Titus 2
Notes
Transcript
Handout
HAPPY FATHERS DAY
HAPPY FATHERS DAY
Introduction*
Introduction*
Since the early days of the church, Christians have had a hard time agreeing on every issue.
Since the early days of the church, Christians have had a hard time agreeing on every issue.
And there are certain issues that really should be non-issues because they are not what we would refer to as first order doctrinal issues.
And there are certain issues that really should be non-issues because they are not what we would refer to as first order doctrinal issues.
We talked about this all the way back in 1 Timothy … there are what we could refer to as first-order, second-order, and third-order doctrines.
there are what we could refer to as first-order, second-order, and third-order doctrines.
• First-order doctrines are the core claims of Christianity that define true faith from counterfeit faith ...
Think the Trinity, the incarnation, substitutionary atonement, salvation by grace through faith, and bodily resurrection.
• Second-order doctrines lead to different denominational traditions …
Think baptism, church government, miraculous gifts, and the roles of men and women in the church.
• Third-order doctrines are those theological opinions that Christians can disagree about and yet still be a part of the same church or group of churches …
Think the rapture of the church, the worldwide flood, and the age of the earth.
Sometimes incorrect teaching isn’t heretical, it’s just bad … still dangerous … but not on the level of something that should be called heretical.
sometimes incorrect teaching isn’t heretical, it’s just bad … still dangerous, but not on the level of heresy.
And when it comes to things where the Bible does not draw clear lines there is room for some “differences.”
However, a love for the LORD and God’s Word means a love for truth and a desire to study and hold as precious the written Word of God.
And perhaps we ought indeed be more tolerant of one another's beliefs in regards to those issues that are not essential to salvation. However, this does not mean that we ought to blatantly forego a love for truth and a desire to study and search the Scriptures for such. In , Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep My commandments." He went on to say that the Holy Spirit would be sent to inspire the writers of Scripture so that we would know those things that are important to our Lord. And if such things are important to Him, then they ought to be important to us as well.
Where the Bible is clear, which it is on most things including the core doctrines of faith, there is no see-sawing … no hedging … no moving the line.
In , Jesus said, "If you love me, you will keep My commandments."
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.
The Greek there literally means, “Abide in the circumstances of My instructions.”
Jesus went on to say that the Holy Spirit would be sent to inspire the writers of Scripture so that we would know those things are God’s Word.
If the instructions of scripture are important to Christ, then they ought to be important to us as well.
----
The written Word of God tells us that sound doctrine is important.
The written Word of God tells us that sound doctrine is important.
In scripture, there are numerous references to truthful doctrine:
In scripture, there are numerous references to truthful doctrine:
Sound doctrine ()
Wholesome words and doctrine conforming with godliness ()
Words of faith and good doctrine ()
Doctrine of Christ ()
Doctrine of God our Savior ()
Teaching of the Lord ()
The apostles' doctrine ()
The gospel of Christ ()
The truth ()
The faith ()
The word ()
Of course, it’s important to know what to do with truthful doctrine … what does the Bible tell us?
And what does the Bible tell us to do with truthful doctrine?
Read it, meditate upon it (, )
Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."
Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you."
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Hold onto it ()
Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
Handle it accurately ()
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Live according to it ()
not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Fight for it ()
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Teach it to others ()
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
Preach it to everyone ()
And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
Believers will not always agree on every single Biblical issue.
In regards to the rapture of the church and the age of the earth, disagreements do not have to mean division.
But we are all fallen people, and so there will be misunderstandings and, as a result, Christians who unknowingly teach things that are wrong.
Some do so knowingly, as Paul pointed out in chapter 1 of Titus … “Those who are teaching things they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.”
Do not read below:
whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
Titus 1:
In regards to first order doctrines such as Salvation by Grace through Faith moving the line changes the gospel message.
There will be misunderstandings and, as a result, Christians who unknowingly teach things that are erroneous.
But in regards to other doctrines, such as Salvation by Grace through Faith (which we will hit on this morning) moving the line changes the gospel message.
It becomes a works based gospel that has no power to save.
There will be misunderstandings and, as a result, Christians who unknowingly teach things that are erroneous. tells about Apollos, "an eloquent man" who was "mighty in the Scriptures." But he was also misunderstood some things about the way of the Lord. He was not condemned as a false teacher, but rather he was taken aside and taught more fully by loving Christians.
And so, Paul says the doctrines of the faith are to be contended for with the goal of turning false teachers to right doctrine.
tells about Apollos, "an eloquent man" who was "mighty in the Scriptures."
But he also had some doctrinal problems.
He was not condemned as a false teacher … instead, he was taken aside and taught more fully by loving Christians.
He then went on to become a great teacher of the gospel.
Nevertheless, there are many passages in Scripture condemning false teaching.
What is the difference?
Apollos was a sincere (although misinformed) Christian trying to teach and preach according to his understanding of the truth.
His motives were pure; he was obviously preaching out of love for Christ and the lost.
Those who are condemned in Scripture, however, are those who are intentionally misleading and misguiding people by their teaching.
