Sound Christian Living – Part 1 – Titus 2:1-3

Titus verse by verse: The Apostle Paul exhorts Titus concerning his duty to exhort the various groups within the church to practical Christian living.

This chapter: The Apostle emphasizes the things that “become sound doctrine”, that is, the life and practice that is to accompany sound doctrine.

The Apostle brings a challenge to each group within the church concerning their Christian duties.

Godly Christian living as commanded in this passage is all made possible through the grace of God (Vs. 11-14)

This lesson: We will examine the first three of the six groups addressed

The Preacher Exhorted (Vs. 1)

1. He is responsible to preach both sound doctrine and sound Christian living.
2. ‘speak’ = both formal and informal settings. In public preaching and private counseling.
3. ‘become’ = that which is fitting
4. Titus more strongly emphasizes the practical dimension. Remember, the key thought is “maintain good works” (3:8)
5. Sound doctrine and sound living go hand in hand. Both must be addressed by the preacher.
6. Matthew Henry: “Minister must not stay in generals, but must divide to everyone his portion, what belongs to his age, or place, or condition of life; they must be particular as well as practical in their preaching; they must teach men their duty, and must teach all and each his duty.”
7. Titus is again exhorted in Vs. 15 “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”
8. Paul exhorted Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

The Senior Men Exhorted (Vs. 2)

Paul begins with the older men due to the importance of their position. Older believers set the standard for morality in the churches (Cloud) Senior men in the church are to be exemplary in 6 key areas. They are to be:

1. Sober = circumspect. Also translated ‘vigilant’ in 1 Tim. 3:2. It refers to sober mindedness and spiritual and moral vigilance in all areas of one’s life. It is the opposite of spiritual carelessness and half- heartedness. It is the opposite of the “spiritual retirement” mode of life that so many old men fall into. (Cloud)
2. Grave = honorable. A godly, dignified manner of life.
3. Temperate = self-control. They have learned to draw on the Spirit’s power to keep their emotions and appetites under control.
4. Sound = doctrinal purity (note “in faith”). They are committed in heart and action to the doctrines of the faith
   1. Proverbs 16:31 “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”
   2. Ephesians 4:14 “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive:”
   3. Hebrews 13:9 “Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.”
5. Loving = Christian love. They have learned through years of experience to be channels of God’s love to others. This love is primarily an action (Refer 1 Cor. 13)
6. Patient = means to “stay under.” Something often lacking in older men! “Aged persons are apt to be peevish, fretful, and passionate; and therefore need to be on their guard against such infirmities and temptations.” (Matthew Henry)

The Senior Ladies Exhorted (Vs. 3)

1. Behaviour as becometh holiness = a life that is consistent with their Christian profession. They are a good testimony to others in the way they conduct themselves.
   1. 1 Tim 2:9-10 “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
   2. This is a broad principle that encompasses a woman’s whole manner of life. It includes things like modesty, submission to the husband’s headship in the home etc…
2. Not false accusers = not slanderers. Literally, not devils! Greek word is ‘diabolos’ (diaboloV). A common problem on the Island of Crete! They are careful not to fall into the common trap of older ladies in becoming gossips and busybodies.
3. Not Given to much wine = abstaining from intoxicating beverages (principle would extend to other ungodly substances)
4. Teachers of good things = they have a ministry to the younger ladies. They are not to teach men (1 Timothy 2:12; 1 Cor. 14:34-35) but can teach children (2 Tim. 1:5 & 3:15) and other ladies.
   1. Every senior lady is teaching and influencing the younger generation in the church in some way by their life and words. The question to ask is, “What am I passing on to the next generation?”
   2. She is to teach ‘good’ things. These things are outlined Vs. 4-5. To properly qualify to teach these things, she must first exemplify them herself.
   3. Note: Context is the local church. This teaching ministry is vital in the local church. Ladies meetings are important!
   4. This ministry is so vital in a day when Christian womanhood is under siege.

Conclusion

Do our lives match our lips? Does our Christian faith affect our daily lives? Are we different and distinct from the world in our practice?

Sermon 4 of 9 in Titus Series

Sermon Audio Id: 7917640101