Lesson 13
The Foundation of Our Faith-The Books of I & II Timothy, Titus, and Philemon
God's People and Good Works
August 24, 2003

Focus Thought
The good works of God's people cause men to see God and follow Him.

Scripture Reference
Deuteronomy 6:7
Proverbs 22:6
Romans 2:4; 8:9
Ephesians 2:8-10
I Peter 3:21

Expositional Passage
Titus 2:1-10
1 But 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.

Focus Verse
Titus 2:7
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing
uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.

LESSON OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION
I. MATURE MEN
 A. Characteristics
 B. Soundness
II. SENIOR SISTERS
 A. Behavior
 B. Teachers
III. LESSONS FOR YOUNG WOMEN
IV. LESSONS FOR YOUNG MEN
V. MESSAGE FOR SERVANTS
CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION
      Whenever one considers the subject of Christians performing good
works, he invariably contemplates the relationship of salvation and works.
Perhaps the Book of Ephesians contains the clearest scriptural teaching
concerning this doctrine. (See Ephesians 2:1-10.) Paul wrote to the Ephesian
Christians that they were saved by grace through faith and not by works.
Moreover, he made it perfectly clear that a person can never be saved on the
basis of his own merit or good works. Still, it also is unmistakable that
works have a definite place in the life of a Christian.
      "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are
his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath
before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8-10).
      We are saved by grace through faith, but we are saved to do good
works. Regarding this verse of Scripture we should note the following
points.
      1. Repentance is not a work. Through conviction of sin God initiates
repentance in the heart of a believer or unbeliever. Repentance is that
person's natural response to true faith in Christ, and it is necessary for
salvation. But repentance is not the product of human works.
      "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance?" (Romans 2:4).
      2. Baptism in Jesus' name is not a work. Clearly, since the Scriptures
teach that man cannot be saved by works, and since water baptism is
essential to one's salvation, then water baptism could not possibly be
considered a human work. It is the continued faith-response of a person to
God as he humbles himself in repentance and obeys the command of Scripture
to be baptized in water in Jesus' name (Acts 2:38).
      "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16).
      "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the
putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 3:21).
      3. Receiving the Holy Ghost as evidenced by speaking in other tongues
is not a human work. It is the Holy Spirit of God coming into a person's
heart and it is necessary for salvation. "And they were all filled with the
Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them
utterance" (Acts 2:4).
      "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the
Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he
is none of his" (Romans 8:9).
      We are not saved by works, but we are saved to perform good works and
thereby glorify our heavenly Father. We are to allow the working of the Holy
Spirit in our lives and we are to do good works. Moreover, we will be judged
by the deeds done in our body. (See Revelation 20:12.)
      Some people are confused concerning the idea of legalism because they
lack an understanding of the relationship between faith and works. The
keeping of New Testament commandments is not legalism but a person's
faith-response to God and evidence that he loves the Lord. Jesus Himself
said that our love for Him is conditional upon our willingness to obey His
commandments (John 14:15).
      "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).
      Legalism involves adding to the Word of God and the commandments of
God. Liberalism is taking away from the Word of God and the commands of God.
It is vital that we study the Word of God and endeavor to follow its
precepts, which are sound doctrine. "But speak thou the things which become
sound doctrine" (Titus 2:1).
      Titus 2:1-10 is sound doctrine. In those verses written to Titus, the
apostle Paul carefully listed a number of good works that Christians should
perform in order to bring glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. These
principles are sound doctrine and are important to every Christian. (See I
Timothy 4:16.)

I. MATURE MEN
      "That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in
charity, in patience" (Titus 2:2).

A. Characteristics
      The apostle mentioned a few things that should characterize the aged,
or mature Christian men.
      1. Sober. Elderly men are to be sober. In other words, they should be
temperate and moderate. The word "sober" translates from the Greek word
nephaleos, which Strong's Concordance defines as "sober, i.e. (figuratively)
circumspect." Thayer's Greek Lexicon defines the word as "sober, temperate;
abstaining from wine, either entirely I Timothy 3:2, 11." It is the opposite
of over-indulgence in anything that we do. The word is very similar to the
third characteristic that Paul mentioned. (See "temperate" below.)
      "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all
men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world" (Titus 2:11-12 ).
      2. Grave. Mature men are to be grave, that is, serious and honorable.
The word "grave" translates from the Greek word semnos, which means
"venerable, i.e. honorable: KJV-grave, honest" (Strong's Concordance).
Thayer's Greek Lexicon defines the word as "august, venerable, reverend; to
be venerated for character, honorable: of persons (A.V., grave), I Timothy
3:8, 11." It has to do with a man's seriousness of purpose and life that
brings about a reputation of respect and honor. When a man begins to mature,
he needs to grow up. The things that attract and distract the young should
no longer distract mature Christian men.
      3. Temperate. The word "temperate" translates from the Greek word
sophron, which Strong's Concordance defines as "safe (sound) in mind, i.e.
self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion): KJV-discreet, sober,
temperate." In other words, to be temperate is to be self-controlled,
prudent, sensible, sound, and disciplined. A temperate man exercises
complete self-control over all sensual desires.
      Elderly men are to have minds that are sound, sensible, and
chaste-with complete control over all sensual desires. Neither age nor
retirement gives the elderly a right to live a life of license or excess.
The elderly person who really knows the Lord should not just waste the
remainder of his life. He is needed more than ever before-to pray, give wise
counsel, and be a fatherly figure to the young.

