Younger Men/ Servants

Titus 2-Part 4
Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.  Titus 2:6-8 NAS


LET IT GLOW

My husband is an excellent driver, especially on snow. However, in our first month of marriage, before years of experience of driving on snow, we had an accident.
After visiting a cousin, he decided to take the back roads home. Being the adventurous man that he is, steep hills and snow were challenging to him. Well, we made it down one hill safely and up another one, but it was the last hill that got us. Sliding down a steep hill in a foot of snow in a car wasn't my idea of a fun time, then or now, although it was to him. He did all the right things when driving on snow-pumped the brakes, turned the steering wheel the direction of the back end when sliding. It didn't help, though. When we made it down to the bottom, we slid right toward a mailbox. Yes, we hit it. Wham! Nothing helped prevent the accident, not even correctly applying the brakes. So my new hubby did the right thing, got out of the car, trapesed through snow and bitter cold wind, to talk to the owner of the mailbox. He offered to fix it, but since he was honest and told them what had happened, and being an "accident," the man was understanding and fixed the mailbox himself. We laugh about it, some 39 years later. (No accidents since, which were his fault.) Why did I say all of that? There is a skill to applying brakes to cars as well in life. Here's what Paul said about it.

 We are continuing the list of charactistics that Paul told Titus groups in the church should have. We have seen the qualities the older men, older women, and younger women as Christian are to  live. (Check out 2 previous lessons.) Now we will look at the qualities the younger men should possess, with the input of several authors.
"Young men were males, twelve and older," says The MacArthur Bible Commentary.

1. Be sensible-self-controlled is the same word rendered for sensible. Because young men tend toward
    being impetuous and rash, unrestrained in their conduct, impulsive, and volatile, Paul said, in effect, "Titus,
    help younger men learn how to apply the brakes to life. Younger men are encouraged to be sober minded
    (KJV), self-controlled-bridled tongue, controlled temper, curbed ambition, purged of greed, master of
    sexual urges and impulses. (Swindoll)
    Sober-minded (KJV) is the same word used in verse 2 and 5, sophroneo, translated "temperate" and
    "discreet," and has the idea of "curbing one's desires and impulses," or "self-controlled." (Falwell)

2. Set an example by doing good deeds-be a model of good works. Pattern, used in KJV, in Greek is
    typos, means model or type. It is common for young men to have a hero and pastors should be the best
    human models for them to pattern themselves after.
    MacArthur says,"All three terms-integrity, reverence, and incorruptibility-qualify the appropriate
    commitment to doctrine."

3. Show integrity in their teaching-communicating the true gospel message. KJV uses the phrase "in
    doctrine showing uncorruptness."
    The word gravity is used in KJV; here it means "dignity" and a man of God must have such and then he
    will win the respect of older men and women as well. (Falwell)

4. Demonstrate seriousness-characterized by dignity and what will inspire respect from hearers.

5. Demonstrate soundness of speech-healthy, well-thought-out presentations of the Christian gospel.
    Sound speech that cannot be condemned-pastors must exhibit the wisdom to speak only that which is
    well-though-out and not that which is rash or reprehensible. He should say nothing that will bring blame to
    his ministry (1Tim. 5:14). (Fawell)

Why did Paul write these? So that those who opposed the Cretian believers would be ashamed because they had nothing bad to say about them. Not even the enemy could condemn them.

MacArthur said, "The purpose of godly living is to silence the opponents of Christianity and the gospel, and make the power of Christ believable."

[References: Shepherd's Notes, Liberty Bible Commentary, Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus]

Do I control myself, set an example of good deeds, live with integrity and dignity, watch my words, all of which are to glorify my Lord Jesus?


