Sermon Tone Analysis

Building a healthy church

We want the church to grow, but we want it to grow in a healthy manner.

We have looked at things to be set in order and today we will continue.

Set things in order (1:5)

Have someone read 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,”

Appoint qualified Elders (1:6-9)

Summarize 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.”

They are needed because of the insubordinate (1:10-16)

Idle talkers, deceivers

Subvert households, false teachers

They need to be stopped, rebuked

So that they can return to pure, undefiled faith.

Sound words to Older men (2:1-2)

Have someone read Tit2:1-2 “1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.

2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.”

Sound words to Older women (2:3-5)

Have someone read Tit2:3-5 “3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”

Now that brings us to our passage today.

Gleaning from the scripture:

What is Titus instructed to instruct the young men (v.6)?

How is Titus to instruct (v.7)?

Why is Titus instructed regarding his speech, words (v.8)?

So, this morning can we focus on a couple of things?

By example

By words

By words be an example

I think we can agree, have discussed before that words matter, that there is power in the tongue to hurt or to heal.

Your words set the example for others.

For words lead to actions.

So, be sober-minded (v.6) - sophroneo

To be sane, in one’s right mind

TCWD says “by implication to be sober-minded is to think, act, soberly, discreetly, to use sound judgment and moderation, to be self-discipline

We have previously seen variations of this Greek word

tit2:2 “2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.”

TIt2:5 “5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”

Young men are to have their mind and passions in control, exercising self-discipline.

Following the example set by the older men.

Set a pattern - tupos (v.7)

Consider Heb8:5 “5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.””

As for definition - TCWD says “A prototype, particularly of a pattern or model after which something is to be made

A pattern to be followed, or to be imitated

Example by good works (2:7, 14, 3:1, 8, 14)

(Insert be a good example picture here)

Oh wait, we mentioned pattern, but I just used the word example here and that is seen in (v.7) and in other versions like NKJV it says pattern.

Or in others, set an example, be an example, be a model, and set a good example (which means we could be a bad example, couldn’t we?)

The example of Christ - tit2:14 “14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”

An example by being in subject to rulers and authorities as noted in TIt3:1 “1 Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,”

For being a good example is profitable -Tit3:8 “8 This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds.

These things are good and profitable for men.”

Being a good example to those who are in needs, so you will be fruitful for the kingdom of God - tit3:14 “14 Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”

(Transition) so the younger men are to follow the example of older men an do what is good, to do good deeds, have good behavior, good actions, right conduct as it says in some versions, and do it purposely- - - zealous for good deeds as we read in (2:14) a minute ago.

What are you zealous about?

If you asked someone about yourself, or if someone asks about you what you are zealous about what would they say?

(Leave the be an example slide up still)

Be an example in doctrine (2:7)

Thayer says “teaching, instruction” - it goes on to say the art or manner of teaching as well as that which is taught may be under consideration.

Be an example in integrity (2:7)

“incorruptibility, integrity, freedom from corruptible mixtures or adulterations.”

TCWD

Titus was warned not to allow any of the teaching to mix with anything that could deprive the teaching of its eternal value and cause it to be relegated to second place in the heart and the mind of the Christian.

Be an example in reverence (2:7)

Gravity, honesty.

Barnes says “The manner in which a preacher delivers his message, should be such as to command respect.

He should evince good sense, undoubted piety, an acquaintance with his subject, simplicity, seriousness, and earnestness, in his manner.”

Be an example in incorruptibility (2:7)

In NASB it is purity, in others it is sincerity

Now in some manuscripts (i.e.

NIV) this word is omitted

(transition) - So young men who teach are to be concerned about word and deed, with purity and doctrine and with the presentation of the message given, for with sound speech one cannot be condemned.

Be an example by sound speech (2:8; Tit2:1; Eph4:29; Col4:6)

tit2:8 “8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”

TCWD says “sound speech, doctrine, teaching, that is wholesome and right.

Barnes says “to use language that would be spiritually “healthful”

Speech that imparts grace to the hearers

Things that are fitting: tit2:1 “1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.”

Things that are good for edification and grace giving: Eph4:29 “29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”

Things that are filled with grace, seasoned with salt - Col4:6 “6 Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

Be an example in speech that cannot be condemned (2:8)

To be blameless (Strong’s)

TCWD says: "Irrprehensible, not worthy of condemnation, not to be condemned or blamed.”

This especially so for those those want to oppose us or speak evil of us.

(transition) Such is the conduct, the example that young men should be.

Just as older men, there is no age limit, no excuse for loose conduct or careless speech.

They are to be a pattern for all Christians

1Tim4:12 “12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

(Transition) - So, we have looked at so great instructions, stating the importance of being a good example, now how about some biblical examples?

Biblical Examples for encouragement

It is good to talk things through.

It is better for application when after talking, defining to look at some good biblical examples too.

Make a list of young men in the bible you think of that would be good examples.

(Insert Young Men in the Bible picture here)

Young men, good examples:

A young man named Joseph (Gen37:1-36; Gen39:1-12; 50:19-22)

A young man named David (1Sam17:37-51; 24:1-15)

Give intro into this section (went to give food to brothers and check on them) 1sam17:37 “37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”

And Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you.””

with a chosen 5 stones (v.40)

with a challenge by the giant (v.44) 1sam17:44 “44 The Philistine also said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.””

with one stone a victory for the God of Israel, David too no credit -1sam17:49-50 “49 And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead.