Grace Bible Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ

Titus 2 Women Titus 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 Women Titus 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 Behavior Titus 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 Gossips Titus 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 Wine Titus 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 Wine Titus 2:3 She does not need to escape reality because she is making the best of her circumstances living in godliness

Teaching What is Good Titus 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 Good Titus 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 Women Titus 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 Husband Titus 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 Husband Titus 2:4 Husbands and wives can love each other this way through the power of the Holy Spirit

Love Your Children Titus 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 Children Titus 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

Sensible Titus 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

Pure Titus 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

Pure Titus 2:5 Older, godly women have learned how to deal with security & self worth issues so they can help the younger

Workers at Home Titus 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 Home Titus 2:5 Keep your priorities and do not become unbalanced by commitments outside the home

Kind Titus 2:5 Someone who is gentle, polite, friendly, pleasant, sympathetic in reflection of God’s character

Subject to Own Husband Titus 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 Husband Titus 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 God Titus 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 God Titus 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 Church Glorifying God by Making Disciples of Jesus Christ