicates the outward expression of an inner character.[3]

ἐν ἱεροπρεπεῖς= in a manner befitting (worthy of) one consecrated to God.

1. Maintaining intimacy with Christ.

2. Filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

Ephesians 5:18 (NLT)

18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

3. Busy about the Master’s business.

a. Ministry

*Like Dorcas (Acts 9:36-42)

Acts 9:36–42 (NLT)

36 There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.

37 About this time she became ill and died. Her body was washed for burial and laid in an upstairs room.

38 But the believers had heard that Peter was nearby at Lydda, so they sent two men to beg him, “Please come as soon as possible!”

39 So Peter returned with them; and as soon as he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room. The room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing him the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them.

40 But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, “Get up, Tabitha.” And she opened her eyes! When she saw Peter, she sat up!

41 He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in the widows and all the believers, and he presented her to them alive.

42 The news spread through the whole town, and many believed in the Lord.

b. Witnessing (Acts 1:8)

Acts 1:8 (NLT)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

c. Prayer

*Like Anna (Luke 2:36-38)

Luke 2:36–38 (NLT)

36 Anna, a prophet, was also there in the Temple. She was the daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher, and she was very old. Her husband died when they had been married only seven years.

37 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer.

38 She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.

B. Avoid gossip

μὴ διαβόλους -not a false accuser, devil, slanderer.

1. Avoid speaking slander and accuizations.

(1 Timothy 5:9-16) (Key: vs. 13)

1 Timothy 5:9–16 (NLT)

9 A widow who is put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least sixty years old and was faithful to her husband.

10 She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?

11 The younger widows should not be on the list, because their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ and they will want to remarry.

12 Then they would be guilty of breaking their previous pledge.

13 And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other people’s business and talking about things they shouldn’t.

14 So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children, and take care of their own homes. Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them.

15 For I am afraid that some of them have already gone astray and now follow Satan.

16 If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of them and not put the responsibility on the church. Then the church can care for the widows who are truly alone.

(Matthew 7:1-5)

Matthew 7:1–5 (NLT)

1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.

2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.

3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?

4 How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?

5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

2. Avoid listening to slander and accusations.

(1 Timothy 5:19)

1 Timothy 5:19 (NLT)

19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses.

a. Taking part in it only divides and destroys the body of Christ.

· Like it did at Corinth

C- Avoid intoxicants

μηδὲ οἴνῳ πολλῷ δεδουλωμένας[8]= nor enslaved (controlled) to(by) much wine

(Ephesians 5:18)

Ephesians 5:18 (NLT)

18 Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit,

1. That which intoxicates keeps the Spirit from being in control.

2. That which intoxicates empowers the destructive fleshly tendencies.

D- Be a teacher of good things.

(καλοδιδασκάλους - a teacher of the right : a teacher of good things.)

1. In words:

a. Speak words that build up.

(Colossians 4:6)

Colossians 4:6 (NLT)

6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

2. In actions:

a. Do that which glorifies God.

(Colossians 3:17)

Colossians 3:17 (NLT)

17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

II. HELP OTHER WOMEN TO FOLLOW CHRIST (Titus 2: 3c-4a).

Titus 2:3c–4a (NLT)

3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.

4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,

A. Teach what is good and right (Titus 2:3c).

Titus 2:3c (NLT)

3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.

1. Sound doctrine

a. Principles for living:

Note the principles have to do with home life (Titus 2: 4-5). Why?

Titus 2:4–5 (NLT)

4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,

5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

o Families will self-destruct without these virtues.

o Churches will be destroyed without strong families.

o The lost will remain lost without Christian examples.

o Society will disintegrate without the strong spiritual fiber built into Christian homes and churches.

B. Disciple the younger women in Christian living.

(σωφρονίζωσι = train, teach, disciple )

Paul suggested in this passage that older women should possess personal godliness, be worthy of respect, and play an essential role in the lives of the young women in the church. The concept of spiritual mentoring is evident in this passage.[9]

1. Build relationships of trust.

a. Pattern godly living.

b. Encourage them to stay in the Word, prayer, and obedience to Christ.

