"Sound Living"

INTRODUCTION

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Most families, if not every family, has at least a few traditions that get passed on from generation to generation. On my mom’s side of the family many favorite recipes get passed down – I suspect that happens in your family too. I have memories of my mom, aunts, and sister writing down some of the recipes from my great grandma and grandma. Dana has them on a recipe card (example of corn bake or white fudge). Each recipe has detailed instructions to follow exactly for it to turn out just right. If you’re a mom with a few toddlers in the house the instructions on the recipe read like this

· Mom’s brownies

Haha! I love that. Some of the moms can relate, right? Today we return to our series in Titus where we are discovering the “Essential Building Blocks of an Effective Church. Let’s take a minute to review the first three EBBs.

· EBB#1 – Gospel-Centered Ministry

· EBB#2 – Godly Leadership

· EBB#3 – Sound Doctrine

Today we pick up where we left of in Titus 2 – and it reads a bit like a recipe card – it’s a long list of instructions addressed to specific groups in the church.

Need

Titus 2 provides practical and personal instructions for “how to live our lives” as followers of Jesus. In a fight for one’s own independence many have said “It’s my life! You can’t tell me how to live.” And while we have great freedom in Christ – today we need to come to grips with the fact that God has the right to tell us how to live and His instructions for us are for our good and His glory. How does God want us to live as followers of Jesus?

Preview

If you have your Bible, and I hope you do, turn with me to the book of Titus. If you don’t have a Bible feel free to grab one provided in the pew rack and follow along as we continue our series in Titus. Titus Chapter 2 Titus Chapter 2:1-10 Titus 2:1-10. Remember the apostle Paul penned this letter through the power of the Holy Spirit discharging Titus with the task of setting things in order in the churches located on the island of Crete. We transition to the major section of the letter (2:1-3:11) which contains the exhortations about living the Christian life that aligns with their belief in the gospel. Let’s walk through it together to uncover the fourth EBB of an effective church and it’s application to our lives as a church. Titus 2:1-10. Read Titus 2:1-10.

I) SOUND LIVING – GODLY LIVING

Titus 2:1-10 highlights the fourth essential building block of an effective church – Sound Living! Today we return to find the fourth “Essential Building Block of an Effective Church” – Just as the BB#2 (Godly Leadership) is connected to BB#3 (Sound Doctrine), today we’re reminded that BB#3 (Sound Doctrine) is connected to BB#4 (Sound Living). “Sound Living.” “Sound Living.” Last week we discovered the priority of “Sound Doctrine” in the church – this week we see the priority of “Sound Living” in the church. Sound doctrine must be taught continually in the church because it’s the foundation for living the Christian life.

A) Christians must be taught to live in a manner befitting of the sound doctrine (gospel) they believe (2:1)

Chapter 2 begins with Titus’ call to “teach” the Christians in Crete what is in accord with sound doctrine.” Last week we discussed the destructive influence (upsetting the faith of the believers) of Jewish false teacher’s whose teaching was unsound and whose lives were unsound. In contrast to the Jewish false teachers, Titus and the newly appointed elders were called to “teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.” Titus was called to “communicate the behavior goes with (aligns or matches) sound doctrine” (NET). Titus must teach the Christians in Crete how to live the Christian life that matches up with the truth of the gospel/God’s word.

· Mismatched clothes or food

The godless living of the false teaches in Crete is now contrasted with the godly living of the believers in Crete. In contrast to the false teacher’s whose lives deny what they say they believe, teach them to live their lives in a way that is “fits” with sound doctrine (the truth of the gospel – the Christian faith). Christians must be taught to live in a manner befitting of the gospel they believe. Again, we see vital importance of sound doctrine in the life of every believer. We can’t miss the priority of sound doctrine in regards to our belief and our behavior. Let’s review our definition of sound doctrine = it means accurate teaching or instruction. In Titus we discover two aspects of sound doctrine – accurate teaching about Christian beliefs and accurate teaching about Christian behavior – so let’s get a firm grasp on both aspects of sound doctrine revealed in Titus.

· Titus 1: we discover the priority of “sound doctrine” in regards to the Christian faith (belief). Sound doctrine = accurate teaching about the beliefs of the Christian faith (i.e. the trinity, depravity of man, deity of Jesus, the gospel of grace) Think “ORTHODOXY” – sound teaching about the right beliefs of the Christian faith.

