Paul's Letter to Titus Session 3 - Younger Saints, Slaves and God's Grace to Everyone

The Christ Church Wednesday Bible Study Group is studying Paul's pastoral Epistles (Letters) to his proteges, Timothy and Titus. 

Paul advised Titus how he should teach different groups of people. These groups were the old people, the young people and slaves.  Titus had to emphasize the true message about Jesus Christ. He had to tell the Christians how to behave in the right way. He had to warn them about false teachers.

In this session we will look at Paul's instructions about ministry to younger believers, and slaves.. Paul also talks about the reason that Titus should minister to everybody, the old, the young, men, women, married, unmarried, slave and free. The reason is that God's grace is available to everybody. God's grace redeems, reforms, and rewards.

Last week we spent most of our time talking about what Paul said to Titus about false teachers.  He described what they were like personally, what they do and why they do it.  He told Titus that he should silence them, because 

‭Titus‬ ‭1:16‬ ‭NIV‬ [16] They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.

He said, quoting a fellow Cretans

‭Titus‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭NIV‬ [12] One of Crete’s own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.” 

They are not just just “beasts,” but “evil beasts”; they were not just “gluttons,” but “lazy gluttons.” 

They upset the faith of the people by teaching Jewish legalism.   They were also teaching “Jewish fables” which probably described their fanciful interpretations of the genealogies in the Old Testament.  Paul says their consciences had been seared or corrupted, and they were doing it for money.

Titus‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭NIV‬ [11] They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain. 

So Titus was not to stand quietly by and let them take over! He was to “exhort and to convince” them by means of “sound doctrine” and silence them.

Then we started  to talk about Paul’s instructions on ministering to various groups in the churches and we started the older men and  women because one of the strongest forces for spiritual ministry in the local church lies with the older believers.  Especially those senior saints who know how to pray, teach the Word, visit, troubleshoot, and help build the church.

‭Titus‬ ‭2:2‭-‬4‬ ‭NIV‬ [2] Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. [3] Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. [4] Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 

So this week let’s talk about the young folk because achurch needs both the old and the young, and they should minister to one another. The grace of God enables us to bridge the generation gap in the church. One way to do this is for all members, young and old, to live up to the standards that God has set for our lives.

The Younger Saints

‭Titus‬ ‭2:4‭-‬8‬ ‭NIV [4] Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, [5] to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. [6] Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. [7] In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness [8] 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.

The godly older women have the responsibility of teaching the younger women how to be successful wives, mothers, and housekeepers, and the younger women have the responsibility of listening and obeying. The Christian home was a totally new thing, and young women saved out of paganism would have to get accustomed to a whole new set of priorities and privileges. Those who had unsaved husbands would need special encouragement.

The greatest priority in a home should be love. If a wife loved her husband and her children, she was well on the way to making the marriage and the home a success.

 In our Western society, a man and a woman fall in love and then get married, but in the East, marriages were less romantic. Often the two got married and then had to learn to love each other. 

To have a success marriage with a couple that really want to love each other in the will of God look at 

‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:21‭-‬33‬ ‭NIV‬ [21] Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. [22] Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. [23] For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. [24] Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. [25] Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her [26] to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, [27] and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. [28] In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. [29] After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church— [30] for we are members of his body. [31] “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” [32] This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. [33] However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

What about the single woman? 

‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭7:8‭-‬9‬ ‭NIV‬ [8] Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. [9] But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

[25] Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. [26] Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. [27] Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. [28] But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.

[32] I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. [33] But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— [34] and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. [35] I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.

Specifically what the order women should teach 

‭Titus‬ ‭2:3‭-‬5‬ ‭NIV‬ [3] Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. [4] Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, [5] to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

 “Self-controlled” is the idea contained in this word.

 “Chaste” means “pure of mind and heart.” A Christian wife is true to her husband in mind and heart as well as in action.

Caring for the home” is the idea. 

The wise husband allows his wife to manage the affairs of the household

1 Timothy‬ ‭5:14‬ ‭NIV‬ [14] So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 

The Greek word translated "manage means to “Guide the house” or literally means “rule the house.”  Like the woman described in Proverbs 31 the man should trust his wife to handle it.

‭Proverbs‬ ‭31:10‭-‬11‬ ‭NIV‬ [10]  A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. [11] Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

That kind of shoots a hole in the theory that the man is the ruler over everything even the family. 

How Christian wives and mothers manage their homes can be a testimony to those outside the church. 

That the Word of God be not blasphemed” is a good motive for cooperation at home. It is sad to see the way family problems, and even divorces, among Christians cause unsaved people to sneer at the Bible.

Titus, because he was a young man was to be an example to the young men.

‭Titus‬ ‭2:6‭-‬8‬ ‭NIV‬ [6] Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. [7] In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness [8] 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.

Not only should Titus encourage the young men but he should also be an example.

The word type or examples a translation of the Greek work tupos which originally meant an impression made by a die.” 

A die is a tool that gives a material a desired shape, form, or finish. Dies are used in the manufacturing industry to create custom objects in a variety of shapes.

Titus was to live so that his life would be like a “spiritual die” that would impress itself on others. This involved good works, sound doctrine, a seriousness of attitude, and sound speech that no one—not even the enemy—could condemn. 

Whatever the pastor or leader wants his church to be, he must first be himself.  You must be careful to practice what you preach; you must be the same man in and out of the pulpit. Hypocrisy in speech or conduct will ruin a man’s ministry. 

