The Five T's
1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus

Titus was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Titus
Chapter Two
(A MESSAGE OF THE PASTOR)

Introduction:

Paul concluded chapter one by telling Titus that the false teachers must be refuted. As true as that is all of the time used in preaching cannot be dedicated to that, as a well-balanced ministry must be established. Chapter two deals with three groups of people in the church and exhorts Titus to remind them of their obligations in the Lord

 

I. The Aged Saints (2:1-3)

Some have suggested that the church at Crete may have been the result of Peter's ministry at Pentecost (Acts 2:11), in which case there would be older saints in the fellowship. In any case the church was privileged to have some aged pilgrims who had long walked with the Lord. Titus, even though a much younger man than many in the church, was to remind them of their great need to be examples to the young.

The aged men are to be sober (vigilant), grave (serious, easy to respect), temperate (self-controlled) and sound (healthy) in the faith. They are also to exercise love and patience with the younger.

The aged women should be reverent in their behavior, not gossips or drunkards. They have the wonderful opportunity of teaching the younger women in the church, both by precept and example.

How unfortunate it is that many of the older saints fade into the wood work of the church using age as an excuse when God wants them to stand forth as a bright light that their years and experience may be a help to the younger.

 

II. The Young Men And Women (2:4-8)

The young women are expected to learn from the older women in the church. When they enter into marriage they are to take their responsibilities toward their husband, home and children very seriously. These things are to be the most important to them as opposed to the modern day philosophy of many career seeking women. Love is vital to a happy home with greater details given in (Eph. 5:22-24).

Since Titus was a young man, Paul uses him as an example of what young men in the church ought to be. "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works:" is his exhortation. The young man is to show an attitude that is sincere, serious and clean toward doctrine in (vs. 7). He is to particularly watch his speech so that the enemy has no legitimate criticism of the church.

 

III. The Servants (2:9-15)

Servants are addressed several places in the epistles (I Tim. 6:12; Eph. 6:5-8; 1 Peter 2:18; Col. 3:22). On every occasion they are commanded to be submissive and obedient to their masters. Jesus taught that in a very real sense we are all servants and we will be held accountable to Him, our master, at the judgment seat of Christ (Lk. 19:12-28).

There are several applications that can be drawn from (vs. 10-12). The word " purloining means "to steal, or to appropriate wrongfully and often by breach of trust."

A. An employee is responsible to give his employer an honest days work.

B. We are to give account to God for that which He makes us stewards over. The grace of God, which is the only thing that can successfully change the old nature of man, can be declared by our fidelity.

C. Grace and liberty brings responsibility.

Past - "The grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared."
Present - "teaching us..."
Future - "looking for that blessed hope ..."

In other words, God's grace not only redeems us, it also reforms us and rewards us. The believer who honestly understands the grace of God is not going to want to live a sinful life! He will turn from ungodliness and worldly lusts; he will live a serious, clean, dedicated life in this present world.

There is no greater incentive for Christian living than the second coming of Jesus Christ. God's glory dwelt here on earth in the person of Christ (Jn. 1:14), but went back to heaven when He ascended (Acts 1:9). His glory now abides in the life of the believer. When Christ returns, we shall see His glory and share in His glory (Jn. 17:22-24). "Christ in you, -the hope of glory!"

Christ gave Himself for us; the least we can do is give ourselves to Him and live Christ honoring lives until He comes. "Redeem" means to purchase out of slavery. We are His "peculiar people''; that is, we are His special treasure, His personal and beloved possession (see Ex. 19:5 and I Pet. 2:9). We are a purchased people, a purified people, and a practicing people, "zealous of good works." Trace the theme of "good works" through Titus and you will see how important it is.

There are two "poles" to the Christian life: we look back to the cross (vs. 14) and ahead to the coming of Christ (vs. 13). These two poles help us to keep steady in our Christian walk. They are written into the Lord's Supper, where we remember His death "till He come."

 

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