Postures - Titus 2 & 3

Intro:

Titus 2:1–10 CSB

1 But you are to proclaim things consistent with sound teaching. 2 Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. 3 In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking. They are to teach what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and in submission to their husbands, so that God’s word will not be slandered. 6 In the same way, encourage the young men to be self-controlled 7 in everything. Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching. 8 Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us. 9 Slaves are to submit to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back 10 or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

Point #1: But You Are to Proclaim Things Consistent with Sound Teaching!

Paul outlines godly function for various groups...

OLDER MEN are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance.

OLDER WOMEN are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not slaves to excessive drinking.

They are to teach what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and to love their children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, workers at home, kind, and in submission to their husbands, so that God’s word will not be slandered.

YOUNG MEN to be self-controlled 7 in everything. Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity[a] in your teaching. 8 Your message is to be sound beyond reproach, so that any opponent will be ashamed, because he doesn’t have anything bad to say about us.

SLAVES are to submit to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back 10 or stealing,

but demonstrating utter faithfulness,

so that they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in everything.

Continuing in Titus 2:11

Titus 2:11–15 CSB

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. 14 He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works. 15 Proclaim these things; encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

Point #2: Jesus Was the Physical, Present Embodiment of the Grace of God!

Who brought salvation of all people? Jesus!

What does Paul share that Jesus instructed us?

to deny godlessness and worldly lusts

and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age,

13 while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

God Gave Us Jesus to Save Us from Ourselves!

14 He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness

and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.

Paul challenges Titus to be bold...

15 Proclaim these things; encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

By the way, when we properly teach the Word of God we don’t do it with our own authority, we teach under the authority of Jesus, He is the Living Word of God!

Continuing in Titus 3:1

Titus 3:1–7 CSB

1 Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, 2 to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, 5 he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

Point #3: Paul Gives Titus Some Talking Points for Titus’ Leading and Teaching of This Congregation...

REMIND THEM...

to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey,

to be ready for every good work,

2 to slander no one,

to avoid fighting,

and to be kind,

always showing gentleness to all people.

3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived,

enslaved by various passions and pleasures,

living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another.

4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared,

5 he saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy

—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

6 He poured out his Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

Continuing in Titus 3:8

Titus 3:8–11 CSB

8 This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. 9 But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning. 11 For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.

Point #4: We are Called to Focus on Doing Good!

8 This saying is trustworthy. I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works.

These are good and profitable for everyone.

9 But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.

10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning.

11 For you know that such a person has gone astray and is sinning; he is self-condemned.

Continuing in Titus 3:12

Titus 3:12–15 CSB

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, so that they will lack nothing. 14 Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. 15 All those who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.

Point #5: Paul Gives Titus Some Final Instructions...

THE TEAM IS BIGGER THAN JUST US!

12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me in Nicopolis, because I have decided to spend the winter there.

13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, so that they will lack nothing.

14 Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs,

so that they will not be unfruitful.

15 All those who are with me send you greetings. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with all of you.