Reflections of Faith

Introduction: The book of Titus is a ‘manual of sorts’ when it comes to Godly living and the expectations placed on those who have decided to please God.

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2:1, ‘But as for you Titus, (speak, teach-NIV; promote-LNT) the kind of living that reflects (is in accord, things that are fitting, promote) sound/wholesome doctrine/teaching’.

2:7 – ‘Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.’

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Verses 5-11, refer to the qualifications of those who have been chosen and set apart for leadership roles.

‘An elder must be blameless,^a the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. ⁷ Since an overseer^1a is entrusted with God’s work,^b he must be blameless–not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.^{c 8} Rather he must be hospitable,^a one who loves what is good,^b who is self-controlled,^c upright, holy and disciplined. ⁹ He must hold firmly^a to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine^b and refute those who oppose It’. (NIV)

As opposed to:

‘For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers^a and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.^{b 11} They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households^a by teaching things they ought not to teach–and that for the sake of dishonest gain. ¹² Even one of their own prophets^a has said, “Cretans^b are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” ¹³ This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke^a them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith^{b 14} and will pay no attention to Jewish myths^a or to the commands^b of those who reject the truth’.^c (NIV)

Transition: Here comes the transition.

2:1, ‘But as for you Titus, (speak, teach-NIV; promote-LNT) the kind of living that reflects (is in accord, things that are fitting, promote) sound/wholesome doctrine/teaching’.

2:7 – ‘Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.’

Integrity – incorruptibility, soundness

Seriousness – the characteristic of a thing or person which entitles to reverence and respect, dignity, and majesty.

Ephesians 5:3,4 – ^{NLT  ‘}Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people (let it not even be mentioned) ⁴ Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes — these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God’. (Eph 5:3 NLT)

‘But fornication, and all uncleanness (moral sense), or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; ⁴ Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks’. (KJV)

Application: Often, we forget that we don’t only live to please God but to set an example as we rightly should.

Older men – to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

Older women – live in a way that honors God. Not slander others or be heavy drinkers. They should teach others what is good. Train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands.

Young men – live wisely.

Slaves – Those under authority – Obey their masters. Do your best to please them. Don’t talk back or steal, but must show themselves totally trustworthy and good.

Verse 19, ‘You have the authority to (Correct and Rebuke) correct them when necessary, so don’t let aTitus 2:15= That is: Act so that no person shall have any cause to despise thee, either for thy work, or the manner and spirit in which you perform it.

1 Timothy 5:3, ‘Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit¹, in faith, in purity’. (NKJ)

3 John 1:11 ‘Dear friend, don’t let this bad example influence you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they are God’s children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God’.¹ (NLT)

Conclusion: The significant reason for our example is found in 2:8.

Titus 2:8 ‘Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us’. (Tit 2:8 NLT)

Titus calls for some serious reflection on our part when it comes to who we really are, what we really do, and the kind of example we are setting.