Epistles

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

…in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility Titus 2:7

In the previous verse, Titus was directly instructed to “exhort the younger men to be sober-minded.” Now, instead of asking him to continue to exhort others, Paul directly exhorts Titus. With that understanding, he says to Titus, “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works.” The reason for his words is still for the benefit of the young men, but it is now one of example by Titus rather than exhortation from him.

Titus was to make himself the epitome (in all things) of character. Whatever he did was to be laid down as a pattern (an example worthy of emulation) that others could follow (good works). The word translated as “pattern” is tupos. It is where our modern word “type” is derived from. It signifies a model, which is used to mold other things. In making coins, there is a model which is then repeated in the coin making process. Titus was to be such a model by which he would forge others into the proper mold through emulation of him.

From here, Paul cites three words which are all connected to the idea of doctrine. One of the words is not found in many Greek manuscripts, and the order is not always translated the same, but each will be explained, regardless as to whether the third word is an insert error or not.

Paul says, “in doctrine showing integrity. The word signifies incorruptibility, and thus immortality. Titus’ doctrine was to be so pure and undefiled that it would exist at all times and without any change or corruption. It was to lack any capacity to break down. That is a tough call for anyone, but this is what is expected of the elder within the church. They are never to be blown by the winds of doctrinal confusion.

He then says that in doctrine, Titus should show “reverence.” Titus was to have a serious honor for the doctrine he espoused, exalting it because it is noble and good. The man of God is to hold doctrine from the word in high esteem, never diminishing it. Instead, he is to treat it as an august, worthy of respect, matter.

Finally, concerning doctrine, Titus should show “incorruptibility.” Albert Barnes says, “The word here used does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It means, here, the same as purity – that which is not erroneous, and which does not tend to corrupt or vitiate the morals of others, or to endanger their salvation. Everything in his teaching was to be such as to make men purer and better.”

Life application: For the man of God who is selected as an elder, there is a high calling. The stress in Paul’s word of this verse in Titus is on doctrine. The man of God is to not waffle on his doctrine, but is to be sound and set in it at all times. He is to hold proper doctrine in the highest regard, and to live his life so that others understand that this is his treasure and sacred trust.

Lord God, doctrine concerning your word is a matter that many take lightly, changing their thoughts quickly with each argument that arises. Unfortunately, this shows a lack of respect for the incorruptible nature of Your word. There is one truth in doctrine, and it isn’t up for sale to the highest bidder, nor does it belong to the most eloquent orator. Instead, it is for us to seek out, and then to hold fast to. Give us wisdom in this, and may we be fixed, firm, and resolute in our proclamation of what is right and correct concerning the truth of Your word. Help us in this, O God. Amen.

Monday, 11 June 2018

Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, Titus 2:6

Paul now moves from the admonishment of the older women concerning their duties, which included their instruction of the young women, to exhorting “the young men.” He gives them one direct exhortation, which is “to be sober-minded.”

The idea concerns one who exercises self-control. In this, they are to consider what God would do in regards to moderation. The young men are to keep away from extremes, and to regulate their lives in a moderate and self-disciplined way. The Greek word comes from two different words. The first is one which indicates “safe.” The second is the root of the English word for “diaphragm.” It is that which regulates life, and therefore, it is safe-regulation. Just as the body is safely controlled by our breathing, so the young man is to control his mind.

Life application: Paul will have more words directed to Titus concerning his life and conduct which are to be examples for the young men to look to. But unless they are first sober-minded, they will not even be willing to look at another person for an example of wholesome living. We must always evaluate ourselves, turning our minds to that which is good, honorable, and upright. After doing this, our eyes will be opened to examples of others we can properly emulate, thus keeping ourselves from following the wrong crowd.

Lord God, we are faced with thousands of examples of how people think we are to live each day. And the large majority of them are not wholesome or proper. And so, unless we first control ourselves through moderation and self-discipline, we won’t have a clue as to which examples are proper to emulate. Help us in this Lord. Grant us wisdom to apply Your word, and the morals contained in it, to our lives. After that, we will know to reject the bad and to pursue the good. Be with us in this, O God. Amen.

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.

9 June 2018

…that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, Titus 2:4

Paul continues to write concerning “the older women” of the previous verse, but it is a verse which then transfers instruction to the younger women. To the older women, he exhorts “that they admonish the young women.” Some translations add in the words “to be sober.” In other words, “teach the young women to be sober.” This is not the correct use of this unusual verb. The words “to be sober” should be left out.

