MODERN FAMILY GOD’S WAY 6 - GOD’S WAY FOR WOMEN
Text: Titus 2:1-5
Introduction:
1. There’s no better way to honor the women of Waterford, and our guests, than to lift up today some great truths that God inspired to be written in His Word, for our benefit.
2. Read text
3. Satan has pointed all of the artillery of hell at the home
4. Think about it: Immorality, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, abortion, militant feminism, juvenile delinquency, sexually transmitted diseases, spousal abuse, child abuse…these are all sins hatched in hell, and they all have 2 things in common:
5. They are:
1) On the rise and
2) Aimed at destroying the family
6. Why, is Satan at war with the family? Because Satan has always known that as the home goes, so goes the nation and the souls of its citizens.
7. Arnold Toynbee, a British historian (1889-1975), is most famous for his magisterial A Study of History, 1934-1961. In this 12-volume work he examined the rise and fall of nations. One of his more significant remarks is worth recalling:
“Of the twenty-two civilizations that have appeared in history, nineteen of them collapsed when they reached the moral state the United States is in now.”
8. In spite of all the pessimism in the world today, we have reason to be optimistic.
9. In far more challenging times than our The Inspired Apostle Paul wrote from prison where he was for preaching the gospel. He said,
Philippians 4:4-8 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:10-13 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
10. The family is the primary bulwark against moral decay and the collapse of a civilization.
11. Good news today: God has a plan! And it is the family as God planned it.
12. “When all else fails, read the directions”
1) Men aren’t the best at this…putting together a toy, navigating a road trip, but this is for the ladies today anyway!
13. Paul gave Titus his marching orders.
14. Exegete Titus 2:1
Titus 2:1-2 1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
15. Sound doctrine is healthy teaching. Lets look at some things that make us healthy.
Disuscussion:
I. Her Mandate
A. Teach the young women
Titus 2:3-4 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,
B. The young women are to learn what is good. It doesn’t come naturally it must be learned.
C. They learn it from the pulpit (2:1)
D. And they learn it from the older women: what they teach and model.
E. Our older women have a God-given responsibility to teach the younger women how to be good wives, mothers, and homemakers.
F. The context of this is not a ladies Bible class.
G. The younger women also have a responsibility, according to this passage, and that is to listen to the older women, and to avail themselves to their wisdom.
H. Who is teaching the younger Christian women of today? Who is shaping their family values?
I. I’m afraid that in many cases it’s someone like Oprah. The world is sending all kinds of negative messages to our younger women:
“If you’re not happy, satisfied with your husband or family…just leave him! After all, you have a right to be happy”
J. We need some older women who have been married for years to step up and say, you have the right to keep your commitment, vow before God…and…it’s not your feelings that sustain your commitment, it’s your agape love.
K. We need women to model what agape love looks like
L. We need older women to teach the younger women what a good marriage is –
M. And Mothers you need to be sharing that information with your daughters and the younger girls at church.
N. We need some older women to say, we’ve had our share of problems, bigger ones than you’ve had, and more of them, but it has worked because of commitment.
O. You recall that I said that growing up I didn’t know of any good marriages. I remember the day that an older couple came into our Marriage and Family Class at OVU and talked about marriage. I watched them and thought I want what they have.
P. The world says:
“If this pregnancy is unplanned, then simply destroy the evidence.”
Q. Older women must respond:
“the circumstances which surround a pregnancy do not determine the value of the child.”
R. Or,
“I experienced an unplanned pregnancy. I was shocked overwhelmed and embarrassed, but can tell you now that I wouldn’t trade her for the world.!”
S. Like my mom could say,
“Though I was 38 years old when I received the news. But I wouldn’t have traded Connie or her children for anything in the world
T. If you fit that category, the Bible today reminds you of your mandate. It’s not a suggestion, or an idea if you’re interested, it’s a command.
U. And there’s more to the mandate.
V. Mothers you can instruct your sons in a way no one else can.
Proverbs 1:8-9 8 Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, 9 for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.