Remember what Jesus said about the Pharisees

‭Matthew‬ ‭23:1‭-‬3‬ ‭NIV‬ [1] Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: [2] “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. [3] So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 

This is hypocrisy.

Whether we like it or not, there are “contrary” people who are always looking for a fight. A pastor’s speech should be such that he stands without rebuke.

Then as he often did because of the culture of that day and the fact many coming to Christianity were slaves Paul tells Titus how to minister to the Christian slaves that were in the churches on Crete.

Let’s go back read what Paul told Timothy to tell the slaves in Ephesus 

‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6:1‭-‬2‬ ‭NIV‬ [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. [2] Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 

Some historians have estimated that half of the population of the Roman Empire was composed of slaves. Many of these people were educated and cultured, but legally they were not considered persons at all. The gospel message of salvation and freedom in Christ appealed to the slaves, and many of them became believers. When slaves were able to get away from their household duties, they would fellowship in local assemblies where being a slave was not a handicap.

‭Galatians‬ ‭3:26‭-‬29‬ ‭NIV‬ [26] So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, [27] for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

But there was a problem. Some slaves used their newfound freedom in Christ as an excuse to disobey, if not defy, their masters. They needed to learn that their spiritual freedom in Christ did not alter their social position, even though they were accepted graciously into the fellowship of the church.

Paul always linked doctrine and duty.  Since we don’t have slavery let’s equate these instructons to the employee/employer relationship, and even with volunteers.

 Paul warned these Christian slaves about three common sins they must avoid.

‭Titus‬ ‭2:9‭-‬10‬ ‭NIV‬ [9] Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, [10] 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.

First obey or follow orders or do what is asked or demanded.

Don’t do it grudgingly, go the extra mile.  

Don’t argue even though you know the job better than your boss. There’s a way to get your point across without an argument which probably won’t go over too good with your boss.  Don’t gripe about the boss.

Don’t  steal even it you consider it minor and they will never miss it.  

Millions of dollars are lost each year by employers whose workers steal from them, everything from paper clips and pencils to office machines and vehicles. “They owe it to me!” is no excuse. Neither is, “Well, I’ve earned it!”

Why should slaves or employees or volunteers not do these things? “so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”

When we serve faithfully, we “beautify the Bible” and make the Christian message attractive to unbelievers. to keep God’s teaching from being slandered.

God’s message of grace is personified in our Savior Jesus.  In all of Paul’s letters he emphasizes God’s grace His lavish favor on undeserving sinners.

‭Titus‬ ‭2:11‭-‬14‬ ‭NIV‬ [11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

(1) Grace redeems us (vv. 11, 14a). 

‭Titus‬ ‭2:11‬ ‭NIV‬ [11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 

People could not save themselves. God’s grace had to bring salvation to lost mankind. This salvation it appeared via the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. God in His grace sent His Son to redeem those in the bondage of sin. This salvation is for “all people” who receive it.

‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2:3‭-‬6‬ ‭NIV‬ [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 

We’ve been talking for the last three weeks about God’s affirmative action program that provides all mankind with an equal opportunity for reconciliation with him.

God provided a universal remedy for all who will believe.

Jesus Christ gave Himself as the ransom for our sins. By His death He met the just demands of God’s holy law, so that God in His grace could forgive and free those who believe on Christ.

We have been redeemed “from all iniquity,” which means that sin should no longer master our lives. (Remember that the context of this passage is Paul’s counsel to slaves. They knew the meaning of “redeem.”)

In our unsaved condition, we were rebels against God’s law, but now all of that has been changed. This led Paul to the second ministry of the grace of God, and that is that

(2) Grace reforms us 

‭Titus‬ ‭2:12‬ ‭NIV‬ [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 

Salvation is not only a change in position (set free from the slavery of sin), but it is also a change in attitude, appetite, ambition, and action. The same grace that redeems us also reforms our lives and makes us godly. “Teaching” has the idea of “disciplining.” We are disciplined by God’s grace, trained to be the kind of people that glorify Him.

Godly living involves both the negative and the positive. We deny “ungodliness [whatever is unlike God] and worldly lusts” 

‭1 John‬ ‭2:15‭-‬17‬ ‭NIV‬ [15] Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. [16] For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. [17] The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

That’s the negative things we say no to.  

Then, we work on the positive “live self-controlled, upright and godly lives”.  Godly living means our relationship with God and with other people, because we do live in this present age.  We may not like it be we are here but we do not live like it or for it. 

Christ has redeemed us from this evil age , and we must not be conformed to it.

‭Romans‬ ‭12:1‭-‬2‬ ‭NIV‬ [1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Grace reforms us because God purifies us and makes us His own special possession

‭Titus‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭NIV‬ [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

This process of purification is called “sanctification,” and its goal is to make the believer more like Jesus Christ. Sanctification is not only separation from sin, but it is also devotion to God.

‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‭-‬10‬ ‭NIV‬ [9] But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. [10] Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

(3) Grace rewards us (v. 13). 

‭Titus‬ ‭2:11‭-‬13‬ ‭NIV‬ [11] For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 

We are looking for Jesus Christ to return; this is our only hope and glory. This verse boldly affirms that Jesus Christ is God, for there is only one article in the Greek: “the great God and our Savior.” Paul did not go into detail about the events surrounding the return of Christ. Believers should always be expecting His return and live like those who will see Him face-to-face.