LET IT GROW

Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. (Titu 2:9-10 NAS)

Paul gives character qualities which servants, slaves, should have. Keep in mind, practices in the Roman Empire during this time period maintained the use of indentured servants. This practice was not changed for quite some time. Slaves had few civil rights and often had little more dignity or care than domestic animals. The practice of slavery was not condemned nor condoned in the New Testament, but it teaches that freedom from sin is more important than freedom from slavery. The relationship between a slave and master is equivalent to employee and boss in our time. Let's keep in mind that these principles apply to us as employees.

Warren Wiersbe, in his book Be Faithful, tells us there are three common sins that Christian slaves must avoid:

• disobedience-obey masters and seek to please them, going the extra mile. It's possible to obey, but not from the heart (Eph. 6:6). It's possible to do a job grudgingly. Some unsaved masters would not be thoughtful and would overwork their slaves. However, we are to seek to please those for whom we work, whether they are believers or unbelievers, fair or unfair, kind or cruel. We are to respect and obey our employers without conditions. (An exception, to me, would be if it meant disobeying the Word of God, as the case of Daniel and the three Hebrews.)
• talking back (answering again)-He often argued with the master, since the slave probably knew more about the job than the master did. Slaves would "gripe" about his master to others on the job. This was a poor testimony for Christian slaves.
• stealing-Slaves could easily pilfer little items and sell them, then report them as being broken or lost. 

Wiersbe comments that employees, Christian workers, must obey orders and not talk back, nor steal from their employers.

Why did Paul say all of this? It is to honor the Word of God, to not blaspheme His doctrine, make God's message attractive, keeping its teachings valid.

John MacArthur said, "Paul emphasizes that the supreme purpose of a virtuous life is to make attractive the teaching that God saves sinners."

Paul wrote Titus to pursue the cause of Christ on the island of Crete by establishing and fortifying churches, whose conduct might win converts without a word.

Swindoll tells about Saint Francis of Assisi and his student going into a village to preach. While there, the two gave a crippled old man water and a few coins, played ball with children, visited with a lonely widow, prayed with a sinful young man, and thanked a merchant for his faithful work through the years. Upon leaving the village, the student asked, "When do we preach?" The old friar answered, "Every step we took, every word we spoke, every action we did has been a sermon."

Shouldn't it be the same with us? Our actions are a sermon. Are we preaching good words or bad ones?
Colossian 3:23 says, And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.


LET IT GO

Live with integrity and dignity, with self control, making sure my words and actions honor the Lord Jesus.

Obey my employer and don't argue with them, nor steal from them.

Be a faithful servant.

Older Women/Younger Women

408.  " Older Women/Younger Women"               
Dec. 8, 2011
Titus 2-Part 3
Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.  Titus 2:3-5  NAS


LET IT GLOW

It's been 15 years since my last little birdie flew out of our nest. When our two were home, we were busy with school and church activities. I worked outside of the home and ran myself ragged staying involved in their activites. I know why you have children when you're young-so you have energy to keep up with them. Now that those are days gone by, I can relax in the evenings. However, it sure gets quiet in our nest.
I still have something to offer, so I haven't backed  out of everything. I work two days a week at our business and babysit my granddaughter three days. I direct childrens' church and our mission emphasis.

I came across this verse that applies to us women: Jeremiah 9:20 NLT says Listen, you women, to the words of the Lord; open your ears to what He has to say.

It is my prayer that as we read today's lesson, we will open our ears to what God has to say to us individually. I am.

Paul is addressing the older and younger women in today's passages. Please stay with me as I walk through so good teaching.

In 1 Timothy 5:9, Paul referred to "older" widows as those who were at least 60 years old. Now that we got that established, I have 2 1/2 years before I am technically classed as an older woman. Guess that keeps me middle-aged a little longer. :)

Shepherd's Notes has this to say:

As children grow up and leave home, the older woman's focus may become less defined as her familial responsibilities become less demanding. This may contribute to feelings of uselessness, loneliness, low self-esteem, and self-pity. Paul suggested in this passage that older women should possess personal godliness, be worthy of respect, and play an essential role in the lives of the young women in the church. The concept of spiritual mentoring is evident in this passage (verse 3).