Their motives were not pure; their hearts were not committed to God and His truth.
And thus they and their teachings are severely condemned.
Now, that’s not an excuse to listen to false teaching … because you like the message.
Sincerity doesn’t negate the responsibility of those who teach wrongly … pastors and teachers should study to show themselves approved and reject any message that is outside of the written Word of God.
----
Jesus Himself warned against false teachers and false doctrines.
Jesus Himself warned against false teachers and false doctrines.
In He said:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
In Jesus strongly condemned those who were, “Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”
Do not read below:
‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”
He warned in , “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”
Do not read below:
And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.
He warned in , , "See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many.
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
The Greek word Χριστός Christos, from which we get Christ, literally means “One who has been anointed.”
Have you noticed how many teachers on Youtube or on the various Christian television stations claim to have received this or that anointing?
How many of them are deceiving people by, “teaching things which they ought not” claiming they have received a special anointing to do so?
The answer is “many.”
----
Jesus warned about false doctrines.
Jude warned about false doctrines.
John warned about false doctrines.
The author of Hebrews warned about false doctrines.
And, as we have learned over the last half year in studying the Pastoral Epistles, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and now Titus, Paul warned against false doctrines.
What were the false doctrines these men of God were contending against?
What were the false doctrines these men of God were contending against?
Well, there was primarily:
The False Doctrine of Jewish Legalism.
The False Doctrine of Gnosticism.
The False Doctrine of Asceticism.
The False Doctrine of Antinomianism.
The False Doctrine of Docetism.
describes one of these main false doctrines that plagued the early church.
describes one of the major false doctrines that plagued the early church. "Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved."" The false teachers are sometimes called Judaizers because they taught that Christians also had to submit to certain rites of the Jewish Law in order to be saved. They held circumcision and the Law of Moses to still be binding.
And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
The false teachers are sometimes called Judaizers because they taught that Christians also had to submit to certain rites of the Jewish Law in order to be saved.
They held circumcision and the Law of Moses to still be binding.
Paul strongly dealt with this false teaching in many of his letters.
In , Paul said that some had already begun to pervert the gospel of Christ.
He warned the Galatian church not to accept any other gospel than that which they had already been given.
Paul reminds them in that they are greatly mistaken to think salvation can come through works of the Law.
And he bluntly tells them in that they will fall from grace if they listen to the false Judaizing teachers.
In fact, Paul feels so strongly about this that he calls these false teachers "dogs and evil workers" ().
Don’t read below:
Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!
He speaks of Judaizers and Gnostics in when he says, "Instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines."
The word gnosticism comes from the Greek word gnosis, which means knowledge.
The main emphasis of gnosticism was a claim to knowledge that ordinary believers did not possess.
They assert that their special knowledge and enlightenment is superior to the faith of others.
(They might say that they have received a special revelation that is superior to what is written.)
For instance some said that Jesus did not come in the flesh, but in spirit … which would be called Docetism.
Others sought to control people by telling them what they could and couldn’t do ... which is called Asceticism.
Still others taught that believers were free to do whatever sinful things they wanted ... which is called Antinomianism.
Often teachers of asceticism who would lead other people to self abuse would themselves be indulgent.
This is similar to Pelagianism which is the belief that the human will is sufficient to choose good without the help of God.
In Titus, Paul speaks primarily of Judaizers, but also of those who want to add pagan influences to the church.
He says in that their mouths must be stopped because they upset whole families.
He says in , "[They] must be silenced (KJV: "mouths must be stopped") because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach."
He further says they are, "Liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."
liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.
The Holy Spirit tells us in Hebrews 13:
The New King James Version. (1982). (). Nashville: Thomas Nelson." (See also .)
Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.
----
Since we started the Pastoral Epistles 4 months ago, we’ve been talking about false teachers and the importance of sound doctrine.
Since we started the Pastoral Epistles 4 months ago, we’ve been talking about false teachers and the importance of sound doctrine.
By this time, I’m feeling like Jude who wanted to talk about our common salvation, but was compelled to instead contend and exhort for the faith.
By this time, I’m feeling like Jude who wanted to talk about our common salvation, but was compelled to instead contend and exhort for the faith.
Jude
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
I could probably bury the lead and pick one word out of the chapter and try to teach some life lesson from that.
I could point to verse 7 and single out “good works” … and then present a list of things you would be doing if you were a good Christian.
But that would be no better than the Judaizer who sets aside grace for the law.
That would be no better than the gnostic who says don’t believe the truth about Christ.
Instead, we
It would be doing the very thing that Paul accused the false teachers of doing … turning from the truth.
Paul tells us exactly what he is talking about with verse 1 of chapter 2.
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
Paul wrote to Titus concerning proper behavior and attitude for maintaining sound doctrine in the church.
It goes both ways … while sound doctrine is important for proper expression of faith, those who want to live otherwise will often try to downplay doctrine or add in the doctrines of man.
For instance … Some might argue that since God is glorified in forgiving us … we should be free to sin so that God might be glorified all the more.
