Titus 2:7-10 Be an example

Church of Christ Dapto The Letter to Titus Lesson 4—Be an example Titus 2:7-10 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.          Set an example by your actions Titus 2:7a In everything set them an example by doing what is good. The older men, the older women, the younger women and the younger men were set the standard of a normal and acceptable Christian life in verses 1 to 6. Although Titus was to teach these things and command their obedience, he was not exempted from living up to the same standards. What he taught, he had to live first, as Paul did. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. Paul gave the example of hard work to those who were idle in the Church. Philippians 3:17-19 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. Paul lived as an example to the members so that they would not follow the example of those in the church who are enemies of Christ! They show their enmity to Christ by worshipping their own stomachs, having food as their god. They bring shame onto themselves and the Church because they seek satisfaction in the things of the world, not the things of the Spirit. Titus was to set the example by always doing what was good. Everything he did and said and thought was to measure up to God’s standard of goodness. He was to live this way, not for his own benefit, but for the benefit and blessing of the people of Crete. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. You are given the same standard to live by. Everything you do must be good as an example to the world and the Church! You must not tire of doing good, so that you fall back into doing things which only benefit you, or satisfy the world’s standards. How do you know what is good? You must remember that if you are not an example of sound doctrine, you are an example of false teaching! 1 Timothy 4:12b set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Set an example by your teaching Titus 2:7b-8 In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Titus’ teaching must also be good as he proclaims the message given to him by the Holy Spirit. He must teach with Integrity incorruptible in standards and message not to be influenced by entreaties or bribes1 Seriousness gravity and honesty not making jokes to make the Gospel a joke. Soundness of message genuine sincerity in your preaching and commitment to the sound doctrine, uncorrupted by the message of the false teachers. These qualities cannot, in truth, be condemned by those who oppose, or be used as ammunition for accusation by false teachers. The false teachers and opponents of the Church will still oppose, but they should have to do so based on the stories they make up, rather than the behaviour of the members of the Church. Nothing he teaches must cause the members to behave in unseemly and disorderly ways. He does good to bring shame in those who do not do good. He is to make those who oppose sound doctrine in their words and lives, ashamed of themselves, and, hopefully, prepared to repent of their sins. Mixing nothing with the truth; taking nothing from it; adding nothing to it;2 His teaching is for the benefit of others and the glory of God and Christ’s Church. Doctrine ... should be delivered out pure and (without corruption), free from error and heresy, and every mixture and invention of man’s; and with all gravity of speech and countenance, without levity in expression, and airiness of gesture; and that it be the sincere milk of the word that is given forth, and that with all integrity and uprightness of soul: or else this refers to the life and conversation of the teacher, as answering to his doctrine, and going along with it; and the sense is, in, or with doctrine, along with the doctrine preached, let the conversation be pure and (without corruption), free from the pollutions of the world, and from any governing vice; and let it be attended with gravity in word, gesture, look, and dress; and with all sincerity, faithfulness, and simplicity, in all our dealings, either with the saints, or with the men of the world.3 What qualities do you teach? How does your teaching measure up to the standards listed by Paul? You are teaching the Gospel by your life. Are you a teacher of the Truth? Set an example in the world outside the Church Titus 2:9-10 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive. We do not have slaves in the classic sense, but this verse still has application if we consider that the word can mean servants, or even employees. We are to teach those who are subject to the instructions of a supervisor in their work to live by the teachings of sound doctrine. As employees we are to be an example. Be subject to your employer Try to please your employer Do not talk back to your employer Do not steal from your employer Show your employer that you are completely trustworthy. Demonstrate to your employer, by being different to his normal employees, that the Gospel of Christ has power and has changed your life. Your employer may seek the Truth that has saved you. Your submission to your employer is for his or her, benefit, not your own, whether they are a Christian or not. 1 Timothy 6:1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 1 Peter 2:12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:13-15 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right for it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.          What are you to learn? Be a good advertisement. You are to be an example to the members of the Church and the people outside it of what a Christian is and how a Christian lives. What is the effect of your example? Is your example based on your obedience and commitment to sound doctrine and a desire to glorify God? Do your actions, thoughts and words reflect the Truth you have found in Christ Jesus? Or is your example based on your commitment to satisfy yourself in all things and expect God to pick up the pieces? Does your example make the Gospel of Christ attractive to those who see it? Does your example deny the power of the Holy Spirit to those around you and make the Church look worthless? Does your example provide ammunition for those who attack the Church, Christians, and Christ Jesus? How can you ensure that your example is of blessing and spiritual benefit to all those you know? In what areas must your current teaching and way of life be corrected so that you are a real teacher of Truth and a good example in all that you do? This lesson is not optional advice. This lesson, Paul writing through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, gives commands from God. How you live effects those around you for good or evil. All Christians, including you, irrespective of their situation, are commanded to be a positive advertisement for the Christian life in their work in the Church and their relationship to the people of the world. Are you?          Next Lesson: Learn how to live Titus 2:11-14 Focus Verse: Titus 2:12         