Charles Swindoll says, "Nevertheless, we can safely interpret "older women' in the relative sense, saying that women of any age should teach women who are younger than themselves."

Paul tells Titus to encourage the older women to:
1. Be reverent-dignified and worthy of respect, as the older men are to be. Their behavior, way of life, if
    you will, should be appropriate to those who serve in God's temple. Their inner character  is to be holy.
    Every believer's body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and everything done should be fitting the temple of
    God. (Falwell)
    The idea of reverence suggests that a person, by her conduct, demonstrates that she belongs to God and
    that her life has been reserved for His worship. (Swindoll)

2. Not being slanderers-not malicious gossips, which is translated from diabolos, the same term used in the
    Septuagint to describe Satan as "the accuser" or "the adversary" (1 Chron. 21:1). The talebearer always
    has a story to share about someone, and her information never elevates the subject's reputation in the
    minds of others. (Swindoll) Slanderer was a term used 30 times in the NT to describe Satan, the arch-
    slanderer. (MacArthur)

3. Not addicted to much wine-translated douloo in the Greek, which means "to make a slave of." The
    Greek tense speaks here of a confirmed drunkard. (Falwell)

4. Teach what is good-advising the young women by teaching good things. Since younger women seldom
    ask for advice, they learn by example. Young girls often grow up rebelling and resising the way their
    mothers do things. Then, years later, they instinctively nurture their families and care for their homes
    exactly as they observed their mothers function. (Swindoll)
[Resource: Shepherd's Notes, Be Faithful by Wiersbe, Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Liberty Bible Commentary, The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

To sum it up, as an older woman, I am to be reverent, respectful of those in authority over me, not a gossiper, not a drinker of alcohol, and teach what is good.


LET IT GLOW

It was the older women's duty, not Titus' duty, to encourage the younger women. They are the best teachers because of their years of experience. Here's the desired qualities for Christian young women, several presuppose a life involving marriage and family:

• Be pure, sober, holy-reserved for God's holy purposes. Their behavior should demonstrate that they, like the sacred implements of worship in the temple, belong to the Lord. Self-controlled is included.
• To love their husbands and children-a virtue that is unconditional, based on God's will, not on a husband's worthiness. You do things together as a family.
• Be sensible-by good-teaching behavior, they would bring to sensibility the younger women.
• Workers at home-the term is the noun "homemakers," as the crown jewel of women described in Proverbs 31:10-31. This woman is a powerful, industrious, resourceful partner, fully engaged in cultivating her family's well-being and in the building of a family legacy. (Swindoll) God-ordained women are to work at home, but not as a maid or slave. There is no higher calling. Every man knows the transforming power in the home of a lovely, godly wife. Her power is felt in a much greater institute than a bank or political office when she influences the home and children for God. (Falwell)
• Be kind, good-a gentle and quiet spirit is of great worth in God's sight. (1 Peter 3:4)
• Subject to their own husband-subject their will to the leadership of their husband. In Ephesians 5, the husband's loving leadership is devoted to serving his wife, which inspires her to show respect to him  in return.

Why does Paul describe the character of the women? I think it is because he desires them to be godly and have a godly influence.
Not only are these Paul's words, but they are God-breathed Words to us. Am I pure in my thoughts and my actions loving? I should have these characteristics before I try teaching younger women to have them.


LET IT GO

What do I need to change, Lord,  so my life lines up with Your Word?

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.

Look at Me

Titus 2-Part 1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.  Titus 2:1


LET IT GLOW


I don't know where she picked it up, but when my granddaughter is talking to me and I'm busy doing a task, in order for her to know she has my attention and am listening to her, she'll say, "Look at me." Now, I can multitask. We women can have several compartments in our brain open at the same time. Our hands, eyes, and mouth can do various things at the same time, right? However,  my darlin' toddler doesn't think I am listening to what she is saying unless we have eye contact. Sometimes I stop working and look at her and other times I simply say, "I'm listening. What do you want?" But do I want God to treat me in the same manner? He has so much to contend with in this world, yet He stops and bends down to listen to me. The question is, "Do I treat the Lord in like manner, wrapped up in my own thing and not really listening to what His Spirit or Word says to me that instant? Ouch!
As Eli the priest told child Samuel to reply when he heard the Lord call him, "Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth," (1 Sam. 3:9-10) so do I.