To that, Paul wrote in Romans, “Certainly not!”
For the church to be healthy, Titus needed to “speak things which are proper for sound doctrine.”
For the church to be healthy, Titus needed to “speak things which are proper for sound doctrine.”
And that’s what is going to follow.
Paul had written to Timothy:
NKJV
And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
This is the same task that Paul is giving to Titus for Crete.
This is the same task that Paul is giving to Titus for Crete.
In chapter 1, Paul had already told Titus to establish leadership among the churches in the cities of Crete who could help him to contend for sound doctrine.
Now, Paul is going to describe for Titus ‘that proper behavior and attitude which is productive toward maintaining sound doctrine.’
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for everyone gathered here this morning. Thank You that You know each of us by name and have caused us to walk with You. Lord, this morning we open up Your word desiring to hear from You ... not man's word or wisdom, but Your Words and Wisdom. Please soften our hearts to receive from You.
Read more: http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/times/opening_prayer.html#ixzz4kItox4R0Lord, this morning we open up Your word desiring to hear from You ... not man's word or wisdom, but Your Words and Wisdom. Please soften our hearts to receive from You.
v1
v1
Greetings over, Paul gets straight down to business.
Greetings over, Paul gets straight down to business.
reetings over, Paul gets straight down to business. Titus has been left behind on Crete because certain things need to be put in order. The first of these is the appointment of leaders in the churches. Referring to these leaders as elders, Paul says, ‘the reason that I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town as I directed you’ (v. 5). It would seem that each centre of population had its church. These churches needed leaders. And in verses 6–9, in considerable detail, Paul tells us what kind of men these leaders were to be.
Titus has been left behind on Crete because certain things need to be put in order.
Titus has been left behind on Crete because certain things need to be put in order.
The first of these is the appointment of leaders in the churches.
Paul told Titus to appoint elders in every city back in verse 4 of chapter 1.
Next, Titus was to teach sound doctrine and things which are proper for sound doctrine.
What kind of things should a Christian pastor teach the men of his congregation—the older men and the younger men?
What kind of things should a Christian pastor teach the men of his congregation—the older men and the younger men? What kind of instruction does the Christian pastor need himself? To both these questions Paul gives direct and very helpful answers.
What kind of instruction does the Christian pastor need himself?
To both these questions Paul gives direct and very helpful answers.
And so we will see Paul address particular groups that are found in the church body.
From time to time in his letters, Paul addresses himself to particular groups.
You might remember from Ephesians how Paul gives a long series of exhortations to the believers as a whole and then exhorts wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters.
Each group is singled out for specific instruction.
Paul does the same thing in the letter to the Colossians.
Well, in his approach is a little different.
Paul again has specific groups in mind - this time it’s older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and slaves.
But he doesn’t exhort them directly as he does in Ephesians and Colossians.
Instead, his exhortations are to Titus as to what he is to teach them … “Things which are proper for sound doctrine.”
Doctrine and practice for a Christian are to keep in step with each other.
In general, Titus is to teach them ‘what is in accord with sound doctrine’ (v. 1). We infer from this that doctrine and practice for a Christian are to keep in step with each other. Soundness in the faith is to be accompanied by a lifestyle that harmonizes with it. And Titus’s responsibility is to spell out in detail what that means for various groups in the church.
Sound (or healthy) doctrine … “The acknowledgement of the truth which accords with godliness” (), is necessary for the proper expression of faith.
Don’t read below:
Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness,
“The acknowledgement of the truth which accords with godliness”
Soundness in the faith is to be accompanied by a lifestyle that harmonizes with it.
Soundness in the faith is to be accompanied by a lifestyle that harmonizes with it.
And Titus’s responsibility is to spell out in detail what that means for various groups in the church.
v2
v2
----
----
----
The older men were to be sober, which means “to be temperate in the use of wine.” Old men with time on their hands could linger too long over the cup.
Paul starts out with the “older men.”
Paul starts out with the “older men.”
The word used here for “older men” is πρεσβύτης presbytēs and, though it sounds like the word for Elder, presbyteros (and is related to it), “older men” is the correct translation.
The word used here for “older men” is πρεσβύτης presbytēs and, though it sounds like the word for Elder, presbyteros (and is related to it), “older men” is the correct translation.
It’s to be understood as speaking of natural age and not leadership position.
The older men were to be sober, and the idea is two-fold.
They are to be temperate in the use of alcohol.
But also they are to have a sober state of mind, which would preclude the modern day aberration of being “drunk in the Spirit.”
Nowhere in the Bible does it say to be drunk in the Spirit.
The older men were to be respectable not only for their age, but also for their character.
When the Bible speaks of being drunk, it always has a negative connotation.
It speaks of drunkenness as being a part of the old way of life along with all other self serving desires, and not a part of our new life in Christ.
God wants every aspect of our lives as believers to be under the complete control of the Holy Spirit.
This does not come by drunkenness, and it does not duplicate its effects.
The older men were to be respectable not only for their age, but also for their character.
