04 Adorning The Doctrines of God (Titus 2:1 - 10)

Alex Townsend
The Epistle of Paul to Titus
Adorning the Doctrines of God
Titus 2:1-10
28 May 2017

In Titus 2:10, we are instructed to "adorn," or make beautiful, the doctrines of God. This means to live out the gospel in our daily lives, and so display our salvation to the world.

We are to adorn the doctrines of God by personal holiness and purity - but first we need to know them. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 explains that the whole of Scripture is God's very word, and is sufficient to bring a believer to maturity. Paul then explains that we are all to walk in godliness, living out what we have learned.

We are to encourage believers by example. Whether young or old, male or female, we all lead in some capacity. The younger should learn from the older and more mature so that they too may pass on their knowledge to the next generation. As the body, may we encourage each other onto good works.

We are to be a witness to the world. In living rightly, "the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us" (v. 8). Even though the world will be hostile, may our conduct be innocent before them.

The word of God has saved us. Let us honor it in our lives.

03 Men, We Can Always Do Better (Titus 1:5 - 16)

22 January 2017
Alex Townsend
Series in Titus
Titus 1:5 - 16
Men, We Can Always Be Better

All believers are called to be faithful servants for the Lord, whether at work or home. In this, we should strive for the standard for elders Paul gave to Titus, which is a picture of a godly Christian.

We are called to live with ethical integrity (v. 6). That is, we are to be "above reproach," so that we do not model the gospel poorly before the world. The battlefield is in our minds, and so we must "not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds" (Rom. 12:2).

We are called to a strong marriage and family. Paul writes that elders must be "the husband of one wife, having children who believe, not accused of dissipation or rebellion."

We are called to have gentle mannerisms, "not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain" (v. 7). That is, we are to lead as Christ led - a humble servant leader.

We are to exemplify godly living, being "hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout" (v. 8). We are to lead holy lives that the world can see, and focus on whatever is good (Phil. 4:8). And when we fail, may we keep short accounts with God, knowing that He is willing to forgive (1 Jn. 1:19).

We are to have a high view of Scripture, "holding fast the faithful word" (v. 9). In this, we will both know the truth, and be able to refute errors when they are presented to us.

In contrast, there are men who seek their own gain, and cause division in the church. Paul explains that they are seen by their rebellious behavior; that they are "empty talkers and deceivers" (v. 10). They disrupt "whole families... for the sake of sordid gain" (v. 11). For this reason, Paul instructs Titus to "reprove them severely so that they may be sound in the faith" (v. 13). Even in discipline, Paul has in mind their salvation.

We are to remember that the inner soul of man is the true person, not any outward appearance. "To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing us pure, but both their mind and their conscience is defiled" (v. 15). Let us keep watch, then, over the heart, and exemplify godly living each day.