Good morning! Take your Bibles and turn to Titus 2:1-3. If you’re here with us for the first time or back with us after missing a Sunday or two, we’re in a series of messages called Grow, Church, Grow! We’re looking at Paul’s letter to Titus that addresses issues in a growing church. In Titus 1:5, Paul says: The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished.
The first thing Paul tells Timothy to do is to stand on and stand for the truth. Crete could be a difficult place to serve. In fact, Paul quotes a philosopher from Crete in Titus 1:12 as saying, “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” There is a true gospel and there are false gospels. A as followers of Christ, we believe that there is truth; that there are absolutes; there is right and wrong. We need to stand firm for the truth.
Next Paul advised Titus Paul Titus to be careful in choosing leaders for the church. Carefully choosing leaders is an important lesson to remember in any congregation. The leaders need to be men who have character and can defend the faith.
Last week we saw that Paul warned Titus about legalism creeping into the church. There was a group Paul referred to as “the circumcision” – also referred to as Judaizers by Bible commentators – who were insisting that people had to follow the Jewish law in order to be saved. Paul’s instruction was that Titus should rebuke anyone who did this because it was one of those false gospels. He wrote that we should not pay any attention to these myths or extra commands.
Today we move into chapter 2 of Titus. This is getting into my favorite parts of the book. Paul is now going to emphasize the importance of setting a good example for the believers. The churches Titus was working with had a lot of new believers and they would need instruction on how to live Godly lives, especially in the midst of a culture like Crete. So Paul says there are some folks who need to “Set the Example.”
An important principle in instructing anyone in correct doctrine and the practice of the Christian life is this: Lessons are caught more than they are taught. It's not enough to simply proclaim the truth. Anyone can run their mouth about this and that. We need to model the truth. People learn much better by example than they do by instruction.
One soldier told about a time following D-Day when the Allied troops were marching across Europe . General Patton was leading. There had been recent rains and the river was deep and there was a strong current. The soldiers began to complain there was no way they could cross the river with their backpacks and gear. Patton said nothing, but he waded into the river and swam to the other side with his backpack on. Then he swam back, stood on the bank and said, “Follow me.” Without protest every soldier followed him across the river.
We need positive role models in the church today. As we look around at society, we sadly find that there are few people who can serve as good role models. Athletes are into gambling and drugs. Entertainers are so egotistical. Politicians are, well, politicians. Some religious leaders have been found out to be hypocritical.
If the church is going to make a difference in our culture, it needs some mature Christians who will inspire others by their walk with God. In the first part of Titus chapter 2, Paul gives instructions to 3 groups of people in the church.
Titus 2:1-3 – You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
Teachers
The first group is teachers. Paul says in Titus 2:1 – You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. In context, this instruction was written for Titus. Titus had to understand his responsibility was to deliver the message of Christ in its purest form.
This is also a great reminder for anyone who teaches in the church. If you are a Sunday School teacher, a youth sponsor, small group leader, or anyone involved in teaching others how to live, this verse applies to you. We are all to teach what lines up with sound doctrine.
James 3:1 – Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. I realize that may not be the best verse to share when we're trying to recruit new teachers and children's workers, but that is what the Bible says. There is a stricter judgment for those who teach.
When you first get involved with teaching, there is some glamour involved with it. It's exciting to think you can have an impact on people's lives. It is flattering to receive compliments and encouragement from others on your teaching. But it isn't long before the glitter wears off. You find out that it is tough to prepare for every lesson. People don't compliment you that much after a while. If you are an adult teacher, they may even criticize you. If you are a children's worker, they may take you for granted.
Then one day it hits you: Teaching is a serious responsibility. This is a long term commitment. And if I don't make a change, I'm going to be doing this for the rest of my life! One day it also hits you: Some people are actually listening to what I say. This message is making a difference in their lives.
The first principle for teachers is that they teach accurately. Paul tells Titus to teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.
I believe that God's Word is powerful. God's Word changes lives! Heb. 4:12 – For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
Anybody who teaches or preaches has a serious responsibility to present God's message accurately. Teachers are going to be held accountable for what we say.
Knowing this, why would anyone want to teach? Two reasons. The first is that I believe God has called some people to teach. The Bible teaches that God has specifically gifted certain people to teach. I personally think there are more people called to teach than do. Why would God bless us with so many young people if He did not equip many to lead them? So we teach because we are called.
The second reason is that we also teach because we care about people. Teaching may not be a glamorous position, but it is very rewarding. Seeing people being saved –Christ changing people's lives for the better – I can't think of anything else that is more rewarding! Knowing that the message of Christ makes a difference, we can't help but want to share it!
Because this message does make a difference, that is why we want to teach it accurately. We are dealing with life and death matters. We're dealing with Heaven and Hell. That's why it is so important to teach it accurately.
Second, teaching accurate Bible knowledge is useless to the kingdom of Christ without also living out what you know. Teachers are to live faithfully.
