Sermon Tone Analysis

Set in order

Titus in Crete was told to set in order certain things (Tit1:5); and this morning we will continue to look at certain things that were to be set in order.

This will be part one of several parts about building a healthy church.

Titus calling, task, set in order (Tit1:5)

Tit1:5 “5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,”

Titus direction, instructions (Tit1:6-9)

TIt1:6-9 “6 namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion.

7 For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, 8 but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.”

Titus warnings (Tit1:10-16)

Tit1:10-16 “10 For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.

12 One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”

13 This testimony is true.

For this reason reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth.

15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.

16 They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed.”

(Transition) This leads us to our passage tonight

See, a healthy church needs sound doctrine.

A healthy church needs all the saints, old and young alike, just like it needs everyone to bring their spiritual gifts too.

Oh wait, that is Sunday nights not this morning, sorry.

Sound doctrine is important, the word sound is the Greek word: Strong's #5198: hugiaino (pronounced hoog-ee-ah'-ee-no); to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine):--be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole(-some).

You find this word x2 in our passage this morning.

So in looking at this, sound doctrine is therefore that which is spiritually healthy and wholesome according to (Copeland)

Sound doctrine has many facets to it

Spiritual truths related to the gospel and to the church

Exhortations related to godly conduct as the church

So, setting things in order, like sound doctrine would include, but not be limited to who Christians are to be, and how Christians are to act.

This morning we are going to look at Older saints (men) today, we will get to women next week.

Sound doctrine/conduct (Older men)

I think by now you can tell that the book of Titus is very instructional and descriptive.

So, if that is what you have seen in Chapter one, you will not be disappointed in chapter two as we look at older men first.

Gleaning from the scripture:

What was Titus (and the church now) to do (v.1)?

How is it defined, described in (v.2)?

Conduct was to be sober, reverent, temperate.

After Titus had been given instructions about appointing elders in all the cities with much requirements, now comes about what to teach, the doctrine.

The doctrine was to be spoken.

Paul is giving instructions not to the minister (Titus) on how to relate to the people, but to the people, specific groups, to give instructions on attitudes and behaviors within the groups.

The groups are to make the teaching (doctrine) attractive to the unsaved.

Sober (Nephalios)

When you think of the word sober, what do you think?

Can you define it?

It is sober, temperate, self-controlled

Metaphorically meaning sober-minded, watchful, circumspect

Complete Word Study Dictionary says “It is that state of mind which is free from the excessive influence of passion, lust or emotion.

Reverent (Semnos)

OK, reverent, what do you believe this means, what does this look like in the life of a believer?

It means, venerable, reverend, reputable, dignified.

It is not only in earthly dignity (Kosmos) but that which is derived from higher citizenship, a heavenly one.

Ibid says “there lies something of majestic and awe-inspiring qualities in semnos which does not repel but rather invites and attracts.

Temperate(Sophron)

Let’s press on, temperate, what do you think it means?

Discreet, sober, of a sound mind.

Ibid says “Self-disciplined in one’s freedom, self-restrained in all passions and desires.”

(transition) - older men are not only elders (those who desire the office of it and are placed by Holy Spirit) - but they set the tone of a congregation by their sobriety, their reverence and their temperate nature.

Sound in Faith, Love and Patience

Sound in faith (pistis)

Your definition of faith matters, what does faith mean?

Subjectively it means firm persuasion, conviction, belief in the truth, veracity, reality (Complete Word Study Dictionary)

Objectively it means that which is believed, doctrine, the received articles of faith (Complete Word Study Dictionary)

Sound in love (agape)

Love, what’s love got to do with it?

EVERYTHING, when you think of love give me some of your description or definition of it?

It is affectionate regard, goodwill, benevolence toward others .

Ibid says “Spoken more especially of good will toward others, the love of our neighbor, brotherly affection, which the Lord Jesus commands and inspires.”

Sound in patience (hupomone)

What does patience mean, can you give an example?

A bearing up, bearing under, endurance to things or circumstances (Complete Word Study)

Ibid states “Associated with Hope (1The1:3) and refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial.”

I should give that scripture since have not had one up in a bit

(Transition) - So older men, aged men, well the bodies may be decaying, maybe unhealthy due to physical infirmities, but they are to be spiritually fit, spiritually healthy and ever increasing in faith, love and patience.

- While there may be some who think “I’ve done my time, my service” they are vital to teach the younger men to serve Christ, His Church and our community.

So, now this leads us to some biblical examples to learn from.

Biblical examples

This is a bible study, so time to get into some bible verses, so grab your bible or bible app and lets go!

Moses and Aaron (Exo7:7; Ps90:10)

So, how old were these men when the Lord used them?

Had to give you that one, for it is given that Moses wrote this Psalm.

So, who did God chose to use to lead His people?

Men, after their prime!

Joshua and Caleb (Jos24:29, 14:6-11)

oh wait let’s look back some

Who did God use to fight His battles?

Aged men who were willing to take a stand!

Daniel (Dan1:21, 6:1-3, 6:4-27, 6:28)

Then there was Daniel whom King Darius set over the kingdom (Dan6:1-3) who had been taken into captivity when a teenager (Dan1:21)

This Daniel who served while in captivity for seventy years and even was fed to the lions and God protected and used to be an example to the kings

So, again, who did God use?

Someone who could have said 85-90 years isn’t that enough?

But he did not he used him as a beacon, as an example for others.

Paul (Phm1:9)

Paul the aged, who had served God zealously his entire life, wrote more books in the N.T. than anyone.

Paul the aged who while in prison penned letters to Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians , and to Philemon too.

What about older men of today?

Can you think of any?

For me, people like Ed Wharton who is still teaching and preaching, maybe not teaching at SIBI anymore but is just shy of 90 now.

Art GaNung who at 75 was mentoring me.

There is no retirement for a Christian, we are to be faithful until the end, to serve until the end.

Mom from her being homebound was doing a study with one of her care givers.

Who does God use today?

Aged men who refuse to stop working for the Lord!