· Titus 2 & 3: we discover the priority of “sound doctrine” in regards to living the Christian life (behavior). Sound doctrine = accurate teaching about living the Christian life. Think “ORTHOPRAXY” – sound teaching about the right behaviors of the Christian faith.

Titus highlights both aspects of sound doctrine – orthodoxy and orthopraxy – teaching right beliefs and right behaviors of the Christian faith. We cannot divorce them from one another. Titus and newly appointed elders were being challenged to teach both aspects of sound doctrine—and the opening charge is a call for Titus and the elders to teach the Christians the behaviors that fit or match with the essential truth of the gospel message (God’s truth).

· John Stott - This compressed phrase indicates that two strands are to be interwoven in Titus’ teaching. On the one hand there is ‘the sound doctrine’, the definite article once again implying that an identifiable body of teaching is in mind. On the other hand, there are ‘the things which fit it’, namely the ethical duties which the sound doctrine demands.[1]

Christians must be taught to live in a manner befitting of the gospel they believe. Up to this point in the letter the focus has been upon sound doctrine – the truth of God of the gospel which was being distorted by Jewish false teachers – and the elder’s call to encourage God’s people with sound doctrine. The letter now shifts from teaching about right Christian beliefs to teaching about right Christian behavior. Titus 2:1-10 contains instructions for “Sound Living” directed to five specific groups of people in the church.

B) Sound Living for Specific Groups in the Church (2:2-10)

We turn now the instructions for Sound Living for Specific Groups in the Church.” In contrast to the false teachers in Chapter 1 who “profess faith in God but deny Him with their actions,” now we have personal instructions outline how to live in a way that is befitting of the sound doctrine we believe. Titus 2:1-10 highlights “Sound Living” (Christian conduct or godly behavior) for five specific groups in the church that have implications for our lives this morning. Let’s walk through the instructions given to each group. Before we walk through the instructions to each group, I want to throw out a word of caution. I want to caution each of you from falling into a terrible pitfall know as “Applicational elbow.” You know what “Applicational Elbow” is, right? You’ve seen it, you’ve done it! Applicational Elbow happens when you’re listening to a sermon and you’re tempted to “elbow” someone because you want them to pay attention to what God is saying but don’t fall into this pitfall. There will be instructions for almost everyone in the room so pay attention to the section that is addressed to you—Husbands don’t give the applicational elbow to your wives (vice versa – reading a passage about being a godly wife and highlighting it in her Bible), parents don’t give the applicational elbow to your kids, and kids don’t give the applicational elbow to you parents or grandparents! Pay attention to what God is saying to you instead of what God is saying to the person next to you.

1) Instructions for “The Older Guys” in the Church (2:2)

We begin with the instructions for “Sound Living” addressed to the “Older Guys” in the church (2:2). We find specific instructions that Titus should pass on to the older men in the church so they would know how to live their lives as followers of Jesus Christ.

The first question that comes to your mind might be “Who is to be classified as an older man?” “Who” do these instructions apply to in the church - 40 year-olds, 50 year-olds, 60 years-old? The phrase “old men” (πρεσβύτιδας) is used repeatedly in the NT to speak of “aged men; a male who is advanced in years” but unfortunately doesn’t identify a specific age range. Regardless of how you think of yourself – these instructions apply to you if you’re a man who is advanced in years (Luke 1:23) – and “Generally speaking, this group may have referred to men of an age sufficient to have raised a family and seen their children begin families of their own.[2] John Stott quotes Simpson who calls the older men “the greybeards of the flock.” We find four specific commands for older men in the congregation – old guys listen up!

a) Older Christian men must Live a life the exhibits sound judgment (2:2)

First, “older men” are called to “Be Temperate.” The word “temperate” literally means “to be sober”—it’s a man who is clear-headed which results in good judgment—a man whose exhibits unclouded thinking that produces a life of self-restraint. Older men in the church - you must be temperate! Is there anything clouding your minds? Is there anything causing you to not think clearly? Perhaps it’s alcohol, seek out accountability and help to get a handle on it. Perhaps greed clouds your thinking. Perhaps fantasy clouds your thinking? Whatever it is, apply the truth of the gospel to it, repent, and seek accountability and help.