B. Soundness
      Sound in the faith means to be spiritually healthy with faith that is
founded in the Word of God, balanced, and effective for life on a daily
basis. Sound faith works in the secular world as well as the church world.
We do not put Jesus on and off like a garment on Sunday morning. Faith keeps
us every day all week long and through every circumstance of life.
      Sound in charity means to be healthy in love. God is love and love is
a primary characteristic of Christianity. "And Jesus answered him, The first
of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy
soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first
commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these"
(Mark 12:29-31).
      To be sound in patience is to endure hardship without complaint. We
should be patient with children, with new converts, with our spouse, with
the young, and with the work of God in general. A healthy patience will
enable an elderly Christian to increase in Christian stature and be fruitful
in his old age.

II. SENIOR SISTERS
      "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh
holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good
things" (Titus 2:3).

A. Behavior
      In living for God there are positive attributes or behaviors that one
should emulate and there are negative attributes or behaviors to avoid. The
senior Christian woman is to remain a godly example in every way. There are
younger women who are looking to her as a pattern. The golden years of one's
life is no time to let down on the doctrines and standards of the church.
Who better to exemplify holiness both for the younger generation and the new
converts than the older, faithful prayer warrior? Elderly women are to be
reverent, devout, and set apart in purity of behavior and thought. Matthew
Henry wrote that elderly women are to keep "a pious [holy] decency and
decorum in clothing and gesture, in looks and speech, and in all their
deportment [behavior]" (Matthew Henry's Commentary, p. 862).
      Just as there are positives to grasp and emulate, there also are
negatives to avoid. Older ladies should not be false accusers, slanderers,
talebearers, or gossipers. Our senior ladies need to be a positive influence
on younger Christians in the church. Satan is the accuser of the brethren;
we should not imitate his behavior or align ourselves with him in any way.
      "And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and
strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the
accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day
and night" (Revelation 12:10).
"The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the
innermost parts of the belly" (Proverbs 26:22).
      The apostle Paul also instructed older women not to give themselves to
much wine. The issues of drinking and alcoholism may not seem to be a major
problem in the church today, but they are a great concern in the North
American culture in general. There are tens of thousands of deaths from
alcohol-related traffic accidents annually and it is a major social issue in
our nations. So great is the concern that groups have formed to combat the
problem such as MADD, Mothers Against Drunken Driving.
      We are continually receiving new converts into the church who have
been addicted to alcohol and illicit drugs. Consequently, we must be
sensitive to their struggles and we must continue to teach and preach
deliverance from illicit drugs and alcohol. Abstinence from these is the
only real solution. Further, people coming into the church may be dealing
with other addictions such as addictions to prescription medications. We
must be ready to help them seek and find deliverance and freedom so that
they may have a sound mind that is free from fear and a body that is free
from the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol.
      "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of
love, and of a sound mind" (II Timothy 1:7).

B. Teachers
      Elderly ladies in our churches are to be "teachers of good things."
There are so many good things that our younger mothers and wives could learn
from the senior women. They need help in disciplining and training their
children. The elderly can teach the younger how to pray, read the Word of
God, and teach it to their children in a loving and practical way.
      "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will
not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).
      "And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt
talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the
way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deuteronomy 6:7).
      Old age is not retirement age in the church. Elder Christian ladies
should receive encouragement and opportunity to teach the younger women in
the ways of God. They have experience and patience from a full life and they
can contribute significantly to the instruction and guidance of those who
are younger. We need to encourage them in this edifying ministry.