Teaching the young women is obviously something that comes after first applying the precepts of verse 3 to their own lives. If they are living unholy lives, it would be best for them to get their lives straight first, and then to admonish the young women. It would be no good for a person who swears all the time to tell the next generation to not go around swearing. With that understanding, the older women who are acting in accord with what is right are to then pass their knowledge of proper living on to those who are younger than them.

They have the life experiences, they know what will bring happiness and contentment, and they exhibit the proper conduct for holy living. It is now time for them to instruct the next generation of young women. In this, Paul tells them to admonish these young women “to love their husbands.”

This is another unique word which signifies a “loving friend.” It is a concept that Paul speaks of elsewhere though. In Ephesians 5:22 & 23, for example. This is especially important, because in the Bible, the family unit is a crucial element of a properly functioning society. As the family unit unites properly, the lives of the people will be more likely to unite properly to their jobs, their society, and etc. A loving wife is then at the heart of making this happen. It is also the reason why those who hate God and His word set out to destroy this fundamental job of young women. The resulting chaos in the extended society becomes a cancer which quickly spreads.

The next admonition from Paul is that the older women are to train the young women to “love their children.” This doesn’t mean like a person loves a dog or a fun movie. It is a love of both nurturing them through tenderness and through discipline. A mother who will not properly discipline wrongdoing is not acting in a loving manner. Again, it is the dream of those who hate God to destroy this precept. Properly disciplining children is spoken against as a type of torture. The murdering of one’s own offspring through abortion is exalted as freedom from bondage, and both the family and the society suffers with each young woman’s turn to these despicable avenues of disobedience to the word of God.

Life application: For proper family life which is in accord with God’s intent, read your Bible and apply it’s precepts to your life. For a negative example of how to live your family life, watch what those on the left want legislated for our society. One is honoring of God; the other shows hatred towards Him and His word.

Heavenly Father, Your word admonishes us to have a loving family unit. Respect between husband and wife; care for, and disciplining of, our children; and a constant application of biblical precepts to our family life. It is these things which will result in a happy family which is productive, and which is beneficial to society. And more, it results in stable people with content lives. Why is it that this is being so ardently spoken against by those who hate You? It is the family which honors You that is the best model for our society. Help us to realize this, and to live our family lives in accord with Your will. Amen.

Friday, 8 June 2018

…the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things — Titus 2:3

Paul now turns from “the older men” of the previous verse, to “the older women.” They, likewise, are to “be reverent in behavior.” Paul uses two unique words here. The first indicates behavior or demeanor. It is a compound word which gives the sense of “settled according to a fixed, exact design” (HELPS Word Studies). The second word, indicates a sacred place, such as a temple. Thus the older women are to have behavior which is holy, sacred, and befitting of God.

He then says, “not slanderers.” The same words here, when used with an article, would indicate “the Slanderer,” meaning the Devil. Thus it would be accusers, or those who unjustly criticize and judge others. Such would be backbiters who demonstrate an evil nature as they talk in an ill manner of others.

Next, he says the older women are not to be “given to much wine.” The word he uses indicates “being enslaved by.” Thus, the older women are not to be prisoners to the bottle. They are to be temperature, drink moderately, and avoid drunkenness. They are to remain sober and alert.

Finally, the older women are to be “teachers of good things.” Instead of drinking and being irreverent slanderers, they are to rightly instruct their children, and also any other younger women, in the way to act properly. Their lives and attitudes are to be examples to follow, not examples to quickly avoid.

Life application: We all have choices to make each day. How will we conduct our lives? What words will we speak? What actions will we demonstrate to the world around us? Each thing we do will be seen by those around us, and they will make their determinations about our character – especially our relationship with the Lord – based on those things we do, say, and live out. Let us remember this, and be careful to conduct our lives with the constant remembrance that our commitment to the Lord is a part of the evaluation of our character.

Heavenly Father, the things we say, the things we do, and the lives we live… these are all being looked at by others, and they are being processed in our relation to You. Are we exalting You with our actions? Are we bringing glory to You with our words? Will people say, “I want to know more about Jesus,” because of how they view us? Help us to remember this at all times, and help us to be lights which shine out Your glory for others to see. Amen.