The older men were to be respectable not only for their age, but also for their character.
The temperate man doesn’t go to excess.
He is not a slave to his appetites.
He doesn’t go to excess. He is not a slave to his appetites. Whether he is eating, drinking, sleeping, spending money, or engaging in recreation, he keeps a firm hand on his desires and drives.
Whether he is eating, drinking, sleeping, spending money, or engaging in recreation, he keeps a firm hand on his desires and drives.
The younger men were to be able to look to the older men and see what maturity of faith looks like and does.
The younger men were to be able to look to the older men and see what maturity of faith looks like and does.
And this takes us to the next characteristic.
----
Reverent is the Greek word σεμνός semnos which means “dignified.”
That does not mean “no fun.”
That does not mean “no fun.”
BUT there are boundaries … they are not to act like fools.
BUT there are boundaries … they are not to act like fools.
There is a dignity to being older that produces respect.
And this respect gives an older Christian authority so that they are anchors of the congregation.
----
Temperate means prudent.
Temperate means prudent.
It describes an attitude of mind that leads to one being wise and judicious, discreet and circumspect.
It describes an attitude of mind that leads to one being wise and judicious, discreet and circumspect.
We already talked about this a little bit in regards to being sober.
----
Next we have “Sound in faith, in love, in patience” and these all go together.
Next we have “Sound in faith, in love, in patience” and these all go together.
Sound in faith is “Sound in the expression of faith.”
Sound in faith is “Sound in the expression of faith.”
And
The older men should be sound in doctrine, knowing what they believe, and how to properly act on it.
In other words, their doctrinal convictions should be sound … that is, in accordance with God’s Word.
Sound doctrine tells us how to properly express faith.
However, if your doctrine is not sound, you get into things that our outside of proper Biblical doctrine, like toking the Spirit.
You lead others in things that are NOT proper.
Proper expression of faith according to healthy doctrine will encourage a believer in love and long-suffering.
So Paul is giving the idea that even though the “older men” here are not titled leaders in the church (not Elders), they are role models for the younger people of the congregation.
The Baptist pastor, John Benton makes this observation: “There is solidity and commitment to what is right which inspires younger men to secretly say to themselves ‘I want to be like him.’”
Andrew Bonar was a nineteenth century Scottish preacher.
At the beginning of his ministry something was said to him that every Christian should consider: “Remember that very few men and very few ministers keep up to the end the edge that was on their spirit at the first.”
In other words, very few Christian men continue to grow and develop and mature as Christians right to the close of their lives.
Of many of them it can be sadly be said that spiritually they are not the men they were in their younger days.
But it’s not just the older men.
v3-5
v3-5
The word likewise in verse 3 means that the older women were to have the same qualities as the older men, PLUS the additional ones listed.
The word likewise in verse 3 means that the older women were to have the same qualities as the older men, PLUS the additional ones listed.
Reverent here is not “dignified” as in the older men, but is a different Greek word that has “Holy” as it’s root.
Reverent here is not “dignified” as in the older men, but is a different Greek word that has “Holy” as it’s root.
This suggests acting in a way that is expected behavior in a holy place … in other words, their behavior reflects holiness.
The deportment (behavior) of these older women must always reflect holiness.
They must not be slanderers.
This is the Greek word, διάβολος diabolos which means devil and speaks of a false accuser.
Not prone to gossip is one aspect of this.
(“false accusers”—the Greek word is “devils,” which means “slanderers”), picking up gossip and spreading it.
But considering Paul is speaking of women with high moral standards, the possibility exists for them to be overly critical of others … even to the point of accusation.
They are to admonish
They must also be temperate in their use of wine.
When it comes to the older women, Paul’s emphasis is on teaching: “teachers of good things.” Experienced, godly women are usually excellent teachers. The word teach in is related to the word translated “temperate” in , and probably should be translated, “that they may train by making sober-minded.” It is not only that the older women should show the younger mothers how to keep house, but that they put within their hearts and minds the right spiritual and mental attitudes.
The NIV Application Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus Original Meaning
In contrast to such behavior, these women should draw on their mature wisdom and use their time to teach “what is good,” especially to the younger women.
“Not given to much wine” is a nice way to put it.
The Greek word here is δουλόω douloō which means “slave.”
“Teachers of good things” goes with verses 4 and 5.
So, in contrast to what was said earlier, these women should draw on the wisdom they have through maturity and use their time to teach “what is good,” especially to the younger women.
In contrast to such behavior, these women should draw on their mature wisdom and use their time to teach “what is good,” especially to the younger women.
This is where the true emphases is in regards to the older women.
When it comes to the older women, Paul’s emphasis is on teaching: “teachers of good things.” Experienced, godly women are usually excellent teachers. The word teach in is related to the word translated “temperate” in , and probably should be translated, “that they may train by making sober-minded.” It is not only that the older women should show the younger mothers how to keep house, but that they put within their hearts and minds the right spiritual and mental attitudes.
Experienced, godly women can be excellent teachers … not just in word but in how they live out their faith.
