Older Men

Titus 2-Part 2
Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
Titus 2:2 NAS


LET IT GLOW

I recall as a teenager, an incident that occurred in a church business meeting. It was discussed whether to install air conditioning in our building or not. After the pros and cons were voiced, a gentleman stood up and said, "We have it in our homes, don't we? Why shouldn't we have it in God's house?" Of course, after that comment, it was passed and we installed air conditioning in our church buildings. Burtice wasn't an outspoken as an elderly man, but when he did speak, it was worth listening to.

In chapter 2 of Titus, we read of Paul's descripition of the character that five groups of people in the church should have. They are older men and women, younger women and men, and bondslaves. Today, we will see what words he uses to describe how the character of older men should be.
Usually with age comes wisdom and stronger faith, but it isn't alwasy the case. The passage of time and the experience of life invite each person to gain wisdom, but many refuse the offer and become critical, cynical, cranky, negative, and even lazy. Age can frequently benefit others. Moses' most productive forty years began at age eighty. Caleb requested a mountain for his inheritance at the ripe old age of eigthty-five. Most of the patriarchs and heroes of the OT accomplished the most good during their latter years.
Paul called himself "aged" in Philemon 9 when he was over sixty.(MacArthur)

[Notice that I'm using the New American Standard version of the Bible in verse 2, which has different words from the King James version. I am looking up the meanings of those words used in KJV in the Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon and including them.] 

In his book, Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, he tells us the following about this passage:
Paul expected older men to cultivate in themselves six qualities that he hoped would define the church at large. (Are they found in us as believers?)
1. temperate, which means to avoid extravagance and over-indulgence in any area. A temperate person
    keeps things in balance and within limits. In the literal sense, the term refers to freedom from intoxication,
    but Paul meant it in a broader sense of being free from the excess of good things, such as work, 
    medications, food, sex, and being free from addiction to destructive things, like illegal drugs or
    pornography.
    [The word sober is used in the KJV, which means temperate; abstaining from wine, either entirely or at
    least from its immoderate use.]

2. dignified, which comes from a term that usually refers to people or things that are majestic. I can mean to
    avoid becoming frivolous, trivial, tedious, or superficial. Also, a dignified person is worthy of respect.
    [The word grave, used in KJV, means reverend; to be venerated for character, honorable.]

3. sensible, which is means moderate, prudent, modest, restrained, disciiplined. It's the only term the apostle
    applies to both genders and every age.
    [The wrod temperate, used in KJV, means of sound mind, sane, in ones senses; curbing ones desires and
    impulses, self-controlled.]

4. sound in faith, is literally hygienic in faith. This wholesome belief in Christ is a lifestyle that begins with
    trusting Him as Savior and then extends, progressively, to every aspect of life.
    [The word sound means to be well, to be in good health; of one who keeps these graces (Christian
    opinions) sound and strong.]

5. (sound in) love refers to agape, the other-focused, exercise-of-the-will kind of love best exemplified by
    the Lord.
   
6. (sound in ) perseverance uses a profoundly significant Greek term that embodies the essence of spiritual
    maturity.

Do I have these qualities? Which ones do I need to work on in my life?
I recall some older men in my home church that had these qualities. They were quite valuable to our church.


LET IT GROW

I looked in the book Be Faithful by Warren Wiersbe and here are some comments I read on this verse:

*Old men with time on their hands could linger too long over the cup.

*There is dignity to old age that produces respect, and this respect gives an older saint authority. When they stood to speak, the whole church listened and took heed.

*Seriousness of life and purpose are important in the Christian life, and especially to older saints who cannot afford to waste time, for their time is short.

*Sound in faith, in love, in patience all go together. A knowledge of Bible doctrine is no substitute for the other necessary virtues, such as love for the brethren and patience in the trials of life. In fact, a right faith in God's Word should encourage a believer in love and endurance.


LET IT GO

Allow the Holy Spirit to work on my self-control (words and deeds).

Act dignified and laugh too.

Be strong in faith, love, and patience.

Be sensible.