b) Older Christian men must Live a life of dignity (2:2)

Secondly, older men in the church are called to “be worthy of respect.” The life of an older Christian man must be marked by “appropriate behavior that is honorable and worthy of respect (1 Timothy)—the older men in the congregation must be men of such good character that causes others to respect them. Older guys you must live your lives in such a way that others respect you! Older Christian men must live lives of dignity –the way they live their lives should be worthy of emulation—like Paul you should be able to say “follow me as I follow Christ.” God’s calling older Christian men to be role-models for others – it’s not a call for perfection but consistency – a life that beckons respect.

c) Older Christian men must Life a life of self-control (2:2)

Third, older men in the church were called to live a life of “self-control.” We’re going to see this command repeated several times in this section. The older men in the congregation must be sensible and moderate in their behavior—older men who are prudent their conduct. We find this call given to the older women and younger men as well---it’s an essential characteristic for every follower of Jesus.

e) Older Christian men must Live a life of Christian virtue (2:2)

Finally, older men in the church were called to live a life of Christian virtue. The call to “be sound in faith, love, and endurance” is literally a call for each man to “be healthy” in “the” faith, “the” love, and “the” endurance. Every older man in the church must possess and demonstrate their own robust and flourishing (healthy) “trust” in God, love for God and others, and a patient perseverance through the difficult circumstances (trials, affliction, and suffering) of life.

APPLICATION

God desires to speak directly every Christian old guy in this room. If you’re a believer in Jesus Christ and you’re an old guy – this section of God’s Word is addressed to you – God is speaking directly to you! This is what “Sound Living” for the old guy believers looks like! God is teaching you how to live as an older Christian man.

To all the older Christian men in the room (myself included), the instructions for “Sound Living” outlined here should prompt an honest examination of our lives. If you are an “older man” in this congregation, is your life marked by those characteristics!? This is who God wants you to be, this is how God is calling you to live. Take time this morning and in the coming week to prayer a risky but hearty prayer from Psalm 139: 23-24– “Search me, O God and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me.” God wants to do some work in your life, He wants to chisel away some things in you.

· Sound judgment? – “sober minded?” Anything clouding your thinking?

· Dignity? – Are you living a life worthy of respect?

· Self-control? -

· Christian virtue? - faith, love, and endurance. Are you struggling to trust God in a certain area of life, unwilling to love someone, or desiring to quit?

Don’t run from this but run to Him and ask Him to help shape you and form you to be a godly man. Listen. Repent. Renew your commitment to live this way by the power of the Holy Spirit.

2) Instructions for the “Older Gals” in the Church (2:3-5)

Secondly, we find “Instructions for Older Women” (2:3-5). Titus reveals “Sound Living” for the “Older Gals” in the Church. Titus 2:3-4 highlights “Sound Living” for the older Christian gals in the congregations. Now I could get in “hot water” real quick if I go around the room and identify which women fall into this category of “Old Gals.” It’s not proper to ask a women her age and this could dangerous for me as a pastor. The phrase “older women” describes a female who is “advanced in years” and just like the description “older men” it’s best to think of them as the Christian women in the congregation who have “raised their families” – certainly the grandmas in the room are a apart of the this group known as “older women.” We have two main commands for the “older women” in the church!

a) Older Christian women must live reverent lives (2:3)

First, the older women in the church must “Live Holy Lives.” Titus and the appointed elders of the churches in Crete must “teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live” (2:3)—the older women in the church must exhibit behavior that is fitting for those who are holy (NET)—their lives must be lived in devotion and consecration to God. The lives of the older women in the congregation “carry into daily life the demeanor of a priestess” that served in the temple. Now we find a two-fold description of what a reverent life looks life.

· A reverent woman is not a slanderer (2:3) In Titus 2:3 we see the life of a reverent woman of God is “not lived as a slanderer.” The word “slanderer” (“diabolos”) reveals that it’s diabolical in nature and the type of speech characteristic of Satan—slander refers to speech that defames others and speaking what is false to or about others—a slanderer is a liar, back-biter, malicious gossip, and stirs up scandals with their speech. Slandering others is evil, devilish, and unfitting for an older woman who is consecrated to God. A mature Christian women must not allow her lips to speak wicked accusations of others, it reveals one’s heart, and a reverent women will use her words for better things.