LET IT GLOW

Paul is tellingTitus, But as for you, by a contrast to the false teachers, Titus is to teach sound doctrine. Sound means to be  well, to be in good health; true and incorrupt doctrine. (Thayer's Lexicon)

The MacArthur Bible Commentary says that:

Paul uses this word 9 times in the Pastoral Epistles and 5 times in the book of Titus. It is always in the sense that the truth produces spiritual well-being. The "things" Paul mentions in verses 2-10 pertain to truths, attitudes, and actions that correspond to and are based on biblical truth. In order not only to please God, but also to have an effective witness to unbelievers, God's people must know the truth that leads to spiritual health.

"Titus is to teach pure doctrine, which literally is "healthful' instruction. The Greek word rendered pure is a term from which we get our word "hygiene." Let your teaching be uncontaminated, wholesome, and health-giving. May the good hygiene of your teaching disinfect what has been contaminated and then stimulate healthy growth," states Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus.


This is my prayer, also. I don't want to water down the Word, nor give opinions of others. My goal is to teach the truth so you and I can live godly lives. I work on applying each lesson in my own life. How about you, dear friend? Can I say to others, "Look at me and see God's Truth in living color?" (That's a tall glass of tea, but the way it is. I have failed so many times, but it is a goal for which to strive.)


LET IT GROW

In chapter 1, we read of Paul's addressing church organizational leadership characteristics and the confrontation of false teaching for the church at Ephesus which Titus pastored. Now Paul is addressing the character of the church, various groups-young and old, men and women, leaders and servants. We all fall into one or more than one of these categories, don't we?

We are all being watched, sweet one. We are watched by children and teenagers, wondering if what we say lines up with what we do, practicing what we preach, or is it just words for others to do. Older believers are watching us, hoping our generation will faithfully carry on what they have built. Younger believers watch us for assurance and directions. Unbelievers are watching us to see if Christianity is a hoax or real.
Titus observed Paul for years and saw his genuine faith lived in reality.
Paul expressed his desire for each congregation to pursue godly behavior "so that they may encourage" (2:4), "so that the word of God will not be dishonored" (2:5), "to be an example of good deeds" (2:7), "so that the opponent will be put to shame" (2:8), and "so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior" (2:10).
(Swindoll)

Am I watching my P's and Q's? Am I encouraging believers, honoring God's Word, doing good deeds, shaming evil, and adorning my Savior's doctrine?

Paul named five groups, all of whom were being watched:

• older men (verse 2)
• older women (verse 3)
• younger women (verses 4-5)
• younger men (verse 6)
• bondslaves (verse 9).

We will tackle each group in future lessons. I'm curious what Paul had to say to each and what God has to say to me.

LET IT GO

Watch my P's and Q's in words and deeds, since I'm being watched.

Set my goal so I can say "Look at me and follow me."

Keep my teaching pure.

Flopping Like a Chicken with its Head Cut Off

 Titus 1-Part 6
This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Not heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.  Titus 1:13-14


LET IT GLOW

A round block of wood and a sharp ax-these were needed in order to chop its head off quickly. I'm talking about a chicken's head. When it was time for Mom to cook us fried chicken for supper, that's what Dad would do-go catch a chicken and chop it's head off. Then we waited while the chicken's body flopped around, the nerves making it seem alive. That's where we get the saying, "flopping around like a chicken with it's head cut off."  It was a sight for this little girl to see-the ending of life. After it stopped flopping, Dad would pluck out the feathers, which took a while. Oh, the yummy fried chicken, along with mashed potatoes and gravy. Nothing beats it for a meal.
So when I read that Paul told Titus to rebuke them sharply, and the Greek word for sharply is apotomos, that meant "to cut off abruptly," I thought of that illustration. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

