INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Ministry of Maturity
2. Mature Men Teachers
3. Mature Women Teachers
Remarks.
1. In this study we will discuss the obligation of the older members of the church’s responsibilities: to teach the young members of the congregation, in both spiritual and social graces. This teaching and training does not have to be confined merely, when the church has assembled. The best teaching is accomplished by a one-on-one session; during house to house visitations.
2. First, we will discuss the basis of all teaching regarding, spiritual and social graces; and that is: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” The word “sound” means healthy and wholesome doctrine. All teaching of spiritual and social graces, must originate from, the word of God, 1 Peter 4:11.
3. Second, we will discuss the responsibilities of the mature (aged) men, as teachers and mentors to the younger men. Paul wrote: “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience... Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, which cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you,” Titus 2:3; Titus 2:6-8.
4. Lastly, we will discuss the mature (aged) women as teachers and coaches to the younger women. Paul wrote: “The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children; to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed,” Titus 2:3-5.
BODY OF LESSON
I MINISTRY OF MATURITY
A. Basis of all teaching: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine,” Titus 2:1. The idea of “sound doctrine,” means: “wholesome, befitting, that which is becoming.”
1. In our setting, it is sound teaching in both spiritual and social graces.
2. The ministry of the mature saints: must be founded in a sincere love, and concern for the younger saints.
3. This ministry of this teaching; is not be confined, to the church when it is assembled on (Wednesdays and Sundays). This is a ministry engaged with members and people throughout the entire week.
4. This ministry of teaching, coaching and mentoring, involves wholesome: “Christian fellowship.” We will speak to this later in the lesson.
B. All teaching and training must originate from the basis of “sound doctrine.”
1. Efforts of the early church, was to strengthen and grow the body of Christ. This was founded upon two basic principles. They were, that all continued in:
a. One, “The apostles’ doctrine” or the teaching of the word of God.
b. Two, “And in fellowship, in breaking of bread, and in prayers,” Acts 2:42
c. We know the meaning of “doctrine”; so let’s consider the word: “fellowship.”
d. Fellowship means: partnership, i.e., participation, or (social) affairs, or share:—to communicate (-ation), communion, (contri-) distribution, to fellowship.
2. Fellowship of the Philippian church, in the ministry of Paul, Philippians 1:3-7; Philippians 4:15-17. Fellowship is communicating, communion, contribution and distribution. It involves giving and receiving from each other’s bounty.
3. They were all together: “And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all believed were together, and had all things common...And they, continuing daily with one accord...from house to house...having favor with all the people,” Acts 2:44-47.
a. Believers were together in the assembly.
b. Believers continued from house to house.
c. These were not all bible studies; but also, social and fellowship visits. They were periods of instruction, as well as, times of encouragement to each other.
d. They were: “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” Acts 2:47.
C. Teach no other doctrine: “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,”1 Timothy 1:3. Timothy was instructed, not to teach any other kind of doctrine; but, that which was: wholesome, healthy, befitting and becoming unto the saints from (the word of the Lord).
D. Wholesome doctrine: “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,” 1 Timothy 6:3. The teaching must bring forth “godliness” in the life of the disciples and believers.
E. Teach from house to house: “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,” Acts 20:20; Acts 5:41-42. Paul is addressing the elders of the church at Ephesus; while he met with them on the isle of Miletus, Acts 20:17-32. He mentioned that:
1. He taught them, in a public forum; the assembly.
2. He instructed them, from house to house, among members and others.
3. He taught and mentored them in all things, Acts 20:26-27.
4. He taught them to do the same unto the entire church, Acts 20:28-32.
5. Instructing the younger men how to be faithful and to be an example to others in all things. Paul charged not only the ministers and teacher to be so; but, that the “aged men and women” ought to be teachers in both spiritual and social graces, Hebrews 5:12-14.
II MATURE MEN TEACHERS
A. Aged men: “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience,” Titus 2:2. They are to be good examples before the younger men, and the entire congregation. Consider....
1. Be sober (circumspect, watchful, of a sound mind). Free from drunkenness and over indulgence in the use of wine. In Gr., the word is: nephalios, or na-fä'-le-os.
2. Be grave (venerable, i.e. honorable:—honest); in person and deeds, Philippians 4:8.
3. Be temperate (safe (sound) in mind, i.e., self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):—discreet, temperate); in 1 Timothy 3:2, it is translated “sober.”
4. Be sound (to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine):—be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole (-some). Sound:
a. In the faith (the faith of Christ).
b. In charity (love).
c. In patience (forbearing).
d. This admonition is for all men: Those who desire to keeps these graces, and to be strong in the faith.
5. Consider all these characteristics of faith, to the elders and deacons, 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11. They mirror one another. This means, the all saints should aspire to exhibit the same characteristics of faith, as the church leaders.