· A reverent woman doesn’t drink alcohol in excess (2:3) Older Christian women must not be “slaves to excessive drinking” (NET). Being “addicted to to much wine” is not consistent with life consecrated to God. We found this same character requirement for elders in the church. Older women in the congregation must not be in bondage to alcohol, they must master wine instead of having wine master them, you must be a gal who can consume alcohol appropriately instead of having alcohol consume you! A reverent woman is not a lush, she doesn’t spend her free time getting hammered alone or with her friends.

b) Older Christian women must teach what is good to train younger women so that the reputation of God’s Word won’t be spoken against (2:3-5)

Secondly, “Older women in the church must teach what is good to train younger women so that the reputation of God’s Word won’t be spoken against. The older women in the church were exhorted to “teach what is good”—it’s a call to teach others what is noble, right, and beneficial—they must teach “what they themselves are and strive to be.” Teaching what is good is an important part of living a reverent life before God. Now don’t miss the expressed purpose for teaching what is good. Older women are called to teach what is good for this purpose of training the younger women in the congregation. Wow! Older women teach what is good for the purpose of “instructing” the younger women in the congregation. Older women, “teaching what is good” is a part of your “training of the younger women in the congregation.” If you’re an older women in this congregation you’re called to “train” younger women in the church—you must “teach the young gals how to live the Christian life.

APPLICATION

Where are the “older Christian” women in the room. It’s only safe if you self-identify. Go ahead and highlight or underline this section of Scripture because it’s addressed directly to you. God is showing you what “Sound Living” (Christian conduct) should look like in your life. Go ahead and pray the same prayer from Psalm 139—“Search me, O God and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me.” Is there anything thing the Lord needs to work on in your life today?

Are you living reverently? – Are you caught up in a pattern of devilish gossip? Are you using alcohol appropriately? How does God want you to apply this to your life so that you’re growing in godliness?

Are you training younger women? – Will you pour yourself into the life of another? We need an army of Titus 2 women at MBC! In the years to come as your pastor I’m committed to equipping you to be a Titus 2 woman who will train the younger women in the family. God is calling you to disciple younger Christian women by training them in several key areas of their lives. Some of you have done this in the past. Some of you are doing this in the present. Some of you are not—and you have you’re reasons (time, not adequate, don’t know where to start, don’t want to). Whatever has kept you from doing it in the past, whatever is keeping you from doing it now—you have two options—obedience or disobedience—it’s that simple. God is calling you to train the younger women in this family. Will you obey? Will you be a discipling mentor to a younger Christian gal?

What if all the older Christian women obeyed this call in their lives? What if every older Christian gal in this congregation would train two younger gals every year? What if this type of discipleship became a way of life at MBC? God would be glorified and lives would be transformed for eternity! I’m praying that in the days to come we’ll have an actual list of Titus 2 women—a long list of names of the older Christian women who are ready to train the younger gals in our family—as well as a long list of names of the younger gals in our family who have expressed the desire and are ready to be trained by an older Christian woman. And I envision setting up a process where the “older Christian gals are connected to a younger Christian gal to train her up in these vital areas of Christian living. We won’t need much of a curriculum because the seven areas of training is right here in the Word! Older Christian women – I envision a day coming when you’ll be identified as a Titus 2 woman and asked to have your name put on the list to train younger women in this family for God’s glory!

3) Instructions for “The Younger Gals” in the Church (2:4-5)

Third, let’s consider the “Instructions for “The Younger Gals” in the Church. At first glance it appears that instructions about “Sound Living” for “Younger Gals” are missing but the exhortations are found in the call for the older women to train the younger women in the congregation. You have a wealth experience and wisdom to share with young wives! In Titus 2:4-5 we find a six-part training curriculum that must be passed on to the younger women in the congregation. Let’s look at the seven aspects of Sound Living for Younger Christian Gals in the church.

Younger Christian Gals must Love their families (2:4)

Husband

Older women train (instruct) younger women “to love their husbands” ~ Train the younger women to be loving wives, help them understand the necessity of loving their husband and how to express their affection for their husband. Love is the lifeblood of a good marriage and the older women in the congregation should teach the younger women how to love their husbands so their marriage relationship with deepen.