Experienced, godly women are usually excellent teachers. The word teach in is related to the word translated “temperate” in , and probably should be translated, “that they may train by making sober-minded.” It is not only that the older women should show the younger mothers how to keep house, but that they put within their hearts and minds the right spiritual and mental attitudes.
If they have been taught and held to sound doctrine, they will have right expression of faith in their lives and be able to teach others the right spiritual and mental attitudes.
It is not only that the older women should show the younger mothers how to keep house, but that they put within their hearts and minds the right spiritual and mental attitudes.
One of the strongest forces of ministry in the local church lies with the older believers.
The danger, however, is when bad doctrine has been propagated for more than a generation.
Then you have bad doctrine not only being taught but being handed down not only in word, but also in the improper behaviors.
It is good to see that many local churches have organized and mobilized these important people.
----
In my own ministry, I have been greatly helped by senior saints who knew how to pray, teach the Word, visit, troubleshoot, and help build the church.
And so we get to the final words of verse 5: “That the Word of God may not be blasphemed.”
And so we get to the final words of verse 5: “That the Word of God may not be blasphemed.”
The Greek word for Blasphemed is βλασφημέω Blasphēmeō and it means reviled and slandered.
This sharpens Paul’s exhortations toward older men and women of the church … it gives us his point.
This sharpens Paul’s exhortations toward older men and women of the church … it gives us his point.
We might ask, “Why is Scripture so insistent that maturity of age be matched by spiritual maturity?”
One reason is that older men and women will be an example to those who are younger.
One of the strongest forces of ministry in the local church lies with the older believers.
The danger, however, is when bad doctrine has been propagated for more than a generation.
And this is another reason why maturity of age should be matched by spiritual maturity:
And this is another reason why maturity of age should be matched by spiritual maturity:
Then you have bad doctrine not only being taught but being handed down both in word, and in improper behaviors.
To show them what it means to be Christians whose conduct harmonizes with the sound doctrine they have embraced is, according to Paul, a responsibility of older men and women.
Surely for the sake of younger Christian men, every older Christian man should seek to be each and all of these things—temperate, worthy of respect, sober-minded, sound in faith, sound in love, and sound in endurance.
Is this your aspiration?
To have believers behaving in ways that do not accord with sound doctrine blasphemes the Word of God and causes unbelievers to look at the church with disdain.
At the beginning of his ministry something was said to him that every Christian man should ponder: ‘Remember that very few men and very few ministers keep up to the end the edge that was on their spirit at the first.’
In other words, very few Christian men continue to grow and develop and mature as Christians right to the close of their lives.
Of many of them it can be said with sad truth that spiritually they are not the men they were in their younger days.
Yes, unbelievers are going to think of Christians as strange, but they should also be able to see our behavior in accord with the sound doctrines of the Bible.
Campbell, D. (2007). Opening up Titus (pp. 48–49). Leominster: Day One Publications.
In the Bible we have the mind of Christ and of God.
There we find clear directives from heaven as to how we are to live and what we are to believe.
If we stick to those clear doctrines, we might be strange to unbelievers, but we are also obedient to Christ and witnesses of Christ, something which false doctrines cannot do.
v6-8
v6-8
Not some aberration or
In the Bible we have the mind of Christ and of God; clear directives from heaven as to how we are to live and what we are to believe.
v6-8
v6-8
v6-8
The godly older women have the responsibility of teaching the younger women how to be successful wives, mothers, and housekeepers; and the younger women have the responsibility of listening and obeying. The Christian home was a totally new thing, and young women saved out of paganism would have to get accustomed to a whole new set of priorities and privileges. Those who had unsaved husbands would need special encouragement.
The godly older women have the responsibility of teaching the younger women how to be successful wives, mothers, and housekeepers; and the younger women have the responsibility of listening and obeying. The Christian home was a totally new thing, and young women saved out of paganism would have to get accustomed to a whole new set of priorities and privileges. Those who had unsaved husbands would need special encouragement.
The greatest priority in a home should be love. If a wife loved her husband and her children, she was well on the way to making the marriage and the home a success. In our Western society, a man and a woman fall in love and then get married; but in the East, marriages were less romantic. Often the two got married and then had to learn to love each other. ( is probably the best Scripture for a husband and wife who really want to love each other in the will of God.)
Surely a mother loves her children! Yes, this is a natural instinct; but this instinct needs to be controlled. I once heard a “modern mother” say, “I love my child too much to spank her.” In reality, she had a selfish love for herself and did not really love the child. “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (, niv). While it was usually the father who disciplined the children in Eastern homes, the mother could not escape being a part of the procedure, or else a child would run to its mother for protection.
“To be discreet” () is our familiar word sober-minded again (“temperate” in ). Outlook determines outcome; and if a person is not thinking rightly, he will not act properly. A woman needs a correct and disciplined outlook on her ministry in the home. “Self-controlled” is the idea contained in this word. If parents do not discipline themselves, they can never discipline their children.