NAS uses the phrase reprove them severely. The word reprove is the same term used for refute in verse 9. It was used to describe the role and responsibility of an elder. It isn't intended to insult or humiliate the person. It must be done promptly and forthrightly. The Christian message always has restoration at its motivation. The discipling work of a healthy church is to restore the fallen and to strengthen the weak. (Swindoll)

Why did Paul say to rebuke them sharply? Those false teachers were Cretian liars, evil beasts, and had slow bellies. (verse 12) Their motives were monitary gain, not teaching the truth of Jesus as Savior.
Paul wanted the Cretian believers in Jesus to be sound in the faith, or "healthy" in the faith. Not flopping here and there, from denomination to denomination, as some do today. Know what the Word of God says concerning doctrine. Stand firm in our faith.

"Ture and pure doctrine was to be required of all who spoke to the church. Any who fell short of that were to be rebuked, "said MacArthur Bible Commentary.

Paul told Titus to rebuke those false teachers, and he meant to silence them immediately. False doctrine is like a yeast: It enters secretly, it grows quickly, and permeates completely (Gal. 5:9). The best time to attack false doctrine is at the beginning, before it has a chance to spread. (Wiersbe)

It does make a difference what we believe-truth or lies. In John 8:32, Jesus said, And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Am I sound in the faith or do I flop around like that chicken with its head cut off, from one doctrine to another? Can I spot a false teachers? Can I be easily persuaded by false teachers? Has Jesus' teachings set me free from all of that?


LET IT GROW

In verse 14, Paul told us to not pay attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. These false teachers told lies from house to house, upsetting the faith of the people. It affected whole families' docatrinal beliefs. They taught Jewish legalism, circumcision, which Paul rejected. They were teaching Jewish fables, describing fanciful interpretations of the genealogies in the O.T. (Wiersbe)
These insisted on the ceremonial washings and were still calling some meats unclean. (Falwell)
Today there are sects and cults looking for easy prey, so we must be careful.

In his book, Swindoll's Insights New Testaments Insights on ! & 2 Timothy, Titus, he says:

Two kinds of false teaching challenged the churches on Crete: Jewish mythology and rigorous abstinence (ascetism). Some teachers promoted a life of strict abstinence from anything pleasurable-a lifestyle called "ascetism." Greek philosophy taught that the universe consisted of two vastly different realms: the realm of pure idea or thought, which was the realm of God; and the material realm, which is where we live. For the Greeks, the realm of the idea-the spiritual realm-could be experienced by humans only as they distanced themselves from the distractions of the physical world. (Mark 7:15 tells us that its not the outside things that defile man, but the inside things.) In the beginning, God created all things, both material and immaterial, and called all of it good. Paul affirmed that everything should be received and enjoyed with gratitude as it comes by His grace (1 Cor. 8:8).
Material things can be used for good or evil, depending upon the intention of the person. Therefore, Paul said, "To the pure, all things are pure." (verse 15)

Your heart's condition will be expresses through your life. It will be evident by your attitudes, your works, and your abehavior. Jesus said that you can clearly see others only when your own eyes are unobstructed (Mark 6:42). If your vision is hindered by sin, you will not look at others properly.
If your heart is pure, you will approach life without malice. You will not question others' motives, doubt the truthfulness of others, look for fault in others. Instead, you will look for the good in others, finding what's praiseworthy. If your heart is pure, you will see others the way God sees them (Matt. 6:22).
[Experiencing God Day-By-Day Devotional ]

Am I critical and judgmental of the words and actions of others?