Children

Older women must train (instruct) younger women “to love their children.” Train the younger women to be loving mothers, help the understand how to love their kids, teach them how a godly mother cares for her children.

Younger Christian Gals must live lives of self-control (2:5)

Older women must train (instruct) the younger women “to be self-controlled”—self-control is one of the repeated attributes in this section—just like the “older men” and “older women” in the church the “younger women” must live sensibly. Young gals in the congregation are called to be moderate in their behavior, prudent, and thoughtful in their thinking and conduct.

Younger Christian Gals must live a life of purity (2:5)

Older women must train (instruct) the younger women Teach them “to be pure” ~ Train the younger women to live lives of moral purity—show the younger Christian gals how to be pure in word and deed—teach them how be pure in their speech instead of embracing the culture’s filthy and crass talk.

Younger Christian Gals must manage their home (2:5)

Older women must train (instruct) the younger women to be diligent homemakers (2:5) The phrase “busy at home” (NIV) or “working at home” (ESV) is also rendered training the women to “fulfill their responsibilities at home” (NET) and it denotes “caring for the house” or being “the keeper of the household affairs.” The older women must instruct the younger women how to be good home-makers, show them how to make the management of their home the priority of their life, teach them to be a woman who effectively manages their family domain. I recognize that the idea of being a “home-maker” or a “housewife” is offensive to some modern women, in our society where the majority of women work outside their home. The idea that a young women’s God-given responsibility to be a “housewife” or a “homemaker” is regarded by many in our day and age as ancient and offensive to women who have the desire and skills for a career. We don’t live in the day of “Leave it to Beaver” with Ward leaving the office and June at home making pies and doing laundry. Some gals in this room might want to argue with God on this point, the glass ceiling has been broken for me and I’m a woman hear me roar, and yet God’s Word reveals that managing the home is the number one priority of a godly women. I’m not saying the Bible is teaching that it’s a sin to work outside the home. The call is not a prohibition from working outside the home. Proverbs 31 gives us a picture of a virtuous (godly) woman who is engaged in her own business. I’m saying the Bible is teaching that your main focus (priority) is being the manager of the home. God has given women the responsibility for the over-all care of the household. God desires that your home come before your career, providing a loving & nurturing environment for your family is your main focus, and your career should not compete or interfere with God’s calling to care for your home. I know some would say that it’s not enough, it doesn’t satisfy, but I would argue that there is nothing more satisfying than obeying God and fulfilling His calling on your life.

Younger Christian Gals must exhibit kindness (2:5)

Older women must train (instruct) the younger women “to be kind” (literally good). Older women can instruct the younger women in the church to exhibit the virtue of “kindness.” Train the younger women to be gently and considerate to others.

Younger Christian Gals must honor their husband’s leadership (2:5)

Older women must train (instruct) the younger women “to be subject to their husbands.” The older Christian gals should teach the younger Christian gals to be “continually submitting themselves” to their own husbands. The call to submission is in line with the NT teaching about the marriage relationship. Young Christian women should be taught how to voluntarily and humbly per herself under her husband’s loving and sacrificial leadership. In our modern culture a wife’s submission to her husband has been fiercely attacked as promoting male chauvinism (men as superior to women) and patriarchy (giving power to men and withholding opportunity from women), and sexist. This understanding of submission in marriage is a complete misunderstanding of the gospel. When we read the NT we find that the early church actually elevated the view of women in the first century culture. One of the implications of the gospel (Christian faith) is that men and women are both created in the image of God and equal in Christ. Women have innate value, worth, and gifting that must be expressed in a marriage. The call to “submission” is not a declaration of “inferiority” (men as superior to women) but rather a declaration of “functionality” in Christian marriage. Just as there is a functional submission within the Triune God—the Son submits to the will of the Father—and just as Christ is the head (leader) of the Church and we submit to Him—the husband is the head (leader) and the wife honors and respects her husband’s leadership role in the marriage. Every marriage and family needs to have a leader—God has designed for a man to be the servant leader—and wives to follow their husband’s leadership.