A little later in this letter, Paul says to his protégé in Titus 2:7-8 – In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
If you teach the truth there are going to be people who oppose you. Our culture does not like to hear that there are standards of right and wrong. People don't like to think that there are absolute truths. They don't want to hear that they are accountable to God for their actions. Paul tells us to expect that opposition and to silence them by the way we live our lives. Paul tells Titus to live what he teaches so that no one will have anything bad to say about him.
Several years back, the Daily Herald in Chicago had a headline that read: “Fairy tale Princes Story Turns Sour After Newlyweds Lose Money.” A newlywed couple had left a black zippered case on the roof of their car as they sped away from the reception to begin their honeymoon. The case had all their wedding gift money in it - $12,000. By the time they reached their destination it was gone.
Two days later the same newspaper carried headlines to a related story: “Finders Keepers? Not All Believe It!” David Yi, an unemployed suburban resident, had come upon a black bag with $12,000 in cash. In spite of his mounting bills and jobless state, he didn’t keep the money. Tracking the couple down, he returned the full amount. When asked why he turned it all in, he said, “I guess it doesn’t matter whether it’s $50 or $1,000 or $1 million. It doesn’t belong to you.”
Upon investigation, the media discovered that David Yi acting in this capacity was consistent with his overall character. David had found $50 the year before and turned it in as well. When offered jobs because of the exposure he received, Yi said he would only consider jobs he was qualified for. He felt accepting a managerial position for which he was unequipped was dishonest.
You will only be characterized by integrity if you prove to demonstrate it, and that means having the right things in your heart: not being greedy for instance. Whether we like it or not, we are role models for somebody. If anyone is to teach or claim to be a Christian, then you have a responsibility to be consistent with what you say.
Mature Men
The second group Paul addresses is mature men. Titus 2:2 – Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Now Paul is not necessarily referring to someone who has one foot in the grave. Paul is referring to mature Christians, those who are older in the faith. You may be 30, 40, 50, or a seasoned citizen, but remember that you influence younger Christians.
I need to make a correction to the outline in the bulletin right here. You can just take your pen or pencil and cross out #3. Don’t know what I was thinking when I typed that up and sent it to Marcia. That means there are only 5 items under this heading as opposed to 6.
The first one: they are to practice self-control. He says to teach the older men to be “temperate.” The KJV uses the word “sober. The CEV says they are to have self-control.
Mature men realize that there is more to life than the next fishing trip or golf game. There's nothing wrong with enjoying those things, but the young men in the church need to see Christian men who can laugh and have a good time, but they can also pray and share their faith.
Second, they are to be worthy of respect. It's sad, but we don't place a lot of value on wisdom and experience in our culture. In Oriental cultures, people are automatically respected. Grandparents are revered. But we tend to show disrespect for older people. America worships youth and energy.
Let me say that if you are younger, don't make fun of someone who is older. Don't mock them. You need to understand a very important Biblical principle: you reap what you sow! Unless you happen to die young, you are going to be there someday. In the church, regardless of how our culture acts, we are to show respect.
If you are an older Christian, Paul says to be worthy of that respect. Make it easier for people to respect you by being self-controlled. Stay level-headed. This will give you great influence with others.
Third, they are to be sound in faith. There are so many spiritual fads that come and go. Help younger Christians to learn and understand what is sound and what is a fad. Many times, new innovations make a big splash but then quietly fade away to be replaced for the next one. The things involved with a sound faith never fade away.
Fourth, they are to practice love. There is a temptation as we grow older to become irritable, and crabby. We tend to become super dogmatic – insisting on certain forms and rituals. But a Christian should become more unselfish and more compassionate with age.
Fifth, they are to practice patience. This isn’t the kind of patience where you count to 10 when you start to get angry. Paul is referring to patient endurance – remaining faithful in the long haul.
There is a dangerous practice in America called “retirement.” Now it is a blessing in some ways. But retirement is dangerous in other ways. It's dangerous because retirement implies that your productivity stops when you get to be 62 or 65. It's dangerous in the church because people look forward to retiring so they can get out of responsibility and relax.
While I totally understand taking time to relax and even travel, don't quit your involvement in the church. Don't drop out of all responsibility. Yes we need the strength of the young people, but we also need the wisdom of those who are older and more mature.
I am thankful for every one of you who continue to serve here at Central Park. Some of you are still involved with active ministry here in this congregation. But I also know that there are more of you who can get involved.
I think one of the greatest things we need as a church is a bunch of church grandparents. I can remember when I was a young person in church, there was an elderly lady who was in her 90’s when I first met her. Her name was Semmie Kenndy. For many years, she had a ministry to the kids in the church.
Part of that ministry included seeing her every Sunday morning between Sunday school and church. She was very faithful in her attendance no matter here age. She had a bright new shiny penny for every kid in the church. Even as teenagers, we went to see Mrs. Kennedy every morning to get our penny. We ll loved her because we knew she loved us. She died at age 107.
