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UT speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: 2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:1-15)
Sound Doctrine
That is the foremost entity that is missing in most preaching of our day. Unfortunately opinion, speculation, hearsay, lessons learned on the golf course, and downright fables predominate in the sermons (?) preached in some churches. Ministers seem to believe the scriptures need human embellishment to make them germane to current society. Of course, that is worse than wrong. The Bible means exactly to us today what it meant to those to whom its words were first shared millenia ago. There are ministers who spend endless hours in sermon preparation trying to include a fanciful story or illustration for the sermon, and in outlining their sermon to produce the greatest effect. To me, that is simply an exercise in futility. If God has gone to the effort to tell us something in His Word, I believe that Word will be sufficient for the preacher as well as the congregation in its exposition. I do not mean to say Godly illustrations are not useful.
This chapter of Titus is a perfect example of the outline form the Scriptures give of itself. Please note that the overall topic is ‘sound doctrine’ and the importance of preaching that doctrine. Included in the outline is the effect and fruit of sound doctrine. Paul delineates six different features related to the fruits of sound preaching of doctrine:
1. The effect on behavior aged men.
2. The effect on behavior aged women.
3. The effect on behavior of young women.
4. The effect on behavior of young men.
5. The effect on behavior of teachers and ministers.
6. The effect on behavior of Christian laity.
The above divisions seem to me to be an outline that this Scripture text gives of itself that cannot be improved upon by mortal man. One salient point that stands out in common to all six subdivisions in the emphasis on BEHAVIOR. Our behavior has not led us to salvation since salvation comes by unmerited grace; but Godly Behavior will follow in the path of salvation as evidence of the new man in Christ brought to life by that salvation.
Behavior of Aged Men
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” When the older men have been rightly fed with the Bread of Heaven in the preaching of the unstained Word of God, that fact will be born out in exemplary behavior. Knowing the time of sleep draws near, the aged men will be sober; serious; temperate in food, drink, and leisure; strong in faith and wisdom of the word; generous with their resources; and patient with those of lesser age whose eagerness has yet to have been tempered by time and experience.
Behavior of Aged Women
“3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Some greater detail is given for the behavior of aged women than aged men. I believe it is because aged men stand more as a greater example of character while aged women, like Martha of Bethany, never finish their service and labors until the evening sun sinks below the horizon. The motherly instinct survives the aches and pains of age. Womanhood is the most honorable of the two sexes, and mankind has come to attach a higher expectation of holiness, forebearance in daily intercourse with others, certainly sobriety, and finally full of wisdom gained over a life of sacrifice and love. Being so, they are peculiarly able to teach the young women like values of how to love – especially their husbands and children. The older women are strong role models for the younger. They must tender advice to the younger women who will not fail to seek their counsel on household management, nurture of children, and fidelity to family that honors God.
Behavior of Young Women
That will be behavior that reflects the example provided by the older women. It will reflect a purity of thought and action in their families, an undying love, and a high regard for the needs of others. They will be the builders of a happy home well-provided with warmth, cleanliness, sound diet, and a welcoming smile.
Behavior of Young Men
One of the best expositions on this quality of young men may be found in the writings of Bishop J. C. Ryle who said: “Young men, I beseech you earnestly, beware of pride. Two things are said to be very rare sights in the world — one is a young man humble, and the other is an old man content.” In his book, Bishop Ryle summarized the various principles and counsel for young men from an array of biblical references. “6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” It is quite a challenge to show oneself in “all things” to be a doer of good works, using pure doctrine as a rule of life, serious (a great challenge for young men), honest and of pure speech. George Washington, I believe, embodied all these qualities as a young man.
Behavior of Servants
Ministers and teachers: “9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” It may occur to you that I may have mislabeled ministers under the category of servants. I did not! The minister must be servant to all including other servants. We are to follow the example of Christ to serve and not be served. If the servant of God pleases His Master in all things, he will have simply done his minimal duty. Purloining is theft. Unfortunately, men who preach for filthy lucre are guilty of this injunction.
Behavior of Christian Laity and All of The Church
“11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” We should conduct our lives as if we were going to stand before God this very night to give an account of our lives. The track champion does not glance aside at the cheering crowds in the race – his focus is fixed on the all-important ribbon of the finish line. So should the Christian be focused on the eternal truths and values that honor God. If such doctrines are strongly preached, the society will reflect that learning both in, and out, of the church.
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