Biblical submission in marriage doesn’t mean the wife is inferior to her husband, it doesn’t mean the wife never gives her input (a loving leader will seek counsel from his bride), and it doesn’t mean a wife can’t exercise her leadership gifts in the marriage (Dana- budget, trip planning, & discernment). I’ve seen Christian men “abuse” their role in their marriage—using their God-given position to control, demean, and force his wife to obey his every command (You can’t go out to the grocery store). Biblical submission in marriage is not about a husband using his authority to lord over (dominate) his wife or limiting her rights or expression of gifts. Submission is not about dictator husbands who view their wives as doormats (although that’s how some in the culture would want you to perceive it).

Obviously, submitting to your husband’s leadership is very difficult if he’s not obeying his call to sacrificially loving you. Biblical submission in marriage never calls a wife to accept any type of abuse (verbal, physical, & emotional) from her husband. A wife should never think she has to tolerate abuse out of obedience to God. Seek counsel and separate from your husband until he repents of his sin and becomes the loving leader that God calls him to be as a godly man.

Biblical submission in marriage is about a husband and wife each fulfilling their specific role and function. Every marriage & family needs a leader—God has designed for the husband to be the leader of his family, while the wife is entrusted with the role of helper and manager within the intimate circle of the home. Biblical submission in marriage highlights that the husband takes the initiative to sacrificially love and lead his wife and family—and the wife voluntarily follows her husband’s lead. Even in the midst of these roles a “mutual submission” to one another will be lived out in one’s marriage (Ephesians 4:28). Both roles and functions complement the other and are mutually beneficial for them both. The husband needs the wife and the wife needs the husband.

Don’t miss the motivation for the young women to live this way. The older women should train the younger women in sound living “so that “no one will malign the word of God” (NIV). All of this training should be done so that the “message of God may not be “discredited” (NET) by anyone inside and outside the church. Sound living by the young gals in the church will ensure the “Word of God (gospel) will not be blasphemed by their lifestyle or by others. No one will be able to speak evil of the gospel because of the way Christian live their lives. If the young gals in Crete were living in this way those outside the church wouldn’t be able to speak against the gospel, they would have to say the Christian faith makes people better not worse, highlighting the importance of sound living in our lives as followers of Jesus.

APPLICATION

Younger Christian gals in the room – God’s speaking directly to you this morning! God’s Word gives you a clear picture of what living the Christian life looks like as a younger gal. Today you can pray Psalm 139 as well-- Psalm 139—“Search me, O God and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me.” I trust that God wants to work in one or more of these six areas of your life. How are you doing in these areas of sound living?

· Loving your family -

· Self-control

· Purity

· Managing your home

· Kindness

· Honoring husband’s leadership

God is gracious where we fall short. Confess – repent – and ask Him to transform your life by the power of the Holy Spirit. Walk in obedience.

In the areas where you need to grow – are you willing to allow an older woman come alongside and train you in these essential aspects of living the Christian life? Are you teachable? Will you be humble and vulnerable enough to allow some one speak into your life and train you? Again, I envision a day coming when this becomes a part of our discipleship culture at MBC. I envision have two lists—one has names of the Titus 2 women reader to disciple younger women—the other has names of younger Christian gals who desire to be discipled by the Titus 2 women. We develop a strategic and simple process to connect an older gal on this list with the younger gal on this list and off they go! What an impact that would have on the lives in this church—both the older and the younger—and the ripple effect it would have on families and this community for God’s glory. Let’s pray this will be lived out in our lives in the days to come!

4) Instructions for “The Younger Guys” in the Church (2:6-8)

We’ve had instructions for the older guys, older gals, the younger gals, and now we turn the third set of “Instructions for Younger Men” in the church. In Titus 2:6-8 we find “Instructions for Godly Living” for “Younger Men in the Congregation.” Once again we don’t have a clear “age group” for these younger men – for our sake we could say if you’re under 40 listen up. Titus and the appointed elders were called to “come alongside” and “encourage” the younger men in the congregation to live godly lives that is in line with the truth of the gospel. We find three main instructions for the younger men in the congregation.

a) Younger Guys must Live a life of self-control (2:6)

We find the familiar call to live a life of self-control! In Titus 2:6 Paul challenged Titus to “urge” (encourage) the young men in the church to be self- controlled (2:6). This is the fifth (5x) time the word “self-controlled” is used in this brief letter. “Self-control” is one of the most important character traits of the Christian life, it’s mentioned in Galatians 5 as a fruit of the HS, and it’s especially applicable to young men. Living a godly life is about developing self-control, exhibiting sensible behavior, and possessing a sound mind that is able to think rightly and exercise sound judgment. The call to live lives of “self-control” was likely influenced by the false teaching infiltrating the church that distorted the gospel and called the people to live otherwise.