The results of this process can be seen in Timothy. (2 Timothy 1:5)

2 Timothy 1:5 (NLT)

5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

III- FOCUS ON BUILDING STONG CHRISTIAN FAMILIES (Titus 2:4 b-5).

Titus 2:4–5 (NLT)

4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,

5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

A. Build a strong love relationship with your husband.

4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children,

(φίλανδρος = love [their own] husband) from φιλέω, “to love,”and ανδρος, “man [husband]

Love is a commitment for life.

Love is a giving relationship.

Love can be romantic.

B- Build up your children with love.

(φιλότεκνος), from φιλέω, “to love,” and τέκνον, signifies “loving one’s children,”[11]

Loving children means being dedicated to their well-being.

Focusing on their needs instead of convenience.

Loving children means disciplining them when needed.

Loving discipline has two parts:

Encouragement in doing right.

Correction for doing wrong and instruction in the right way.

Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT)

6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Discipling them to follow Jesus whole-heartedly.

Only preparation for eternity will really make a difference.

The best preparation for life is not teaching them to get along with the world, but walking with Jesus in the world.

C- Be sensible (Titus 2:5)

Titus 2:5 (NLT)

5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

(σώφρονας. ‘to behave in a sensible manner,).

1. Behave out of a sound, wisdom and understanding.

(James 1:5)

James 1:5 (NLT)

5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

D- Be pure and blameless (Titus 2:5)

Titus 2:5 (NLT)

5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

(ἁγνάς = being without moral defect or blemish and hence pure—‘pure, without defect)

1. Do your best to be blameless in everything.

a. The best way: obey God.

E- Keepers at home

(οἰκουργούς = one who works in the home—‘one who takes care of the home, homemaker.).

1. Needs to focus more on home than outside interests.

*This is counter-cultural. The world says pursue outside interests first.

F- Be good

(ἀγαθάς) = positive moral qualities of the most general nature—‘good, goodness, act with goodness).

1. Note Solomon’s appraisal of such a woman:

(Proverbs 31:10)

Proverbs 31:10 (NLT)

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.

G. Be subject to your (own) husband

(ὑποτασσομένας τοῖς ἰδίοις (ἀνδράσιν[12] = to be submissive, to be in subjection to your own husband).

Why?

(Titus 2:5c).

Titus 2:5c (NLT)

5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.

CONCLUSION:

* G. Campbell Morgan’s sons (preachers) were asked “Who was the greatest preacher of the Morgan family?”

* Answer, “Mother”.

Date and Place Preached: Sunday, May 08, 2005 @ FBC, Scott, LA Sunday, May 13, 2007 @ Good Shepherd BC, Youngstown, OH Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ Southington Baptist Church—Southington, Ohio

Sunday, May 14, 2023 @ Woodville Baptist Church, Woodville, MS

* 2:3 Greek be enslaved to much wine. * 2:5 Some manuscripts read to care for their homes. * 2:3 Greek be enslaved to much wine. [1] Michael W. Holmes, The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition (Lexham Press; Society of Biblical Literature, 2011–2013), Tt 2:3. [2] Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 299. [3] Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 299. * 9:36 The names Tabitha in Aramaic and Dorcas in Greek both mean “gazelle.” [4] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2013), Ac 9:36–42. [5] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2013), Ac 1:8. * 2:37Or She had been a widow for eighty-four years. [6] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2013), Lk 2:36–38. * 5:9Greek was the wife of one husband. * 5:10Greek and washed the feet of God’s holy people? [7] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2013), 1 Ti 5:9–13. * 7:2aOr For God will judge you as you judge others. * 7:2bOr The measure you give will be the measure you get back. * 7:3Greek your brother’s eye; also in 7:5. * 7:4Greek your brother. [8] Michael W. Holmes, The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition (Lexham Press; Society of Biblical Literature, 2011–2013), Tt 2:3. [9] Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 299. * 2:5Some manuscripts read to care for their homes. [10] Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2013), Tt 2:3–5. [11] W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, and William White Jr., Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, TN: T. Nelson, 1996), 100. [12] Cambridge Greek Testament: Greek Text (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012), Tt 2:5.