People today can go to extremes and see something wrong in everything and every person until they separate themselves into total isolation. Profession and performance should not contradict. Faith and works go together. True faith produces true works. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

Verse 16 states: They profess to know God, but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable and disobedient and worthless for any good deed. (NAS)

What's my attitude toward material things? Do I use them for good? Do they seperate me from God or are they used for His glory?


LET IT GO

Know the Truth and speak it in love.

Pray before walking into a conflict.

Have a biblical foundation for my words and actions, then stand on it.

Watered Down Words

Titus 1-Part 5
For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.  One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons."  Titus 1:10-12 NAS 

LET IT GLOW

When we were in college, we lived on a tight budget, needless to say. So I strove to make ends meet with the grocery buying for our family of four. I would buy a gallon of whole milk and  water it down with nonfat dry milk mixed with water. It wasn't harmful just a little distasteful if it wasn't cold, but it certainly did stretch my grocery money. My husband could detect the watered down version, though. He knew what the "real thing" tasted like. There was no fooling him.
I wonder if Titus could detect the watered down version of the Truth. Today, we read about Paul's warnings about it. Can I detect a water down version of  God's Word?
I am thankful that Paul helps us out, aren't you?

In his book, Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Brother Chuck says:

In addition to many other schemes, Satan is the master of deception. To afflict the church, he artfully drapes his lies in the regal robes of truth. He seduces charming, intelligent men and women, promising the world in exchange for their help in deceiving others. And how convincing they are! They move among the elect, up through the ranks of authourity, and into positions of power. Nevertheless, a trained eye can spot them. Paul's letter to Titus explains how. He instructs his younger colleague to watch for three clues in detecting false teachers.

1. Their teaching is nonscriptural. Paul used three terms-rebellious men, empty talkers, and deceivers-to characterize the relationship between false teachers and the source of all Christian truth.

Rebellious men is better rendered "unaccountable men." These individuals on Crete not only rejected their former authority, they refused to submit themselves to any oversight or give accountability to anyone (Jude 8). This false teacher establishes himself as the religious authority. They clearly contradict the Scripture
(1 Tim. 1:4).

Empty talkers comes from the compound word, which means "empty, vain, futile" in the first part. OT prophets used "empty" to describe the worship of false gods (Jonah 2:8-9) or the worship of one, true God in the absence of good deeds (Is. 1:13-17). VAin talkers speak with smoothe, captivating, even persuasive assuredness, but have little or nothing on which to base their teaching. They cleverly present their personalopinions as spiritual truth.

Deceivers (apatai in Greek) is combined with the word phren (meaning heart, mind) to form the new compoind "mind-deceivers." These false teachers were deliberately engaged in mind-bending control, like the cults of the 1970's.

Today, we have to watch out for door knockers, dressed distinctly, distributing their literature to poorly informed Christians with little knowlege of the Word and little involvment in a local church. I agree with Swindoll-their doctrine is anything but orthodox Christian truth. Don't these false teachers use just enough terminology to snatch a believer out of the Truth, deceiving them?

2. Their motives are evil. Our modern phrase for sordid gain is "drug money." The mere possession of wealth obtained through false teaching brings shame on the person holding it. Make no mistake, most false teachers do what they do for the money. They may try to hide their real motives, but they can't for long. Eventually, they demand financial support from their followers. Their luxurious lifestyles are evidence of how they take advantage of their followers.They lack morals and principles that the Scripture teaches.

3. Their behavior is disgraceful. Their own pagan prophet, the Cretan poet Epimenides, born around 600 B.C. famed these false teachers as liars, evil beasts, slow bellies (lazy gluttons). (Falwell) I don't think these terms need any explanation.

LET IT GROW

What does Paul tell Titus to do about these false teachers?  In verse 11, he says their mouths must be stopped (epistomizo), which originally meant to put something in the mouth as a gag. NAS says they must be silenced. It means "to muzzle" usually by stuffing something in a person's mouth. In more plain language: "Shut them up." In essence, Paul is saying, "Confront the false teachers immediately or they will tear the chruches apart."

