Kingdom Character (Fit For The Kingdom)

Kingdom Character

Introduction:

We are living in difficult times. A time when everything we do is under a microscope. If you are not careful there is the chance that someone will question your character and morality. But the world has different standards from Scripture if we are honest. Much of what the world calls character is not even close to the standards of the Scripture.

The Scripture today we are studying gives us the standard by which we as men must live daily in our lives.

DT: When we live according to the teachings of Scripture we will exhibit Godly character.

AIM: We will live according to the biblical standards of God daily in our lives.

Propositional Statement: God requires men to live according to Scriptural standard daily in their lives.

Plural Noun Proposition: There are several characteristics old men must model in the Kingdom.

Transition: The first of the characteristics is,

Men Must Model Composure (Titus 2:2a)

Titus 2:2a (ESV)

2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled

Paul encourages Titus to teach the older men to exemplify calm and rational thought especially when dealing with others. There are a few terms in the text that indicate what this composure looks like for the Christian man. And be mindful that Paul is telling Titus to teach the older men to live this way. The goal is that the older man would be an example for the younger men.

This is the responsibility of the older men in the Church. The must be an example to the younger men of what it means to be a man.

Live:

Sober-minded = being restrained in conduct, may be idiomatically rendered as one who holds himself in or one who always has a halter on himself.

Men according to this text are to be taught to reserve their minds, to discipline themselves to think appropriately and use wise judgment.

Dignified = honorable, worthy of respect, of good character

Self-Controlled = to behave in a sensible manner. pertaining to being sensible and moderate in one’s behavior.

This text teaches that the men in the church were to live with composure in every facet of their life. In the way they think, the way they interact with others and in the way they carry themselves daily.

Application: Train your mind to think Godly. Tame your mind to refrain from evil thinking.

Transition: Here is the next characteristic

Men Must Model Spiritual Consistency (Titus 2:2b)

Titus 2:2b (ESV)

2 sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.

Paul writes that the old men must live sound lives. Remember we discussed that word sound means to be healthy and good. But it also carries the understanding of one pertaining to being accurate, as well as useful and beneficial. So, Paul writes that the older man must be whole in faith, in love and in steadfastness.

Be Faithful - The Godly man knows where he stands with God. He is not easily persuaded to doubt. He remains faithful.

To God’s Word

To God’s Will

To God’s Service

Illustration: Dea. Booker Ross is one of my heroes. He epitomizes what it means to be faithful.

Be Compassionate - This means the men must exhibit true love and not be hateful and mean and hardhearted.

Toward our family

Toward our neighbor

Toward our enemies

Be Steadfast - This means to endure. Paul tells Titus to teach the older men to exemplify what it means to keep going under pressure.

Endure

Suffering

Challenges