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This article explores Titus 2:3-5 and the characteristics of older and younger women in the context of making disciples and glorifying God. It discusses the importance of reverent behavior, refraining from malicious gossip, not being enslaved to alcohol, teaching what is good, encouraging younger women, loving husbands and children, being sensible and pure, working at home, being kind, and subjecting to one's own husband. The article emphasizes the significance of honoring the Word of God to avoid blasphemy.
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Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
Titus 2 WomenTitus 2:3-5 Paul is writing to Titus, his ambassador to Crete, instructing him to put in order what remained Titus 2 is part of “the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” that Titus was to teach
Older WomenTitus 2:3 In this context, it refers to women old enough to have experienced raising a child The Bible emphasizes the value of older people - Job 12:12, Leviticus 19:32; Proverbs 16:31; Psalm 92:14
Reverent BehaviorTitus 2:3 “Likewise” connects back to the character traits listed in Titus 2:1 She is to have behavior befitting a priest in the Temple - actions and attitudes of holiness in daily life Examples include the description in 1 Timothy 5:5-10, Anna (Luke 2:36-37) and Dorcas (Acts 9:36-39)
Not Malicious GossipsTitus 2:3 The same word is used for Satan - slanderer: one who falsely accuses Excess time allows for idle talk which can degenerate into gossip - 1 Timothy 5:13
Not Enslaved to Much WineTitus 2:3 Wine was used as a mild analgesic and dull the sense from frustration and loneliness, but it can be addictive Great caution should be taken when using alcohol and other various other addictive drugs - 1 Cor. 6:12
Not Enslaved to Much WineTitus 2:3 She does not need to escape reality because she is making the best of her circumstances living in godliness
Teaching What is GoodTitus 2:3 Good is what is noble, excellent & honorable - characteristics that mark her own life Older people should be the most qualified to teach due to wisdom of experience - be cautious of old fools
Teaching What is GoodTitus 2:3 The context of her teaching is with anyone she can influence in every kind of situation imaginable
Encouraging Young Women Titus 2:4-5 Verses 4 & 5 are clauses of verse 3 and not separate sentences Older women are to help younger women develop these characteristics Encourage (swfronivzw / sōphronidzō) is to bring someone to reason or a sound mind. She disciples
Encouraging Young Women Titus 2:4-5 Strive to keep God’s priorities or the body of Christ is left weak and younger women left immature Don’t drop out and don’t allow yourself to be sidelined
Younger WomenTitus 2:4 In this context, younger refers to those who are still raising their children and younger Younger women must be humble and desire to learn from older, godly women Psychology classes on marriage and family are usually opposite of godly wisdom
Love Your HusbandTitus 2:4 Love here (fivlandroV / philandros) is a deep, committed friendship with her husband The fact this must be taught reflects that it is not easy for a variety of reasons including human selfishness
Love Your HusbandTitus 2:4 Husbands and wives can love each other this way through the power of the Holy Spirit
Love Your ChildrenTitus 2:4 That this must be taught reflects the difficulty of loving children in this manner Psalm 127:3 - children are a gift and a reward, and will be a blessing when raised by Biblical wisdom
Love Your ChildrenTitus 2:4 Unselfish, unconditional love will both encourage and correct, discipline and comfort Your first love is to be Jesus, second your husband, third your children - you come after them
SensibleTitus 2:5 Sensible (swvfrwn / sōphrōn) is “soundness of mind,” “level headed” with “disciplined sense” Sensibility results in prudence, discretion & self-controlled in contrast to the characteristics of immaturity
PureTitus 2:5 In this context it refers to moral purity & fidelity - modesty and avoidance of alluring a man to lust Flirting, immodest dress and seductive actions attract the attention of ungodly and immature men
PureTitus 2:5 Older, godly women have learned how to deal with security & self worth issues so they can help the younger
Workers at HomeTitus 2:5 Paul is not contradicting the spirit and conduct of the Proverbs 31 women, he is emphasizing her priorities Home is the best place for a wife to demonstrate love for her husband and a mom for her children
Workers at HomeTitus 2:5 Keep your priorities and do not become unbalanced by commitments outside the home
KindTitus 2:5 Someone who is gentle, polite, friendly, pleasant, sympathetic in reflection of God’s character
Subject to Own HusbandTitus 2:5 This is submission which is done willingly and not obedience which must be done regardless of desire Sin has corrupted man in his God given responsibility of headship and a woman’s desire to usurp it.
Subject to Own HusbandTitus 2:5 Older women can teach the younger ones how to hold their pride in check and build up their husbands Follow your husband’s lead as long as he does not oppose what God requires of you
Honoring the Word of GodTitus 2:5 This is the purpose clause explaining why a young woman needs to develop these character traits A Christian woman who does not follow God’s role for her causes God and His word to be blasphemed
Honoring the Word of GodTitus 2:5 These traits are opposite of much of our society, but the Christian life is about the glory of God
Conclusions Older women - does your character match what is described? What will you do to make it match? Younger women - are you striving to develop the characteristics described? What is your plan?
Grace Bible ChurchGlorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