Titus 2_2f
Quick review of last time – Your life has impact –how you think speak act forms a setting for the incredible Jewel of Jesus Christ. You can complement the gospel or defame it.
So we – leaders – are to speak – teach, model, mentor, demonstrate – that which is fitting with sound doctrine. (2:1)
Paul then goes on to give us some specifics for a variety of folks. Here is that which is fitting - again, doctrine – what I believe, has life consequences – Dr. Laura’s comments on following the truth re a brat 40 something brother.
So let’s look at some people pictures: America is now the oldest society in the history of the world. There has never been a society with this percentage of older people.
Older men and women – Thoughts on growing older – our culture view. This phrase can be used for people as young as 50! Age is not an excuse to vegetate! ME and retirement thinking. Moses was 80 years old when God called him to lead Israel out of Egypt. Sarah was way beyond childbearing age when she became the Mother of a great nation. Anna was in her eighties and fasted and prayed in the temple regularly and was rewarded with seeing the messiah. At the age of 83—after having traveled some 250,000 miles on horseback, preached 40,000+ sermons, and produced 200+ books and pamphlets— Wesley regretted that he was unable to read and write for more than 15 hours a day without his eyes becoming too tired to work. After his 86th birthday, he admitted to an increasing tendency to lie in bed until 5:30 in the morning!
Men - Temperate - They are to be temperate: describes a man who is watchful to be free from the intoxicating effects of the world, flesh and devil and thus remains circumspect, sober, and vigilant. Such an attitude is to be his lifestyle. Old men should have learned what are and what are not, godly pleasures and that the passing pleasures of sin and of self-indulgence cost far more than they are worth. A temperate person avoids excess, extravagance and over-indulgence of appetites and passions. Learned to value the eternal things. Boogie boarding story. People matter.
Dignified – Lived long enough to see that life is a serious thing – watched kids make bad decisions, reject their values, been to enough funerals. Doesn’t mean gloomy or sour – but their lives are worthy of respect in how they do things and in what they stand for. Real dignity. My Uncles Lloyd and Fred. Sam Wirz, Billy Graham.
Sensible – Saved mind - sound mind – They have discretion and discernment – Able to see the phonies quick, yet not jaded – self controlled. Not substance or flesh controlled.
Sound in faith, Love and perseverance – Healthy in these critical character areas.
Women – Reverent in behavior – Priestly – Holy – set apart for God! Not diabolos gossips – Satan like gossips. Not enslaved to wine. Not controlled by substances but by the Spirit of God. Teaching what is Good! Contra jezebel in Rev. 2:20. Good teachers – not just in style but in substance – what do you live out?
Young people are looking to you older ones for examples of how to live the life, how to love the Lord, how to defeat sin, how to witness, glorify God, care for your family.
I believe God is calling Brookside to be a body where the mature believers mentor and model to the younger ones. Where the elderly in the Lord are honored. Where those who are older increasingly shine forth these characteristics – these Ice Berg things.
• Not bitter but better
• Not duped but discerning
• Not Gossips but Godly
• Not retired but re-fired
Call older men and women up to be prayed for. Possible with God.
To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.Psalm 92:15
They will still yield fruit in old age; They shall be full of sap and very green, Psalm 92:14
Titus Another common denominator here is the Encouraging word – we are to be like the home on the range folks – where seldom (read never) is heard a discouraging word. What kind of words discourage you? What kind of words encourage you?
Where do we see this stuff taking place? Or has it recently?
Where it should be – In the life groups. In our accountable relationships. In our conversation day to day with other believers. It is so easy to fall into badmouthing someone. It is harder to speak this kind of stuff but so important!