Series: Action [#214]
URGENT- LIVE OUT YOUR FAITH
Titus 2:1-15
Introduction:
There are numerous types of T-Shirts, cups, and signs that say something along the lines of: Pastor- Warning anything you say or do could be used in a Sermon. This is a very true statement. So, my Daughter-in-Law Melanie; has been trying to teach 3 of my Grandchildren a lesson about not hurting people’s feelings. My Grandson Eli, has been testing out what he has heard. The Grandchildren have been talking about who their favorites are and who are not. Obviously, this has hurt some of the family members’ feelings, (not mine because I am the favorite). While Kaycee and Aaron have not said anything, Eli has asked Karen and Tharon if it hurts their feelings that I am the favorite and not them. They both realize that they are speaking to an almost 5 year old, so it hasn’t wrecked their life or anything; but it does show that even children pay attention to how others handle things.
Paul was instructing Titus in living out his faith in the Community where God had place him. Our text instructs us to consider not just our personal relationship with God; but also, the powerful impact our lives can have on one another as we live the teachings of Christ in our daily interactions and relationships. Paul emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine. Sound doctrine is not just a good Church word; it is the very foundation that shapes our behavior, informs our relationships, and directs our mission as followers of Christ.
Titus 2:1-5
The call to…
1. Older generations.
Paul begins by addressing older men and women. He teaches that older men are “to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance”. Here, we see a call to maturity that is much more than just age. It shows us the depth of spiritual understanding and experience.
Older men are to be…
* Temperate.
It is the ability to see life clearly, rooted in truth and wisdom. In a time when there are distractions everywhere, we need leaders who will anchor us in God's reality.
Older men are to be…
* Worthy of respect and self-controlled.
These qualities remind us that our actions must reflect the character of Christ. As we lead by example, we demonstrate the beauty of a life surrendered to God.
Older women are to be…
* Reverent and to teach what is good.
There is a deliberate shift here from simply being an observer to a mentor who actively invests in the lives of the younger generation. Paul urges older women to train younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, and to cultivate a home environment filled with kindness.
What a huge responsibility this is. Mentorship is vital in our community. It is a calling to pour into the next generation the wisdom gained from our trials, our failures, and our triumphs. Consider for a moment the older women who have shaped your life- Mothers, Grandmothers, Church leaders, and mentors. Their stories of faith, perseverance, and love have led many of us to deeper spiritual maturity. They have helped us navigate the difficult things in life, teaching us not just with words but through their lived experiences.
As we reflect on the qualities of older generations, let us ask ourselves: Are we open to learning from those who have walked this path before us? For those who are older, are you willing to be a mentor, sharing the your journeys with those who follow?
Titus 2:6-8
The call to…
2. Younger generations.
Paul then shifts his focus to the younger men, urging them to be self-controlled. He tells Titus to be a model of good works, integrity, and sound speech. Paul is giving us a picture of a person who is living out the Gospel.
Younger men are to be…
* Self-Controlled.
The call to self-control is especially important in today’s culture, where instant gratification and impulsive decisions often rule. Paul’s encouragement to the younger generation is a call to resist the pull of the world and to find strength in the Spirit.
Younger men are to be…
* A good example.
Titus, as a leader, was to exemplify these virtues. The lives we lead will inevitably speak to those around us. What kind of message are we sending? Are we showing the World the beauty of Christ through our actions, or are we allowing the chaos of life to overshadow our witness? Let’s take a moment to consider the significance of being a model for others. Each of us carries a responsibility to reflect Christ’s character in our actions. Paul emphasizes that through our integrity, dignity, and sound speech, we can silence critics and exemplify a faith that is genuine and life changing. We are to encourage one another, uplift one another, and hold each other accountable as we strive to live lives that bring glory to God.
Titus 2:9-15
The call to…
3. All believers.
In these verses, Paul addresses slaves, emphasizing their need to be submissive and well-pleasing. While it may seem distant from our modern day, the principle remains- Our workplace demeanor, our interactions with authority, and our commitment to honor God in all things matter.
Paul brings this all together by celebrating the grace of God, which has appeared to all people, bringing salvation and transformation. This grace is not merely a 1 time moment; it continuously trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. It empowers us to live self-controlled and upright lives today. This is 1 of the main focuses of our faith- Recognizing that grace is a powerful force that leads us to live differently. It fuels our desire to pursue holiness and to reach out to a world in desperate need of hope and redemption.
Conclusion:
As we await the return of our Savior, we are reminded that our lives should reflect the anticipation of His glory. We live in the tension of the already and the not yet, aware of the beauty that is to come, while actively engaging in the work of His kingdom now. Paul's challenge is clear- Declare these things, exhort, and rebuke with authority. We must not shy away from proclaiming the truths of God in confidence, knowing that we are equipped by His Spirit to impact the World around us.