B. Exhort younger men: “Likewise exhort (them) to be sober minded.”
1. Shewing them self a pattern of good works.
2. Thy must in doctrine: “Shew uncorruptness, gravity, and sincerity,” Titus 2:6-7.
3. These characteristics must be taught to all, beginning early in the believer’s faith and walk with Christ. This means fellowship with each other; to bonded one with another. These get together, are designed to strengthen each other in the faith.
4. The older brother is a “coach” and “mentor” to the younger brothers. The coach not only can play the game; but more so, teach other the rules, and how to play in a manner, which win championships, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 2:1-6.
C. Sound speech. The young men are taught to be: “Sound in speech, which cannot be condemned; that he, that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you,” Titus 2:8. Speak with respect and kindness.
1. Paul meant that Titus, the ministers and the older men; must teach and instruct the young men to first cultivate good behaviors; and then, walk as such before the church, and all men.
2. These words of caution was for Titus also; for he at this time, was a young man himself, and required to be an example in all things, Titus 2:6-8.
3. Timothy was charged: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity,” 1 Timothy 4:12-14. Each of these characteristics bears close and careful examination.
D. Purpose of sound doctrine (teaching):
1. The teacher must be: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers,” Titus 1:9-11. Gainsayers are those who speak against the word.
2. These are leaders and older men to which this charge is issued.
3. These in turn were must be teachers of others, 2 Timothy 2:2.
4. Live a godly life: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world,” Titus 2:11-12.
a. We are commanded to live faithful and godly lives.
b. And to practice “pure religion,” James 1:25-26.
E. Fellowship with each other. The early church visited with each other to increase in friendship and cooperation. All fellowship does not require bible teaching. Brothers should care and support each other, in things outside the worship. Set aside time for mentoring, and coaching the younger brothers. What wrong with:
1. A brother’s fishing outing, or fish fry?
2. A get together for a “championship game?”
3. A breakfast or lunch at McDonald’s, Jacks or Subway? ). It’s the fellowship that’s important, not the expensive nature of the location.
4. A formal night out with wives at a fancy restaurant or buffet.
5. These events can be planned, communicated and attended by all brothers. This should not be expensive to any one person. The burden of cost can be shared!
6. These gatherings show unity and fellowship within the brotherhood.
NOTE: Organizers must work to widen the sphere of their social influence. They must include everyone without partiality. It might begin with just a few; but, your goal must be to include all brothers, that are willing to participate in your ministry of fellowship.
III MATURE WOMEN TEACHERS
A. Aged women: “The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things,” Titus 2:3.
B. That they teach: “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children; to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed,” Titus 2:4-5.
1. These are elderly women. Aged women, among other things, must be a teacher of good things.
2. By their own examples before the younger women.
3. Using their experience to instruct the young women in social graces:
a. First, teach them “to be sober in all things.” To be of a sound mind, i.e., to be discipline or correct:—teach them about a prudent behavior.
b. Further, instruct them how to, “love their husbands” and to be “obedient to him,” Ephesians 5:21-24. (This means they are to teach them how to respond to; and how to express sincere reverence and love, to their husbands).
Observe....
1) The Gr. word love is philandros; which means, to be fond of him, and towards him, i.e., affectionate as a wife:—to love their husbands.
a) The same word used in Romans 12:10.
b) To be “kindly affectionate,” one toward another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another. In this case: as husbands and wives.
c) The wife cannot argue and speak disrespectful to her husband; and not expect this kind of behavior to affect the relationship.
2) Marriage is building a lasting friendship: that will weather all hardships, trials and life’s many challenges.
3) Wives are to be a “help meet” for their husbands, Genesis 2:18-20.
Illustrate: Help meet those bills!
4) She is a partner with him in life, the home and in business, Proverbs 31:10-31.
c. Next, how to “love their children.” Some lessons in rearing children are hard to execute. The older sisters have been through many of the challenges the younger sisters are now facing. Share with them your aged wisdom and experience.
d. Additionally, how to be discreet, and chase.
1) Teach her to be discreet, that is, to be safe (and of a sound) mind, i.e., self-controlled:—discreet, sober, temperate.
2) Teach her to be chase, that is, behaving properly, i.e., with innocent, modest, perfect:—clean, purity, 1 Timothy 2:9-13.
e. Particularly, to be “good”:—benefit, good (-s, things), well.
f. Finally, how to be a “keeper at home.” A stayer at home, i.e. domestically inclined (a "good housekeeper"):—keeper at home. (This means how to maintain an orderly and clean home). There is honor in being a good wife; and managing the home with all it affairs.
4. Reason: “That the word of God be not blasphemed (spoken against).”
C. Standard for such teaching. The aged woman must be:
1. The teacher of other women, but not of men: “Let the woman learn in silence, with all subjection. I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence,” 1 Timothy 2:11-12.
a. The word “silence” in Gr., is hesychía, or ha-sü-khe'-ä, which means, to be in stillness, i.e., desistance from bustle or language:—quietness, silence. The idea is to be in quietness and stillness. The word does not imply, not to speaking, or to question. The word is used elsewhere in the apostles’ writings.
b. Paul’s letters to the Corinthians: He uses the word, silence in Gr., sigáo, or se-gä'-o, which means, to keep silent:—keep close (i.e., secret, silence), hold peace. Here it applies to, “tongue speaking and prophesying.” Observe....
