Note for 20250626 - Sons in Faith - Part 2 - Titus 2 - Dignified Living
Sons in Faith
Titus
Part 2 - Titus 2 - Dignified Living
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Titus 2:1-15 NASB2020
[1] But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. [2] Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. [3] Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, [4] so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, [5] to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. [6] Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; [7] in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, [8] sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. [9] Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not argumentative, [10] not stealing, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. [11] For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, [12] instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, [13] looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, [14] who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds. [15] These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. No one is to disregard you.
https://bible.com/bible/2692/tit.2.1-15.NASB2020
Note for 20250626
Titus 2 should be a training manual for mankind, don't you think? What Paul writes here to Titus is a sound instruction, that if practiced in our daily lives, would bring peace on Earth. He writes about the old men and women, and how would you attain it if you do not bring it in since you are young? Bend the tree while it is young, for when it is old and you bend the branch it might snap right off. Mark this chapter in your Bible, friends. Revisit it often.
There are good guidelines for all people here, young and old, bound and free, male and female, for the benefit of all mankind and pleasing to GOD. Consider how often a matter may have been resolved, if only not so much was said about it at the moment. Temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
But, there is more here than just how to live unto what is good. There is also something that many might not want to hear:
Titus 2:11-12 NASB2020
[11] For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, [12] instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age,
https://bible.com/bible/2692/tit.2.11-12.NASB2020
In the present age, that's when, not a time to come. How do you deal with those troubling thoughts and desires? "Deny u godliness," in our own self. Just deny it. Say, "No! " When you get upset, ready to make a noise and cause trouble, tell yourself, "No!" This takes self control, and through a temperate approach to life, even a serious matter can be dealt with in a peaceful manner, in a dignified way. Remember, the grace has come for salvation of all people.
Let me put it like this for understanding. If we look at discontentment, in fact even for just a minor disagreement; see it as a fire. First it is just a spark. Now, in this life, you have those that will pack it with wood, to let that fire burn. Some might even pour out oil over it so it might become a wildfire that will burn down a whole forest. You are called to be firemen. You see, compassion and forgiveness is like the foam that comes from a fire extinguisher, like water from the nozzle of that mighty water-pipe that extinguishes even large flames. Your mission is to save souls, even from the fuel that can burn from within. In Ephesians 6, we learn what fuels the flesh. It is like a lightning strike that falls from heaven. It comes from the unseen, and sparks from "who-knows-where?" Living dignified and godly lives is like being a fireman in the heavens. But, this task is not one that you can do in your own power, even though Solomon wrote that even a fool is considered wise if he remains silent.
Titus 2:13-14 NASB2020
[13] looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, [14] who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.
https://bible.com/bible/2692/tit.2.13-14.NASB2020
"... to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds." Wow! Who will purify? In our little example here, Christ is the Fire Chief. He is the one that instructs us so the world does not burn down, friends, by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we can attain it, if we can just deny what is evil in us, that which is godless.
Now, depending on your age, you might consider me an old man already. And while the heart still feels young, he who stares at me in the mirror has clothed his face in gray and wrinkles. Surely, by now, I may say a little. Can we at least agree that most arguments start when someone steps on "the rights or freedoms" of another? When one considers his rights more important than the rights of others? Is that not what fuels all of politics? Yes, even office politics, where even the lazy person gets a wage.
The Christian approach is to mind for the freedoms of others, even being willing to sacrifice your own comforts. It is standing up for "the little guy," you know, "the fatherless." Salvation is available to all in Christ, but how is your "marketing" for the Kingdom of GOD working out, when you come dressed as the world, speaking like the world and treading all over the "rights" people are told they have? Are all not enslaved by a beast-like system, till they are set free by Jesus Christ? Friends... What is compassion?
Leaders and elders are like the road signs that prevent accidents. Troubles are like the traffic officers, that keeps the people in the right lane to bring them safely home. When you are in the wrong lane, you face oncoming traffic. Life at peace with all mankind, as far as possible. In other words, do not look for trouble, just deal with the trouble you find along your way. I know this is way too over simplified, but it is a start to order not? You are the ambassadors of GOD'S Kingdom, aren't you. His Will be done in earth as it is in Heaven, right? Then GOD makes the rules. It is that simple. GOD rules over His creation, and even the criminals have a place to go. There is order in GOD'S design, and Paul is setting it up through Titus here for Crete. Who will set it up in your home?
Selah, Shalom
Verse of The Day
From the YouVersion Bible App
Matthew 5:6 KJV
[6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.5.6.KJV
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