Scripture: Titus 2:1-14; 1 Peter 5: 1-6
You will remember that 2 weeks ago we considered
what Paul wanted us to know about the Light of Christ as our guide, as well as for
others, through the life that we now live.
And then last week, we read of the Lord’s call on our lives to reject
the slavery to sin that the world would have us accept, and instead to live a
life of slavery to the Lord, that we might receive the righteous life in Christ.
Today, we review the advice that Paul gave to Titus
as he was preparing to assume ministry with the people of Crete. And what would be Titus’ primary
responsibility throughout the island? In
Titus 1:5 – “The reason I left
you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and
appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” Paul goes on to give him
some specific examples of the needs that existed on Crete, and later, he gives
the new pastor some advice on what his own life should represent. (Titus 1:7-9). His
life should be blameless, hospitable, self-controlled, trustworthy, all of
which would be representative of what he will be teaching others.
In other words, he isn’t simply being called to
preach the gospel, but to live and be an example of how a follower of Jesus
Christ should be living. And quite
honestly, it’s pretty good advice for each of us, too!
Read Titus 2:1-8
Paul’s entire approach to teaching the “sound
doctrine” of our Almighty God must be demonstrated, not only as an example of how
Jesus lived when He was among us, but rather through the way that we
live in the here and now. After all,
this discussion makes faithful living personal, and not just a matter of “Jesus
did this, so you have to do it too!” Quite
some time ago, I read a thought regarding the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?”,
and the author offered the opinion that an even better approach might be “What
would Jesus have me do?” The point being
that we can’t do everything that Jesus did, so we should be seeking the things
that He has planned for each of us! Our
lives should certainly be faithful to the example set down by the Lord, but we
should also never exclude Him from being intimately involved in all that we do! That’s what “yoking” is about – allowing each
to contribute their own abilities and strengths to every task.
The older people, both men and women, are to live
Godly lives as examples to the younger generations that live within the life of
the community. And what about the
younger people? Their charge is also to
be public and obvious in their faith walk, not only as an example for others,
but as a challenge to their contemporaries!
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if no one ever had a reason to complain about
the things we have been doing? It
certainly would, but the problem will always be that people of the world will
always find something about us that they will see as objectionable! And usually, it will be based in the way we
live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ!
The problem that the worldly will always have with disciples of Jesus Christ, is that they don’t fully understand what Christian
living is all about, and why it is the best way to live! We have all heard their complaints and
insults – that no matter how well our life unfolds, we are accused of being either
the contemptable name of “heretic” or the misnomer of “hypocrite”. But if we are truly living as one of Jesus’
people, we will need to live and suffer condemnation, just as our Lord had to, and
yet, He never gave up. (Matthew 10:22)
And living a life of faith and trust in Christ will
not only be the best way, it will also bring Godly power and presence into our
lives, and the Spirit’s work into those who witness our faithful examples.
Read Titus 2:9-14
So not only are mature Christians being called to be
that Godly example for younger folks, and not only are the younger people to be
an example for those who would stand in direct opposition to a life in Christ,
but now we read that even slaves are to be an example for their masters! While conventional thought would have us
believe that slaves are to simply be obedient to whatever their owners tell
them to do, we now know that even those who are subjugated to another can have
a positive influence on those who have earthly control over them. Does it sound like something that you could
do for your manager at work?
And beyond the inspiration that others can have in
our own life, we, too, can be a powerful encouragement for them and the life
that they are living. In the strength
that comes to us through the Holy Spirit, we receive the courage and wisdom to
say “No” to those other ways that stand against the perfection of God, and to
show others just how that can bring hope, and renewed life, and a greater sense
of commitment, and a far better way to live and grow than anything that the ways
of earth could ever promise or enact within us
Paul lays out the entire approach for mission and
ministry to his friend Titus, and it all centers on the truth of Christ that by
faith in Him, His redemption and eternity will come freely for all who surrender
the ways of earth, and claim the hope of Christ. It is Jesus, and the new way that we live and
show to others that leads us out of the world’s evil, and into the purity that
God offers to all who come to Him by way of His Son.
Read 1 Peter 5: 1-6
Peter refers to “elders” and “overseers” as
leaders of the church, but then gathers them into the singular term of
“shepherd”. In that day, shepherds had a
great responsibility for the safety and direction of the flock. And even within
that obligation to the sheep, they were still considered to be the lowest
within the community where they worked and lived. The point that Peter is making for us,
though, is that when we give ourselves to the Lord’s mission and ministry, we
set our place in the world and community aside, and submit to whatever the Lord
is calling us to do and be in the name of Jesus.
As disciples of Christ, this
life can never hold any more glory, any more reward, any more prestige for us,
for that which comes from God is the only goodness and hope that we should ever
expect to see from now on, and the only responsibilities that we should ever
respond to are those that His call places on our life.
Humility and submission in
sharing the glorious light of Christ during this life, and in confidence that
God’s glory and honor will be ours in the day of Jesus which is coming very
soon.