Do I know enough Truth and Scriptures to spot a false teacher? Am I able to use the Word of God to refute their teachings a false? I better get studying.

LET IT GO

Stop wasting time and  learn more of God's Word.

Learn the difference in false teaching and true teaching.

Depend on the Holy Spirit to direct my thoughts throughout the day.

Pray when confronted with lies.

Is and Is Not

Titus 1-Part 4
Namely, if any man is above reproach, the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion. 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.
Titus 1:6-7 NAS


LET IT GLOW

In between doctor appointments, it is always good to do self-examinations. Do I detect anything that needs to be brought to a doctor's attention? Is something present that should not be there? So it is with spiritual things. Can I be honest with the Lord as I read the following? Is there a quality found in me that is not supposted to be there, but it is there? Will you join me dear friends?

In the previous lesson, I listed 12 characteristics that Paul described to Titus as the character of a man suitable for the high and holy office held in the church, which is found in verses 6-9. I divided them into two parts: those qualities he is supposed to have (read in yesterday's lesson) and those he is not supposed to have. Then I asked if those characteristics shouldn't apply to all believers and church members, also. I'm using Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus as a reference. Note that we're using the New American Standard Bible.

The spiritual leadership of the church should NOT be:
1. accused of dissipation, which refers to a life not known to be chaotic, disorderly, wasteful, or otherwise
    filled with drama. This elder should have learned by experience how to manage his affairs.
    A bishop or overeseer is the steward of God. A steward has charge of or governs another's affairs
    (Heb. 13:17). (Falwell)
    This steward manages spiritual truths, lives on God's behalf, and is wholly accountable to Him. The church
    is God's (Acts 20:28), and elders or bishops are accountable to Him for the way they lead it. (MacArthur)
2. accused of rebellion refers to "insubordinate, undisciplined, or unwilling to take direction."
3. self-willed, which is a negative way of describing a submissive spirit. A self-willed person despises the
    proper authority of others in his life. He wants his own way, to do as he pleases. He is stubborn and
    reluctant to submit to the decisions of others. This man is arrogant, self-interested, driven by strong
    independence, and has a general spirit of entitlement. He's a smuch strong-willed as self-willed and self-
    serving.
4. quick-tempered means that a man chooses what will move him to appropriate anger. However, he
    doesn't possess an underlying spirit of anger that manifests itself in his "flying off the handle." He avoids
    outbursts of anger or angry words, especially when confronted or contradicted.
5. addicted to wine, shouldn't be restricted to alcoholism. An elder carefully avoids surrendering control of
    his body to the effects of any substance.
6. pugnacious describes a man who's neither contentious nor quarrelsome. (King James verson says "no
    striker.")
7. fond of sordid gain refers to a disposition that isn't greedy of gain or insatiable of wealth and ready to
     procure it by disgraceful means.

LET IT GROW

Are there any of these characteristics that I find in my life? Am I willing to work on eliminating them?

Swindoll says, "A person who lacks these spiritual qualities should never hold a position of authority in the church, no matter how successful he is in business or how much influence he wields in the community. The role of an 'elder' requires traits that conform to a different standard, that of godly leadership, servant-leadership as our Lord modeled when He came 'to serve and to give his life' (Mark 10:45). Godly leadership models grace, extends mercy, demonstrates compassion, show forth joy, cultivates an atmosphere of peace, and encourages others to participate by using their gifts and abilities. He pursues the voice and opinions of others and then heeds their wise counsel. He will seek the highest good in the lives of others, refusing to seek his own way or to maneuver himself into any position of power."

If you and I are leaders in a church, whether it be a teacher or a chairman of a committee, do we possess the qualities Swindoll was talking about? Do we show grace, mercy, compassion, joy, peace, encourage others to serve, ask for counsel, considerate of others?


LET IT GO

Take the exam, asking the Lord to show me if there's a quality I need to develop or illiminate in my life.

Ask for Jesus' help.