Sunday, 10 June 2018
…to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Titus 2:5
Paul continues his instructions to the older women about how they were to admonish the young women. The first admonishment is that they are “to be discreet.” The word signifies “self-controlled.” It is the inner look which regulates outward behavior. This leads to a balance which is godly.
Next, they are instructed to be “chaste.” It signifies holy, pure inside and out, and uncontaminated. This is a state which goes down even to the very heart and center of a person’s being.
After this, he says they are to be “homemakers.” It signifies a “keeper of” or “stayer at” home; and hence, someone who is domestically inclined.
After this Paul notes, “good.” This points to a good nature of the individual whether seen or unseen.
He then says, “obedient to their own husbands.” The idea here is one of submission. Paul explains the family order under Christ in 1 Corinthians 11. As Christ is the Head of man, so man is the head of the woman. The woman is to submit to the husband as is fitting in the Lord. Paul speaks about this in Ephesians 5:22-24 and Colossians 3:18 as well.
Paul then says these things are to be adhered to so “that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” Paul always brings things back to the word of God and its importance in the eyes of all people. The Gospel message is contained there, and in bringing discredit upon the word, the good news of Jesus Christ will suffer and be blasphemed. Through a proper application of these things mentioned by Paul, people will see the woman’s conduct and exalt the word of God. What is thought of in modern society as an ignoble profession, being a wife and a mother, is something ordained by God. It is something that when lived out according to Scripture brings glory to Him.
Life application: The life as a wife in obedience to how Scripture defines it is one of a high and noble calling. It is sad that this has been spoken so vehemently against in our modern world. God is pleased with the faithful, obedient, and submissive wife who tends to her home and cares for her family.
Lord God, thank You for faithful women who are willing to adhere to their role as wives in accord with Your word. You have ordained this special life for them to fill, and it is one in which is honorable and brings You glory when lived as Your word indicates. For those who are faithful to live as is stated there, may You heap an extra special blessing upon them today. Amen.