Proverbs 6:20-22 20 My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. 21 Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. 22 When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.
W. We give credit to King Lemuel for the beautiful words read from pulpits all over the land every Mother’s Day, but he was merely repeating what his mother taught him.
Proverbs 31:1-2 1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: 2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?
X. Read Proverbs 31:10-31
Y. Women often struggle with their self-image, but this passage sets forth God’s evaluation of you.
Z. Women, teach the younger women how to be Godly women, how to date, choose a mate, present themselves
AA. Teach the young men to treat someone else’s daughter with respect.
II. Her Motive
A. We don’t have to guess, it’s right here:
Titus 2:5 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
B. You say, what does that have to do with me?
C. Simply put, the best thing you can do to improve the influence of this church in here and in Waterford is to help build strong families!
D. Every time the community learns of a Christian family that falls apart it contradicts, undermines, and marginalizes what we teach and preach here…it hurts our influence.
E. We’re preaching that Jesus is the answer to the world’s problems, that Jesus is the solid Rock on which to build a marriage and home…but for the most part, the world doesn’t listen to what we say…but oooooooh how they watch what we do!
F. Paul is saying that when we allow homes in our church to disintegrate, the Word of God is blasphemed.
G. Now, don’t misunderstand, we’re to help the hurting! That’s the right thing to do, that develops influence too…that man or woman whose spouse left them can remain a testimony to God by remaining in church, and remaining close to God, and we have many like that.
H. But it’s a shame when it happens right under our noses, when there WAS something we could do about it…but we didn’t!
I. Her mandate/motive…
III. Her Manner of life
Titus 2:3 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, “behavior
A. Reverent
“reverent” basically means “suitable to a sacred person” and conveys the image of a good priestess carrying out the duties of her office. The conduct of the older women must reveal that they regard life as sacred in all of its aspects.
B. “In Behavior”
“The way they live” translates a noun denoting manner of life as expressive of inner character,
C. In the OT, the priest went into the holy place to burn incense to the Lord, and even when he departs the tabernacle and rejoins the others, the fragrance is still on his garments. And anyone who gets around him knows, he’s been in the holy place…he’s been w/ the Lord!
D. There’s an ora, a glow about a Godly woman, as the beauty of Christ just radiates from her life!
E. “Not Slanderers”
F. “much wine”
1. immediately, the social drinker says, there it is, it’s ok to drink, as long as in moderation…I drink, but not much!
2. Well, before you get too carried away, remember that in Bible days wine was used medicinally
3. In a broad sense, Paul is saying, don’t be a slave to an addiction, don’t be given to it.
G. Mandate—older teach younger, younger look to the older
H. Motive—Word of God be not blasphemed
I. Manner of life—life a holy, wholesome, healthy life
IV. Her Message
A. What, specifically, are the older supposed to teach the younger?
Titus 2:4-5 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.
B. Joke
couple just finished honeymoon, she confessed, “I’m not a great cook, all I know how to make so far is meatloaf and banana pudding”…she sets it before him, he says, “no problem, just tell me which is which!”
C. Well, the Bible doesn’t say you have to be a great cook, but it says you should be level-headed, serious minded, and use good judgment…
not like the guy that said, honey, you must think I’m a perfect idiot, she says, no dear…nobody’s perfect!
D. “Love your husband?” Do you really have to learn to love?
1. Yes, Ephesians 5:21ff. teaches us that Agape love is the love that holds a marriage together.
2. But this word for love is different it is
3. The Holman New Testament Commentary explains,
love their husbands and children. The word love in this instance comes from the root word phileo, or “brotherly love.” It emphasizes the strength of companionship, of pulling together toward a goal, of devotion measured by kindness and mutual friendship. This forms the basis of a secure and solid marriage and home. At times spouses and parents must exhibit agape, or “sacrificial love.” But the fundamental strength of home life is the intertwining strands of kindness, companionship, and friendship. There exists among the household shared values, shared interests, and, among Christians, a shared Lord and vision of life.
