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.
————————————————————
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.’
————————————————————-
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 overseer1a 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 firmlya to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrineb and refute those who oppose It’. (NIV)
As opposed to:
‘For there are many rebellious people, mere talkersa and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group.b 11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole householdsa by teaching things they ought not to teach–and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 Even one of their own prophetsa has said, “Cretansb are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore, rebukea them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faithb 14 and will pay no attention to Jewish mythsa or to the commandsb 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.

Keeping it Lit
Introduction: On last week on what we’ve been discussing about preaching the gospel because the last days are getting nearer and then judgment. Transition: Matthew 25 is a continuation of chapter 24 as Jesus continues to teach about being aware and prepared. I ended last week on Matthew 24:14 The rest of chapter 24 looks…

Good News In Bad Times
Matthew 24 Introduction: Last week I did not have an opportunity to fully unpack my notes about the preaching of God’s Word and why so critical. I did explain that the context was judgment; God judging all people, the living and the dead (2 Timothy 4:1-5). Let me add or include something I didn’t get…

Ready, Willing & Able
2 Timothy 4:1-5 Introduction: Paul calls and reminds the younger Timothy that to be a part of God’s kingdom community is He will need to be Ready, Willing, and Able. Transition: I’m going to start with the reason or conclusion of this portion of writing. Paul tells Timothy that a time is coming, 2 Timothy…

Father Knows Best
Job 38 Introduction: I want to assume that in most Christians Life, at one time or another, we have wondered and even somewhat questioned God about matters that we face or things we don’t understand. it’s dimensions, supports its foundation, laid the cornerstone, morning stars sang together & angels shouted for joy. From the…

Righteousness & Holiness
Introduction: My last week in 4 of ‘things worth fighting for.’ Cross, Others, Local church and today righteousness and holiness. Righteousness and Holiness Righteousness is one of the chief attributes of God as portrayed in the Hebrew Bible. Its chief meaning concerns ethical conduct (for example, Leviticus 19:36; Deuteronomy 25:1; Psalm 1:6; Proverbs 8:20). In…

The Local Church
Introduction: And a brief prayer, an old Anglican prayer: ‘Father, what we know not, teach us. What we have not, give us. What we are not, make us. For your Son’s sake. Amen’. Time to fight for the Local Church! The following was mainly taken from https://www.challies.com/articles/why-the-local-church-really-matters/ Introduction: As we prepare to worship God tomorrow,…

In Support
In Support of One Another Introduction: Week 2 of things we should rally around. To ‘rally around’ is an idiom: to join together to support (something or someone) in a difficult time or situation! And a brief prayer, an old Anglican prayer: ‘Father, what we know not, teach us. What we have not, give…

Rally Cry!
Introduction: And a brief prayer, an old Anglican prayer: ‘Father, what we know not, teach us. What we have not, give us. What we are not, make us. For your Son’s sake. Amen’. I want to speak to you about the things we should be fighting for! Application: Maybe it would be a good idea…

Worry Wart
Matthew 6:19-34 Introduction: Have you ever heard the term/expression worry wart? Have you ever wondered where that came from? In the late 1920’s a character called ‘worry wary’ appeared in a cartoon strip in Dell comics and was drawn by J.R. Williams. ‘Worry Wart’ became a generic nickname or insult for any character who caused…