III. LESSONS FOR YOUNG WOMEN
      "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their
husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not
 blasphemed" (Titus 2:4-5).
      The apostle Paul also gave several instructions for the young women.
      1. To Be Sober. As was the case with his instructions to the older
men, Paul exhorted the young women to be sober, that is, temperate and
moderate.
      2. To Love Their Husbands. The Greek word that Paul used here for
"love their husbands" is philandros (related to the word phileo), which
means, "fond of man, i.e. affectionate as a wife" (Strong's Concordance). It
conveys the idea of affection, care, tenderness, warmth, and feelings. The
young wife is to nurture affection for her husband. In North American
culture today it is important to point out that Paul's instructions for the
young woman to love her husband included caring for his normal, natural
needs sexually. If both husband and wife will diligently care for all the
needs of each other-emotionally, physically, sexually, romantically,
mentally, and spiritually-neither will be as likely to stray from the
commitment of monogamous marriage.
      "The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the
husband also gives authority over his body to his wife. So do not deprive
each other of sexual relations. The only exception to this rule would be the
agreement of both husband and wife to refrain from sexual intimacy for a
limited time, so they can give themselves more completely to prayer.
Afterward they should come together again so that Satan won't be able to
tempt them because of their lack of self-control" (I Corinthians 7:4-5,
NLT).
      3. To Love Their Children. True love for a child causes parents to
desire to raise their children to become strong, healthy, contributing
members of society. Christians should believe and practice proper biblical
discipline with their children so that they will grow up with the correct
respect for others and for authority. A mother has an extremely important
role in the area of parenting. Often, she is the one who is with them the
most to help nurture and guide them. Also, it is her nature to provide the
emotional nurturing that is vital to children. There is no greater call or
task on earth than that of being a godly, Christian mother who cares
diligently for her children.
      Corporal, physical discipline is not popular in today's culture, but
it is biblical and correct. Godly parents must not allow a secular culture
rob them of their true, parental duties when it comes to proper discipline.
(See Proverbs 13:24; 19:18; 23:13-14; 29:15, 17.)
      "Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with
the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt
deliver his soul from hell" (Proverbs 23:13-14).
      While administering corporal discipline, however, a parent never is
justified in becoming abusive. In Proverbs 23:13-14, the Hebrew word nakah
is used for "beat." The word means, "to strike (lightly or severely,
literally or figuratively)" (Strong's Concordance). Clearly, when
administering corporal punishment upon a child the correct application is
"to strike lightly." No amount of frustration or anger justifies abuse or
mistreatment of children. We are to love and nurture our children in the
love of God. Love will not allow one to become physically abusive, even when
applying physical discipline.
      Another trend of this modern generation is to place career and money
above childbearing and motherhood. In North America, most of us could do
with fewer material things and much more marital intimacy and family
harmony. A large home and a new car cannot replace the peace of a harmonious
Christian home and the joy of watching our children grow up in the Lord.
      4. To Be Discreet. To be discreet means to be self-controlled,
sensible, careful, wise, and modest. Simply stated, young women are not to
live a life of license within the home or out in public. They are to curb
their desires and emotions and live discreetly. God did not design life to
be lived at the lewd level portrayed by Hollywood. Young women and men alike
need to stay clear of that evil influence.
      5. To Be Chaste. Young women are to be chaste, or pure both morally
and sexually. They are to be pure both in their thoughts and in their
actions. Through their outward modesty they should reflect an inner state of
holiness. (See I Peter 3:3-5.)
Following the New Testament guidelines for modesty does not demonstrate
legalism, but love for God. Extravagant clothing, hairdos, or jewelry are
not to be the elements of attractiveness in a faithful Christian young
woman. Rather, holiness, modesty, and chastity are to be the key elements of
her beauty and adornment.
      6. To Be Keepers at Home. Often both husbands and wives work when they
are in their childbearing years. Sadly, in our current financial state it
often is a necessity. But never is it God's ideal plan for young parents.
Lack of adequate and proper parental oversight causes difficulties in the
children. Moreover, the accumulation of responsibilities by both husband and
wife at the jobs and at the home increasingly raise the level of stress and
tension. Finally, one or both may reach a boiling point where something
either has to give or it will break. It becomes a definite problem that they
must address for the sake of their home.
      If at all possible we should allow the wife to be a "keeper at home."
Contrary to the ideology of our postmodern culture, being a housewife and
stay-at-home mom is one of the highest callings in life. It is in no way
inferior to occupations and involvements outside the home. It is a biblical
prescription for a calm and healthy home atmosphere where every family
member can find solace and refuge from our sometimes crazy world. Our
children need such an atmosphere at home-with home-cooked meals and genuine
family time together.
      "This does not mean that the wife is never to go out of the home,
never to take part in any outside interests; but she is not to neglect the
duties of the home in order to participate in things outside the home. . . .
A Christian home is a place of contentment-a place of peace; and when
domestic duties are neglected, the home suffers severely. Regardless of how
much a mother may do outside the home, whatever self-denial and zeal she may
contribute to outside interests, and regardless of how much good she may
accomplish outside the home, if she neglects her home she has brought
reproach upon Christianity. The duty of a Christian mother is first to her
home, and these other interests must be secondary" (The Epistles of Paul the
Apostle to Timothy and Titus, Oliver Green).
      If the accumulation of things is what is causing both parents to have
to work, they should rid themselves of their overindulgence in favor of
building a better family life at home. It is ideal for wives to be able to
stay at home and raise their children through their school years. It will
pay off in great dividends later.
      7. To Be Good. To be good is to be kind, useful, sound, of the highest
quality and character, virtuous, good natured, and caring. There are no
greater qualities of grace and beauty for young ladies than that they are
kind, loving, cheerful, and smiling.
      8. To Be Obedient to Their Own Husbands. One of the perils of this
world is the uncertainty of the sexes with regard to their proper, God-given
roles. Our postmodern culture has confused the biblical roles of men and
women and has denigrated those who attempt to hold to the biblical patterns.
There are men who refuse to be the spiritual leaders of their homes and
women who refuse to follow them. It is vital in the church that men
willingly accept their God-given responsibility of spiritual leadership in
the home and that wives willingly and lovingly follow them in the process.
This divine order brings glory to God and to the church.
      9. That the Word of God Not Be Blasphemed. The young woman who
professes Christ but ignores His Word brings reproach upon God's Word. The
words "be blasphemed" in verse 5 translate from the Greek word blasphemeo,
which means, "to vilify; specially, to speak impiously" (Strong's
Concordance).
      There are two ways to speak impiously, or blaspheme something. First,
one may blaspheme something by the words that he speaks about it. He may
denigrate, vilify, and berate the thing and thereby he blasphemes it. But
there also is a more subtle way to blaspheme something-by one's actions
toward the thing. To claim to be a Christian but to consistently ignore the
Word of God regarding the qualities and responsibilities of a Christian can
become blasphemous. It subtly says that the person does not truly value the
Word of God or honor it. His actions speak louder than his words!