“Chaste” means “pure of mind and heart.” A Christian wife is true to her husband in mind and heart as well as in action.
“Keepers at home” does not suggest that her home is a prison where she must be kept! “Caring for the home” is the idea. “Guide the house,” Paul wrote (). The wise husband allows his wife to manage the affairs of the household, for this is her ministry.
“Good” () can be translated “kind.” She does not rule her household with an iron hand, but practices “the law of kindness” ().
While the wife is “busy at home” (niv), it is the husband who is the leader in the home; so the wife must be obedient. But where there is love () there is little problem with obedience. And where the desire is to glorify God, there is no difficulty that cannot be worked out.
“That the Word of God be not blasphemed” is a good motive for cooperation and obedience at home. It is sad to see the way family problems, and even divorces, among Christians cause unsaved people to sneer at the Bible.
Titus himself was a young man.
Titus himself was a young man.
He was to let older women minister to younger women, lest he get himself into a difficult situation.
He was to let older women minister to younger women, lest he get himself into a difficult situation.
But he was to be an example to the younger men with whom he would easily identify.
His tools for building up others were to be exhortation and example.
Those who hold themselves to, “The pattern of sound words” of the Bible become a pattern of good works for others to follow.
Thus, Timothy and by his example, the young men of the churches are to be sober-minded.
I heard someone put it this way … and I love it … “Remember the duty of prudence.”
He was to exhort them to be self-controlled, for there were many temptations to sin.
Titus was to exhort them to be self-controlled.
That is because for young men back then just as for young men today, there were many temptations to sin.
What I find interesting, however, is that Paul emphasized Titus being an example more so than being an exhorter!
Titus would preach best by his life.
He must constantly be a good example of integrity … reverence … incorruptibility.
If Titus was to preach sound doctrine, then his life should demonstrate the good works and behaviors of sound doctrine.
Remember what Jesus said about the Pharisees … “For they say, and do not do” .
Do not read below:
“For they say, and do not” was our Lord’s indictment against the Pharisees (). This is hypocrisy.
Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.
This is hypocrisy.
The Greek word for pattern is τύπος typos from which we get our English word type.
Originally, the English word referred to an impression made by a press or die.
Hence the typewriter.
The word originally meant “an impression made by a die.” Titus was to live so that his life would be like a “spiritual die” that would impress itself on others. This involved good works, sound doctrine, a seriousness of attitude, and sound speech that no one—not even the enemy—could condemn. Whether we like it or not, there are “contrary” people who are always looking for a fight. A pastor’s speech should be such that he stands without rebuke.
If Titus demonstrated the proper behavior out of sound doctrine, he would make and leave an impression on the younger men of the church.
These things ... good works, sound doctrine, a seriousness of attitude, and sound speech are things that no one - not even the enemy - could condemn.
Whether we like it or not, there are “contrary” people who are always looking for a fight.
A pastor’s speech should be such that he stands without rebuke.
If he teaches something, he should be able to teach it FROM THE BIBLE.
He should not be, “Teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.”
Do not read below:
whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
Christian teachers must be certain to pass on the truths of God’s Word and not their own ideas or the ideas of others.
It is not easy to pastor a church. You do not punch a clock; yet you are always on duty. You must be careful to practice what you preach; you must be the same man in and out of the pulpit. Hypocrisy in speech or conduct will ruin a man’s ministry. No pastor is perfect, just as no church member is perfect; but he must strive to be the best example possible. A church will never rise any higher than its leadership.
In fact, next to living out the truth of God’s Word one of the hardest things of being a pastor is choosing what not to teach.
I don’t mean cherry picking the Bible.
All of the Bible should be taught without exception.
But there have been so many ideas that are unbiblical introduced into church
The Word of God does not need to be dressed up to match modern thought in order to be relevant.
----
It is not easy to pastor a church.
Whether you are at the building or not … you are at work.
You do not punch a clock; yet you are always on duty.
You must be careful to practice what you preach.
Pastors are not perfect, but they must try to be the same man in and out of the pulpit … a type which leaves an impression.
Being a Christian … whether older, younger, man or woman ... is not easy.
And the same really also goes for all Christians, though many will not recognize it.
Being a Christian … whether older, younger, man or woman ... is not easy.
We all should, by our lives, be making an imprint on people’s lives … setting an impression as a pattern of the sound words of scripture.
No pastor is perfect, just as no church member is perfect; but he must strive to be the best example possible. A church will never rise any higher than its leadership.
v9-15
v9-15
In that time, the slave, as much as anyone else, was a part of the fabric of society.
In that time, the slave, as much as anyone else, was a part of the fabric of society.
It’s been estimated that there were around 50 million slaves in the known world at this time.
A full third of the inhabitants of Rome were slaves.
And so, often, slaves are mentioned because slavery existed and many slaves received the Gospel.
And so, often, slaves are mentioned because slavery existed and many slaves received the Gospel.
It’s a touchy subject today, of course, but I am reminded by this that God does not leave people out.
Whatever your job or social standing … His grace is extended to you.
Whatever your job or social standing … His grace is extended to you.
