Timeless Truths That Must Be Taught Series

Timeless Truths That Must Be Taught

Titus 2:1-15

False teachers are nothing new to Christianity. They have been around since the beginning ...and they are still a prevalent problem in the church. There is an ever growing list of people who use the "ministry" to deceive multitudes. They fill arenas and stadiums, they sell millions of books and they have worldwide television, radio and internet "ministries". Many of them have been exposed as frauds time and again but people continue to hang on their every word.

Anthony Thomas followed Benny Hinn and investigated some of his so called "miracles" for over a year. Upon completion of his documentary (Thomas said) "If I had seen miracles [from Hinn's ministry], I would have been happy to trumpet it...but in retrospect, I think they do more damage to Christianity than the most committed atheist." (Source:Finn, Robin. COVER STORY; Want Pathos, Pain and Courage? Get Real, New York Times, 2001-04-15)

With the damage that is done from false teachers you may ask "how do we respond". We must respond with the truth. We must combat the darkness with light. We must proclaim the TRUE Word of God. This was Paul's instruction to Titus as to how to deal with the Judaizers in Crete. He tells Titus in Chapter 2 verse 1 to "speak thou the things which become sound doctrine".

Then in verse 15 He says "These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority."To understand the context of this passage, I would like to take a moment and review what we have seen in this Epistle thus far. Remember, Titus is a letter of instruction as to what should be done in the Church. Titus was instrumental in the organization of the church in Crete and Paul left him there to "set things in order".

Paul trusted him to ordain elders in each city. Titus is also instructed to confront the false teachers who had infiltrated the church. The Church at Crete dealt with the influence of the Judaizers. It was their belief that Salvation could be earned though works, rituals and ceremonies.

Let's look to the Word and see how Paul described the situation in Crete. - Titus 1:10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons." 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

After revealing the situation, Paul begins to describe the process for combating the efforts of the false teachers. He makes it clear that it was vital that the TRUTH was to be proclaimed. The answer for false teaching today is the same... we must preach the truth!

- Let's look to the Word for just a little while and examine "Truths That Must Be Taught" . First of all we will see that:

I. We Must Teach The Truth Concerning Christian Living v4-6

There are certain expectations for each of us as followers of Christ. Several of these expectations are outlined in verses 4-6.

A. There Are Expectations For The Older Men v2

Paul identifies certain characteristics that should mark the lives of the Christian man who is advanced in age. He states that he should be "sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience"

The older Christian man should be reverent toward God and respectful toward others. Also, He should be a man who is spiritually mature

-Likewise:

C. There Are Expectations For The Older Women - v3

The mature Christian lady is expected to refrain from gossip and slander. She is to be sober and honorable. She is to the younger women "good things". "Good things" are those things that please God. The mature Christian lady is an example of holiness in the church, at home and in the community.

- Verses 4 and 5 show us that:

D. There Are Expectations For The Younger Women v4-5

God expects the Christian woman to love her husband, love her children, she is also expected to live wisely, to be pure, to work in her home, and to submit to her husband. When the Christian woman abides by these principles, she will not bring shame on God's Word.