b) Younger Guys must Follow godly role-models (2:7)

Secondly, the young men should “Follow godly role-models.” We see this implied through the personal exhortations given to Titus. Titus was instructed was called to “set an example” for the young men to follow. Titus was literally called to be the “type” of Christian young man who could be imitated and followed by others. Titus was called to be a godly role model for the young men to follow. Like Paul, Titus was called to be an example other young men in the faith could imitate (1 Cor. 11:1; cf. 4:16; Phil. 3:17; 2 Thes. 3:7, 9.[3]). Titus was called to be a godly role-model for the young men in three key areas of life. Titus would live these out so that the younger men in the congregation could follow and live them out in their lives as well.

· Good works (2:6) – Titus was called to “show himself as an example of good works in everything.” By doing so young men would learn the importance of doing good works, doing good deeds done in the name of Jesus, for God’s glory and the good of others. Titus’ example would inspire the young men to engage in good deeds as well.

· Teaching (2:7) – Titus was called to set an example in his teaching. Titus was to be a godly role-model through his teaching. Titus must be an example of one who communicates the truth of the gospel (formally and informally) in a way that exhibits “integrity” (not corrupting or distorting the gospel; moral teaching) and “seriousness” (teaching that is worthy of respect) and “soundness.” Titus’ teaching must be marked by accurate, true communication the message (via preaching & teaching) that cannot condemned (criticized) by the Jewish false teachers or other groups that might oppose Christianity.

Again, we see another effect or intended result of “Sound Living” in our lives in regards to the world around us. Titus’ example of good works and accurate teaching would have an impact outside the Christian community. Any attempt to attack Titus’ teaching would cause his opponents to be ashamed (embarrassed) because the opponents would realize there are absolutely no grounds for the criticism because the way they live their lives and the integrity, dignity, and accuracy of their teaching they would have nothing “evil” to say about the Christian community. It’s not as if Titus, the elders, and the Christian community at large would never be criticized or attacked by others, it would certainly happen, but rather as a result of their godly lives and sound teaching there would be not grounds to accuse Christians of doing anything “evil” (bad – morally wrong). Any attempt to condemn the Christians would cause the opponents to be ashamed of themselves for attacking people who are upright in their conduct and teaching.

APPLICATION

Younger Christian men in the room – God is speaking to you. God wants you to have a clear picture of what it looks like to live the Christian life as a younger man. Sound living for you is marked by living a life of self-control and following godly role-models. It’s your turn to Pray Psalm 139-- Search me, O God and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me.”

Are you living a life of self-control? – Is your life marked by a “soundness of mind, are you exercising sound judgment, living a sensible life? This is how God’s calling you to live as a follower of Jesus. Is there a lack of self-control (thinking is flawed) or lack of sensibility in your thought life, relationships, speech (don’t think before you speak), hobbies/interests, passion/sexual desire (pornography or sexual exploits)?

Do you have a role-model who will encourage you to engage in good works and good teaching? Don’t live the Christian life as a lone-ranger! Seek out a Christian guy who can be a godly example—watch his life, ask for advice, and learn from his teaching.

5) Instructions for “The Slaves” in the Church (2:9-10)

Fourth & finally we come to the Instruction for Christian Slaves. In Titus 2:9-10 we find the final set of “Instructions for Sound Living” in this passage is addressed to “Slaves in the Congregation.” There are two main instructions for the Christian slaves in Crete. Here’s what sound living looked like for a Christian slave. Titus instructed the first century Christian slaves to “Serve faithfully to show off the beauty of the gospel.” Serve Faithfully to Show off the Beauty of the Gospel.” A slave’s faithful service would be marked by their obedient response and their trustworthy character.

· Obedient Response (2:9)

Titus and the elders were called to “teach” the Christian slaves “to be subject to their masters in everything” (2:9). The Christian slaves must honor and respect the authority of their masters—this was a call to humbly obey—to do whatever their master asks them to do in respect to their service as long as it wasn’t sin. A Christian slave’s heart of humble of submission would be demonstrated by two key actions. A Christian slave must “try to please them”—they must exhibit a winsome attitude instead of talking back—thy should try to be acceptable to their master instead of being argumentative.

