BIG IDEA:
THE CONDUCT OF EVERY SEGMENT OF THE CHURCH MUST REFLECT
AND ENHANCE (ADORN) THE MESSAGE OF SOUND DOCTRINE RATHER THAN DETRACT
(:1) INTRODUCTION
A. Responsibility of the Spiritual Leaders to Instruct in Appropriate Conduct
"But as for you, speak the things"
B. Key: Only Certain Conduct is Appropriate for Sound Doctrine
"the things which are fitting for sound doctrine"
I. (:2) CONDUCT OF OLDER MEN
A. "temperate"
B. "dignified"
C. "sensible"
D. "sound in faith" -- Faith
E. "in love" -- Love
F. "in perseverance" -- Hope
II. (:3-4A) CONDUCT OF OLDER WOMEN
A. "reverent in their behavior"
B. "not malicious gossips"
C. "nor enslaved to much wine"
D. "teaching what is good"
E. "that they may encourage the young women"
III. (:4-5) CONDUCT OF YOUNG WOMEN
A. "love their husbands"
B. "to love their children"
C. "to be sensible"
D. "pure"
E. "workers at home"
F. "kind"
G. "being subject to their own husbands"
H. Goal: "that the word of God may not be dishonored"
IV. (:6-8) CONDUCT OF YOUNG MEN
A. "sensible"
B. "in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds"
C. "with purity in doctrine"
D. "dignified"
E. "sound in speech which is above reproach"
F. Goal: "in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say
about us"
V. (:9-10) CONDUCT OF SLAVES
A. "Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything"
B. "to be well-pleasing, not argumentative"
C. "not pilfering, but showing all good faith"
D. Summary: "that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect"
* * * * * * * * * *
DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:
1) Some people try to minimize the importance of doctrine and preaching and teaching by their emphasis on practical living. How does this section show the intrinsic connnection between sound doctrine and practical living?
2) Why is it so important for Christian mothers to place such a high priority on the needs of their husband and children and attend to their household rather than orienting their life around their career goals?
3) Are we careful to try to be sensitive to the needs of different groups within the church and approach them in an appropriate fashion with topics and tones appropriate to each? Or do we treat everyone alike?
4) How can our good example be the best defense against the unjustified attacks of the enemy who seeks to bring into shame the name of Christ?
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