There were different kinds of slaves in that time … household slaves, field slaves, mine slaves and the like.
Some were slaves by choice and others were born into it or captured in battle.
Some slaves occupied positions of great authority and responsibility.
And others were what we probably think of when we hear the word slave … in chains doing terribly hard work and in danger of punishment.
Some slaves were afforded free times when they could leave the house and go to church.
It was likely that they would then bring the Word home to the slaves who were unable to leave.
In this letter, like some of his others, Paul had a word concerning the slaves (see ; ).
In , Paul instructed servants to be obedient to their masters as they were obedient to Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.
Don’t read below:
Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.
Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ;
Ephesians 6:
And in , Paul instructed servants to count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.
Don’t read below:
And in , Paul instructed servants to count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.
Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.
1 Timothy
The Bible also speaks to Christian masters in and Ephesians 6.
We are glad for this word to Titus because Paul backed it up with one of the greatest statements about salvation found in the New Testament.
----
But here, Paul is talking about how Christian slaves are to behave in relation to their masters.
But here, Paul is talking about how Christian slaves are to behave in relation to their masters.
Paul always linked doctrine and duty.
And we see here that Paul linked doctrine and duty.
And we see here that Paul linked doctrine and duty.
First of all, Paul addressed obedience and disobedience
They were to obey their masters and seek to please them, which meant going the extra mile.
They were to obey their masters and seek to please them, which meant going the extra mile.
It is possible to obey, but not obey “from the heart.”
We have all probably done a job grudgingly.
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
Paul also says not to talk back (this is what is meant by “answering again,” ).
Some unsaved masters would not be thoughtful and would overwork their slaves.
The second sin was talking back (“answering again,” ). While a slave would not carry this too far (his master might severely discipline him), he could argue with his master since the master probably knew less about the job than the slave did. The slave could also “gripe” about his master to others on the job. This would certainly be a poor testimony for a Christian slave.
While dangerous for some classes of slaves, a servant might argue with his master since the master probably knew less about the job than the slave did.
The slave could also “gripe” about his master to others on the job.
This would certainly be a poor testimony for a Christian slave.
Christian slaves were also to avoid the sin of theft.
This was the sin Onesimus probably committed against Philemon (see ).
Many slaves were in positions of trust.
The opportunities were there to take things that did not belong to them and either keep or sell them.
There are no slaves in our society today, but there are employees. Christian workers must obey orders and not talk back. They must not steal from their employers. Millions of dollars are lost each year by employers whose workers steal from them, everything from paper clips and pencils to office machines and vehicles. “They owe it to me!” is no excuse. Neither is, “Well, I’ve earned it!”
(And human nature being what it is, many of them would have done it.)
Here again, however, the will of God is plain.
Christian slaves were to be honest and not to steal from their masters, regardless of what others were doing.
Christian slaves were to be honest and not to steal from their masters, regardless of what others were doing.
Regardless of what others are doing they are to submit to the authority of God’s Word and have nothing in their pockets or their homes that they have not been given or earned.
Interestingly, this was the sin Onesimus probably committed against Philemon (see ).
There are no slaves in our society today, but there are plenty of employees.
There are no slaves in our society today, but there are employees. Christian workers must obey orders and not talk back. They must not steal from their employers. Millions of dollars are lost each year by employers whose workers steal from them, everything from paper clips and pencils to office machines and vehicles. “They owe it to me!” is no excuse. Neither is, “Well, I’ve earned it!”
Christian workers must obey orders and not talk back.
They must not steal from their employers.
----
So, all these things that Paul warns against he does so because those kinds of actions do not equate with sound doctrine.
Paul gave a good reason why Christian workers should be trustworthy.
It demonstrates proper behavior and makes sound doctrine appealing.
When we are doctrinally sound in what we say and how we act, we “beautify the Bible.”
We make the Christian message attractive to unbelievers.
Close
Close
But the positive motive, to make God’s message attractive, and the negative motive, to keep God’s teaching from being slandered, ought to control our lives.
Here () Paul expanded the meaning of “Saviour” () by explaining what was involved in this salvation that we have through Jesus Christ.
They can find no hypocrisy.
The emphasis is on grace—God’s lavish favor on undeserving sinners. Paul pointed out three wonderful ministries of the grace of God ().
----
Grace redeems us (vv. 11, 14a). People could not save themselves. God’s grace had to bring salvation to lost mankind. This salvation was not discovered by sinners; it appeared to them via the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God in His grace sent His Son to redeem those in the bondage of sin. This salvation is for “all men” who receive it (see ). There is a universal need, and God provided a universal remedy for all who will believe.
In closing for this morning, Paul reminds us that sound doctrine is important.
In closing for this morning, Paul reminds us that sound doctrine is important.
Paul explained this salvation further (). Christ “gave Himself for us,” which means that He became our substitute. “Who His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree” (). The word redeem means “to set free by paying a price.” We were all slaves of sin () and could not set ourselves free; but Jesus Christ gave Himself as the ransom for our sins. By His death, He met the just demands of God’s holy law, so that God in His grace could forgive and free those who believe on Christ.