E. For some this command my seem to great, but remember, behind every command of God is the omnipotent, powerful hand of God to enable you to do ANYTHING He commands, if you’ll obey and try, with His help!
Philippians 4:13 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
F. Ladies . . . . If you’ve been married, or were married, 30 years or more, please stand…remain standing…!
G. Can you say to them Praise the Lord!
H. According to God, it’s your responsibility to teach the younger women how to love their husbands…how they can make it for 30 years, and more!
I. Take a look around, now. Chances are these that are standing went thru what you go thru, and yet they stayed married, because they were committed.
J. And look at the guys they learned to love! Give the Lord glory for that!
K. “Love their children”
L. Do you really have to learn that?
1. Well, you tell me. I think the womb should be the safest place on earth…but is it?
2. Then there’s the modern mother today who says, I love my child too much to spank them.
3. She needs to be taught what real love is.
Proverbs 13:2424 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.
M. “Pure”
1. Old-fashioned purity=pre-marital purity, post-marital fidelity
2. The public school system that raised most of the young women of today, is the same one which kicked God out when they were young…and to think that it’s capable of teaching sex correctly is absurd.
3. It’s not up to the school…and we need some older women who will teach the younger women, by example, and in word, how to be chaste!
4. And we need mothers who will do the same for their daughters.
5. I’ve actually known Christian moms who gave their daughters contraceptives. Don’t you know that sends them the WRONG message? “If you can’t be good, be careful!”
N. “Working at home”
Paul also wanted the younger women to be busy at home. To modern readers this statement may conjure visions of a young woman chained to the kitchen sink with six crying children at her feet. Paul has been accused by some interpreters of male chauvinistic tendencies. The context, however, does not support such notions
Whether a woman works outside the home or not, she is to bring special grace and beauty to her home. More than any other member of the family, the woman tends to set the tone for the household. Paul is commending women who understand the importance and high priority which God has designed into the roles of mother, wife, and homemaker. Society rests not only on politics and commerce, but more critically upon the home where each member of society learns respect for authority, values, relational skills, and duty to neighbor and nation.
O. I realize that many women go to work…and many have to.
P. But make sure you’re working for needs, and not greeds. Working for a higher standard of living is not worth the trade-off to your home.
Q. Don’t be afraid to step out on faith. If your kids are still at home, it may take some sacrifice, and it may not work out on paper, but God will reward you for doing what’s right.
R. What’s God’s will?
1 Timothy 5:14 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander.
S. The worthy woman of proverbs 13 had to work outside the home and many have to today.
T. The last thing I want to do on Mother’s Day is put you on a guilt trip, so don’t receive it any differently than God has said it.
U. The home is under attack today. And so, when all else fails, read the directions.
V. Aren’t you thankful today for mothers, women of God? As Mother’s Day, today is a day to honor them…but as the Lord’s day, it’s a day to glorify God…and what would glorify Him more than for women to recommit themselves today to their mandate, to teach, and learn from each other, to have the irresistible glow of Godliness, the attractive scent of one who’s been w/ God, the fragrance of holiness!
W. Mothers, the most important thing you can do is lead your children to Heaven.
1 Hiebert, D. E. (1981). Titus. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Volume 11: Ephesians through Philemon (F. E. Gaebelein, Ed.) (436). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
2 Hiebert, D. E. (1981). Titus. In F. E. Gaebelein (Ed.), The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Volume 11: Ephesians through Philemon (F. E. Gaebelein, Ed.) (436). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
3 Larson, K. (2000). Vol. 9: I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Holman New Testament Commentary (361). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
4 Larson, K. (2000). Vol. 9: I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Holman New Testament Commentary (361). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
5 Larson, K. (2000). Vol. 9: I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Holman New Testament Commentary (361). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Sermon History:
05-12-2013
David E. Parks
