HOW CHRISTIAN MEN ARE TO ACT (Titus 9)
READ: Titus 2:1-2
It’s interesting that when Paul wrote his final letter to Titus he doesn’t write about doctrine or beliefs. He didn’t teach theology or even church order, as he did with Timothy. What he focused on was behavior: actions in daily life. We can talk about Bible truth all we want, but if it doesn’t impact our lives for the better it is just that – talk. Paul started by talking about how godly leaders should live (Titus 1-9), then about how false teachers are living (Titus 1:10-16). The evidence is clear: the truth about Jesus changes lives for the better; lies containing false truths show corruption and greed within. What we believe is important, but how we put it into practice in our lives is even more important.
Next Paul wrote about how those who weren’t leaders were to live. He was speaking of the Christians who made up the house churches on Crete (Titus 2:1-10). Titus was responsible to teach the people so they would know how to live godly lives. He broke it down by various groups: men, women, older and younger. Each have different roles and functions in life and in the church but they must work together as one in Christ.
Paul starts this section with a general command: “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Truth is the best defense against falsehood. Paul has just warned about those teaching Jewish legalism and bringing confusion and disorder into the church. The way to keep error from taking over is to teach the truth. When people know God’s Word there will be no fertile ground for lies to take hold. When people know and follow the truth, their behavior will be affected. Titus 2:1-10 explain how.
Men who are more mature (“older”) will display six signs of spiritual growth. They will be temperate. They will be balanced, clear-headed, vigilant and moderate in all things. Next, they will be worthy of respect. These men will be serious-minded, not foolish clowns whom others avoid. Third, they will be self-controlled, not impulsive or out of control. They will have discernment and good judgment. In addition, they will be sound in faith (they will trust God and His Word), sound in love (treat others in loving ways) and sound in endurance (perseverance, patience and faithfulness).
It takes God’s power within to transform men. Only God’s Spirit can produce that in others. Without Jesus, men will be controllers and manipulators, wanting to be in charge of everyone and everything. Jezebel was an example of this kind of person. Others will become controlled by anger and use temper outbursts to control people. They will become very critical and unfriendly. Cain was one of these. Another sign of those without Jesus is arrogance. These people are proud, thinking about themselves, always believing they are right and others wrong. They put down others, especially those who are weak and vulnerable. An example of this kind of person is Herod. Some others become negative and critical of everything. They don’t have anything positive to say but complain no matter what. They worry and whine about everything. Job’s three friends showed some of these traits.
Only in Christ can we become Christlike. That’s God’s goal for us in our lives and in the lives of our people. It’s our responsibility to teach and train our people to live in this way. (October 9 2023 Doylestown, PA)
PAUL’S ADVICE: Teach Christians to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
How do you do personally in these areas Paul talks about?
Do your people have these traits in their lives? What can you do to help them grow in these things?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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