It’s important for knowing what we believe and how to rightly behave.
It’s important for knowing what we believe and how to rightly behave.
But, does it really matter what we believe as long as we believe in Jesus Christ?
Sound doctrine will reflect God’s intent for his Word.
Sound doctrine will reflect God’s intent for his Word.
It will judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart ().
We have been redeemed “from all iniquity,” which means that sin should no longer master our lives. (Remember that the context of this passage is Paul’s counsel to slaves. They knew the meaning of “redeem.”) “Iniquity” means “lawlessness.” In our unsaved condition, we were rebels against God’s law; but now all of that has been changed. This led Paul to the second ministry of the grace of God.
Don’t read below:
The quick answer: Yes.
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Sound doctrine will be useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (); thoroughly equip us for every good work (); be a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (); keep us on the path of purity (); give understanding to the simple (); and grow our salvation ().
Grace reforms us (vv. 12, 14b). Salvation is not only a change in position (set free from the slavery of sin), but it is also a change in attitude, appetite, ambition, and action. The same grace that redeems us also reforms our lives and makes us godly. “Teaching” has the idea of “disciplining.” We are disciplined by God’s grace, trained to be the kind of people that glorify Him.
Our faith is based on a simple, yet specific message, … and modifying or distorting it can have both a detrimental and an eternal impact.
Godly living involves both the negative and the positive. We deny “ungodliness [whatever is unlike God] and worldly lusts” (see ). The verb means that we do it once and for all. It is a settled matter. Then, we work on the positive. “Sober” is our familiar word for “self-control, prudence, restraint” (see ). This emphasizes the believer’s relationship to himself, while “righteously” deals with his relationships with other people. “Godly” speaks of the Christian’s relationship to the Lord, though the qualities must not be separated.
The gospel is the basis for our salvation, therefore we need to “Watch [our] life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” ().
Do not read below:
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Essentially what Paul is urging here is, “If you don’t pay attention to your life or what doctrine says, you will lose yourself and anyone who hears what you say.”
Christians live “in this present age” (niv), but they do not live like it or for it. Christ has redeemed us from this evil age (), and we must not be conformed to it (). Neither should we walk according to its standards (). We have tasted the powers of “the coming age” (, niv), and we should not desire to cultivate the present age with its shallowness and godlessness.
But as we saw this morning, sound doctrine is also important for the proper expression of faith.
Many well-meaning pastors end up teaching law rather than grace by attaching to the gospel some necessary merit of man.
Some well-meaning pastors end up teaching law rather than grace by attaching to the gospel some necessary merit of man.
They have a hunch about something or get a feeling and go outside of scripture to teach “what they feel” rather than from the Bible and end up teaching a false gospel of works.
A gospel of works cannot save.
A gospel of works cannot save.
But a person may have been saved by grace through faith and yet get drawn away into something that is not true.
And soon, false doctrines have them behaving in ways that do not “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”
Instead, it blasphemes the Word of God by leading people to inappropriate behaviors.
If we are not learning and holding to sound doctrine, we will not grow in Christ or be able to discern when doctrine isn’t sound.
So, our aim is to abide in the teaching of Christ, and “rightly handle the word of truth” ().
Do not read below:
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Accordingly, it is our obligation as Christians to declare the full counsel of God and not add to it or take away from it.
EVEN IF we have a hunch or a feeling about something.
Essentially what Paul is urging here is, “If you don’t pay attention to your life or what doctrine says, you will lose yourself and anyone who hears what you say.”
Essentially what Paul is urging here is, “If you don’t pay attention to your life or what doctrine says, you will lose yourself and anyone who hears what you say.”
Grace reforms us because God purifies us and makes us His own special possession (). This process of purification is called “sanctification,” and its goal is to make the believer more like Jesus Christ (). Sanctification is not only separation from sin, but it is also devotion to God (). “Peculiar” does not mean “odd” or “strange.” It means “a special people for God’s own possession” (see ; ).
In sticking to God’s Word, we equip ourselves to resist being, “Tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,” ().
Do not read below:
that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
Grace rewards us (v. 13). We are looking for Jesus Christ to return; this is our only hope and glory. This verse boldly affirms that Jesus Christ is God, for there is only one article in the Greek: “the great God and our Saviour.” Paul did not go into detail about the events surrounding the return of Christ. Believers should always be expecting His return and live like those who will see Him face-to-face.
We accomplish this by growing in the Word, understanding its foundational truths, and continuing in that truth.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray for believers and for Your church. Lord, we ask that You fill it with all truth through Your written Word. Inspire our witness of Christ, that all may know the power of His forgiveness and the hope of His resurrection. Help me to feed Your flock well and not to deviate from Your Word. Help our church body to walk in a manner worthy of the calling You have given us. Help us in all our dealings with one another to have humble and gentle hearts. Grant us patience for one another, bearing with one another in love. May we walk humbly with You, God, allowing You to direct us in all we do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