· Trustworthy Character (2:9)

Secondly, a Christian slave’s humble heart of submission would be exhibited by the “not stealing from them”--the temptation and opportunity would be great for a slave to steal from their master because of their access—but instead of taking their property or embezzling their money they must “show that they can be fully trusted” (2:10)—the Christian slaves should prove to their masters that they are completely trustworthy and fully reliable. The Christian slave should prove himself to be trustworthy with every good thing that is entrusted into his care by his master (he doesn’t have to steal or cheat for his master).

We find the purpose for teaching a Christian slave to live a life of faithful submission to their master. Christian slaves were taught to live in such a radical way in their culture. Titus 2:10 reveals that a Christian slave should live a life of faithful service “so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.” A Christian slave’s faithful service to their master would show off the beauty of the gospel. A Christian slaves faithful service to his master would literally “adorn” the doctrine (teaching) about Jesus. A master would see the beauty of the gospel in the life of their slave—they would beautiful transformation the gospel brings—and they would commend such teaching about God’s saving work that was so evident in the lives of their Christian slaves.

APPLICATION

Thankfully we don’t have any Christian slaves in the room this morning. Often passages like there are applied to the “employee” – “employer” relationship but that relationship doesn’t truly capture the true essence of the “master” – “slave” relationship in the first century. Certainly we could apply this “generally” and embrace the priority of “submitting” to our authorities and being “trustworthy” in or work. And yet I agree with the NAC’s assessment that this could “dilute” the power of the gospel being highlighted in the commands given to slaves in the first century.

NAC - “many teachers or preachers have applied Paul’s teaching on slavery in his epistles to the employer/employee relationship in modern economies. Such applications dilute the tremendous power of the gospel as seen within the dark and unjust institution of slavery. The focus of Paul’s teaching with regard to Christian slaves must not be missed. Against the bleak hopelessness of this system of bondage, the Christian slave’s devotion to the gospel and resulting godly attitudes and actions serve to make attractive in an unparalleled way the ultimate freedom that is only realized in Christ.[4]

What a unique perspective. Therefore I pull back from such an explicit application and point us a Kingdom counter-cultural, upside down response when we’re godly response when people above you, to people who might mistreat you, to people who don’t appreciate you. We can embrace Kingdom living that makes the gospel attractive to the watching world! Ultimately I want us to focus in on the four groups that directly and explicitly apply to us—older men and women and younger men and women—for God is speaking directly to us in His Word this morning.

CONCLUSION

Refresh

Many great recipes can be passed down from generation to generation—they have detailed instructions to make the brownies turn out just right. Today the detailed instructions about “Sound Living” passed down to Titus have been passed down to us. God’s Word teaches us “how to live the Christian life” in a way that fits what we believe. God’s word teaches us how to live the Christian life in a way that will highlight the beauty of the gospel.

Renew

Sound doctrine leads to sound living. Today God’s given us Instructions for Sound Living addressed to all of us—older and younger—And as we beg God to help us “obey” the instructions that directly and explicitly apply to us – let’s consider a two big-time truths/take-aways.

First, we are confronted with the importance of godly mentors in our lives. We are interdependent. Effective discipleship happens through mentorship. Younger women need older women, younger men need godly role models. How many of you have had at least one person come alongside to disciple you? This is a big deal!

Secondly, the way we live as Christians impacts our Christian witness to the world. Highlight and mediate on three “result” clauses highlighted today. We embrace this call to Sound living so that “no one will malign the word of God (2:5), “so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us (2:8), and “so that in every way we will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive (2:10). Sound living has an impact on the watching world—may the reality of the gospel be seen in the way we live! May our profession of faith in the Jesus be evident by our Sound Living.

Pray

[1] John R. W. Stott, Guard the Truth: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus, The Bible Speaks Today (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 185.

[2] Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 297.

[3] John R. W. Stott, Guard the Truth: The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus, The Bible Speaks Today (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996).

[4] Thomas D. Lea and Hayne P. Griffin, 1, 2 Timothy, Titus, vol. 34, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1992), 308.