Here at Central Park, we need some of you to simply be grandparents. (I know you are good at it!) When you see those young kids in the building, smile at them, pat them on the head. Encourage the young parents. We need church grandparents. Don't quit. Practice endurance.
The Bible has many examples of people who kept enduring to the end. Abraham's wife Sarah was 90 when she had Isaac. Moses was 80 when he led the people out of Egypt. Caleb was 85 when he conquered the hill country in the promised land. Simeon was an old man when he held baby Jesus in his arms.
History, too, has examples of people who didn't lose their purpose when they turned a certain age. Picasso was 75 when he dominated the art world. Michelangelo did some of his best painting after 80. Ronald Reagan was president in his 70's.
If God permits you to live long, continue to serve and be an inspiration to those who are younger. In Matt. 10:22b, Jesus says, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Mature Women
Paul says in Titus 2:3 – Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.
Here’s my second bulletin mistake: The first one should say that they are to live reverent lives.
There was a very popular TV show a few years back and it still runs in syndication. I’m not going to name the show. You’re probably going to know it when I give the premise and some of you probably still watch it. The premise of the show is that it’s funny when older women are irreverent. For its time, the shock factor of the show played into its popularity.
I think there is something better and it’s biblical. It’s when you have a poised, classy, respectful, spiritual older woman who is faithful to the Lord. That's the standard Paul sets here in verse 3. Behave as those who love the Lord should. That doesn’t mean that you can’t be humorous or be unique. Just do it in a way that honors Jesus Christ.
Second, they are to avoid gossip. Paul says to teach the older women not to gossip about others. Now gossip is a temptation for everyone, but apparently the Apostle Paul thought it was a strong temptation for the older women.
When somebody comes to you with a juicy bit of gossip saying, “Let me share something with you, and don't tell anybody,” just say, “Sure, it will be as safe with me as it was with you!” And don't be like the lady who said, “I don’t repeat gossip, so you better listen carefully the first time.”
Be an example of someone whose speech edifies and encourages people. Eph. 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Third, they are to not to be dependent on alcohol. Paul also says that older women should be taught to “not be addicted to much wine.” I can see the temptation here. Sometimes as you get older, your spouse passes away or you face certain medical problems and some folks seek relief in alcohol. One problem for older people is that it becomes difficult to sleep so some resort to a few drinks before bed. Be very careful here. You can become alcohol dependent.
I read about a Christian woman whose husband passed away soon after he retired. She was beyond despair. Completely out of character, she began to drink. She would drink during the day to boost her spirits, and she began to drink before going to bed so she could relax. Her friends saw her personality change, but they didn't know what was causing it. Eventually, her drinking got out of control and she lost her positive influence and ability to serve in the church. She was not a good example to the younger women.
The fourth thing Paul mentions for the older women is that they are to teach what is good. Ladies, the younger women need your example and inspiration. Don't let them down. Teach them how to live by your words and your life.
Prov. 31:30-31 – Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Close
All of us need to ask ourselves this question, “How long is my shadow?” The shadow I'm referring to is our influence. Someone remarked, “When we walk outside, we can't control our shadow any more than we can stop having a shadow in the sun. We can't control our influence.” Did you know that when Peter walked the streets of Jerusalem, people tried to touch his shadow so they could be healed?
We all have a shadow. We all have influence. For the most part, our influence is not something we are always aware of. Just as we don't always think about our shadow as we walk down the street, we hardly ever think of our influence with others, but it's there.
We think we will intentionally influence people by having a talk with them or by doing some individual act. But remember, more is caught than taught. What really makes an impression and influences people is how we live.
Jesus said that we are to be the salt of the earth. Salt makes a difference. And just like the ripples that are made when you throw a rock in a pond, the difference we make goes way beyond what we can ever imagine. You touch one life and then you touch another and another. Even a man or woman's death does not destroy their shadow.
My friend Wade Allen shared his testimony in this area. He said:
I know of a lady who had four children. It was a difficult time for the family. Her
husband, the children's father, was disabled. In fact, most of the time he was away in
hospitals. She had to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. She was extremely busy,
especially with four children. But one thing she always made sure of was that her family
was involved in church. One of [her] kids said, “If the doors were open, we were there. In
fact, I think when the janitor was cleaning we were there.” This mother instilled faith into
her children. Even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
She passed away in April of 2000. But her shadow of faith continues on. You see, my
dad told me that if there is a reason we are in the church today, it's because of my
grandmother. Because of her influence, my father went into ministry. Because of her
influence, 4 of her grandsons are in the ministry today. [Wade asks] How much do I owe to
her shadow?
What is it that makes a shadow? The sun does, light does. What makes a positive, consistent shadow in our life? The Son of God, the light of the world. That's why it is so important that we model the truth all the time. We have no idea who our shadow will touch.