1) Prohibition to tongue speaking: “If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God,” 1 Corinthians 14:27-28.
2) Prohibition to prophesying: “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If anything be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace (silence),” 1 Corinthians 14:29-30; 1 Corinthians 14:31-34.
3) Prohibition to speaking: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:34-35. This prohibition is to “tongue speaking” in the assembly.
d. Summary: It is forbidden that a man speaks in a tongue, without an interpreter; or a prophet speaking after receiving a revelation, while another is prophesying; or a woman who has a gift of tongue, to speaking: each are to remain in silence, in the assemble.
e. Conclusion: Paul’s examples; has to do with tongue speaking and prophecy: while the church has gathered. Neither party is forbidden to speak, asking questions, or saying Amen, while the church has assembled, for worship. They are commanded to be in silence in the exercise of their gift; that it might be done “to the edification of the church,” 1 Corinthians 14:5-6; 1 Corinthians 14:12; 1 Corinthians 14:26. Consider these authors on this matter:
1) B. W. Johnson wrote: “Let the women keep silence in the churches...In 1 Tim. 2:11, 12, we have the same teaching...Paul gives directions concerning women prophesying: (1) Paul's prohibition of speaking to the women is, in the churches; that is, in the church assemblies when “the whole church is come together into one place” (verse 23). It is an official meeting of the church. “Church” in the New Testament always means the ecclesia,” Page 421.
2) Matthew Henry wrote: “They (women) are not permitted to speak (v.34) in the church, neither in praying nor prophesying...And, indeed, for a woman to prophesy in this sense were to teach, which does not...befit her state of subjection. A teacher of others has in that respect a superiority over (others)...the woman (cannot be) over the man, nor...be allowed to teach in a congregation: I suffer them not to teach,” Page 1018.
3) Conclusion: She is not to: “Teach, nor to usurp authority of the man, but to be in silence,” 1 Timothy 2:12. This prohibition is when, “the whole church be come together into one place,” 1 Corinthians 14:23.
2. The reason for this restriction: “For Adam was first formed, then Eve. Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, was in the transgression,” 1 Timothy 2:13-14; Genesis 3:6-7. This position of servitude, was not given to be punitive; but, for the woman’s continued guidance and oversight of her husband.
3. Ladies bible studies, “from house to house.” Not all teaching is required to be done in the assembly; nor on the “first day of the week,” Acts 20:7.
4. Spend quality time with each other. Share your challenges, visions and goals.
5. Maintain always, the privacy of each other’s words. Sisters must be able to speak honestly; without fear her words are being spread abroad. Teach them not to be: “Tattlers and busybodies, speaking things they ought not,” 1 Timothy 5:13.
D. To live a godly life: “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world,” Titus 2:11-12.
1. We are commanded to live faithful and godly lives.
2. And to practice “pure religion,” James 1:25-26.
3. Keeping ourselves, “unspotted from the world.”
E. To fellowship with each other. Plan and communicate your own events with each other. You don’t need the brother’s approval to do good; and fellowship with each other. The Lord has granted you this grace.
1. Invite young ladies from your job, school or the places you frequent yourselves, within the community.
2. Meet just to be together as members of the church; and as friends.
3. Discuss what goals, visions you see for each other; your families, and the church.
4. Have a sister’s breakfast or luncheon; at a local restaurant (McDonald’s, Jacks or Subway). It’s the fellowship that’s important, not the expensive nature of the location.
5. These events can be planned, communicated and attended by all sisters. This should not be expensive to any one person. The burden of cost can be shared!
6. These gatherings show unity and fellowship within the sisterhood.
7. You are limited only by your creativity and imagination.
NOTE: Work to widen your sphere of social influence. Include all without partiality. You may begin with just a few; but, your goal must be to include all sisters, that are willing to be a part of your ministry of fellowship. Show sincere love to one another.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Ministry of Maturity
2. Mature Men Teachers
3. Mature Women Teachers
B. Remarks.
1. First, we discussed the basis of all teaching regarding, spiritual and social graces; and that was: “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” The word “sound” means heathy and wholesome teaching. All teaching of spiritual and social graces, must originate from, the word of God.
2. Second, we discussed the responsibilities of the aged men, as teachers and mentors to the younger men. Paul wrote: “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience... Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity. Sound speech, which cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
3. Lastly, we discussed the aged women as a teacher, and coach to the younger women. Paul wrote: “The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children; to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
C. Invitation.
D. Motivation.
E. Persuasion.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
We thank these prolific writers for their wisdom and insight into the Holy Scriptures. We acknowledge here our consultation of their work, in this lesson.
