Discipleship - Part 3 Series

We need some men in our churches who are dignified—worthy of respect. Where are they? Don’t try to find them on the TV sitcoms. Many of the TV men—even the older men--are made out to be nothing more than little kids with adult bodies. Everything they say has to be funny.

They are constantly being scolded or corrected by their wives, girlfriends or kids. Paul tells Titus to teach sound doctrine—the older men are to be sober and worthy of respect.

3. self-controlled/temperate (sophron, so'-frone), cf. 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:4) - The one who is "self-controlled" has an attitude of mind that leads to a cautiousness and self-control in life.

It is translated “sober” in Titus 1:8 and 2:4, 6, and 12, and “discreet” in 2:5.

“Worthy of respect” speaks of a seriousness of life.

“Self-controlled” speaks of a seriousness of purpose.

The self-controlled man disciplines himself so that he can accomplish the goals and objectives of his life that he hopes will bring glory to God. He is not careless and happy-go-lucky but thoughtful and watchful and thorough and careful.

If he is married, he is serious about providing for his own (1 Tim. 5:8); He doesn’t let his wants get in the way of providing for their needs.

He doesn’t spend the money God provides for his family and the kingdom on other things. In other words, he doesn’t take a trip to the Bahamas while he is behind on his bills. He doesn’t buy that luxury car or that home theater equipment when he can barely pay his mortgage or rent.

If he is single, he doesn’t waste time and money trying to live the “bachelor’s dream.” He uses his time, money and energy to the glory of God.

He knows how to and is successful in curbing his appetites and impulses—he is self-controlled.

4. Sound in faith, in love, in patience all go together.

The older man is “sound in faith.” The word “faith” has a definite article before it in the Greek which makes it mean, “The Faith.” Here Paul is referring to the body of Christian teachings…the commands of Christ, the Apostle’s doctrine (Acts 2:41).

The mature Christian should know what he believes and his doctrinal convictions should agree with the Word of God. He doesn’t merely possess a wealth of worldly wisdom that proceeds from his life experiences, he gets his wisdom from the Word of God, the Bible.

I must tell you that while we must honor our older folk, we must be careful of where their wisdom is derived. We used to live in a day when the culture as a whole embraced the truths of Scripture or at least respected biblical morals, like those communicated in the Ten Commandments, but not anymore. Today, our country is a melting pot of people with differing religious backgrounds, morals and values.

I've learned that just because someone is old doesn’t mean they automatically become a bearer of wisdom. I must admit that older folk have lived long enough to have tried a few things a few times. They know what works and what doesn’t—but if they do not know Christ, much of what they consider “wisdom” may still be nothing more than what The Bible calls “foolishness.”