IV. LESSONS FOR YOUNG MEN
      Much of what Paul wrote to the elder men and women and to the younger
women he also wrote to the young men. Paul mentioned four specific things
that the young men should observe. First of all, he indicated that they
should 1. be sober and 2. a pattern of good works. In other words, they
should exercise moderation, not excess, and they should be a pattern or
model that others could safely and confidently follow. We should all ask
ourselves, "What kind of Christian would others be if they were just like
me?"
      Young men need to be teachers and examples of ministry to the church.
They are in the time of their greatest strength and stamina. We cannot
afford to waste this precious resource. Church leadership should be certain
to include them in the ministries and works of the church while they are
young. After all, the young are the future of the church.
      The third thing Paul mentioned that should characterize the young men
was that  their doctrine should not be corrupt. They must not dilute the
truth with modern traditions and practices. They should show gravity and
sincerity. They should be young men of prayer and devotion to God.
      Finally, Paul stated that ? their speech should be sound. In other
words, it should not contain profanity, filthy jokes, or off-color stories.
They are better off to walk away from those telling dirty jokes and crude
stories than to include themselves in such groups. People will respect them
for taking a stand for clean and pure speech in this generation.

V. MESSAGE FOR SERVANTS
      In Titus 2:9-10 the apostle Paul spoke to the slaves of his day. These
words would be appropriate and applicable to the employees of our day.
      Workers owe their employers an honest day's work for a day's pay.
Moreover, they owe their employers respect and honest labor. A back-talking
employee is not a godly employee. Our behaviors and attitudes do make a
difference in this world. Our behavior either will make it easier for
someone to follow the Lord or harder. The choice is ours to make. We should
give a good example for others to follow without fear or shame.

CONCLUSION
      The Word of God has incredible value and relevance for all people
today. Some may think that it is old fashioned or out-dated, but it is still
practical and relevant for us.
      Paul's writings in Titus 2:1-10 teach every age group and every social
class-regardless of whether a person lived in Paul's day or in ours. No
matter what age or status, we all have a ministry to this lost, dying world.
How we live makes a great difference and contributes to or detracts from our
testimony of words.
      "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be
cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the
world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:13-14).
      We need to take heed to the words of Jesus and to the admonitions and
instructions of the apostle Paul. We should apply God's Word to our lives so
that we may make a positive impact upon the lost of our day. Our adornment
is not outward through the clothes we wear or other accessories; it is
through our commitment to the faith and the doctrines of God's Word. As we
live according to these timeless principles we will make a great difference
in the world in which we live.

REFLECTIONS
. Is it important for a Christian to abstain from all alcoholic beverages?
Why?
. Discuss ways that elderly members of our assemblies can contribute greatly
to the work of the church.
. In what ways can our churches better empower our youth for ministry?
Discuss.
. Discuss the importance of maintaining pure doctrine today.


To get out of a hard situation,
try a soft answer.
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath:
but grievous words stir up anger.
YBIC, Thomas And YSIC, Linda.
twilliamson2@...
pofm@...