Thursday, May 17, 2012

Titus 2: 1-10

Leaders of God's people are to teach sound doctrine.  The purpose of sound doctrine is to be integrity.  Integrity is living a good life that has morals and values.  The purpose of sound doctrine is to show reverence.  Respect for God and men is seen in our actions and words towards others and things of God.  The purpose of sound doctrine is also to be incorruptible.  This is nearly impossible without the grace of God and walks hand in hand with integrity.  Everything you say, even behind closed doors, should be words that won't condemn.  If you have an opponent and they hear you, they will admire and respect you as a good person because you did not say anything negative.

So what advice are the leader's of others to give?  What supports this and helps us to be an example of sound doctrine?  Have elders teach this in every large group or city.

Older men, you must do your best to live a blameless life.  Don't abuse human, animal, or things around your. Being caring and considerate, treating others as you would want to be treated.  Not how you were treated, but how you want to be treated.  Don't over indulge in alcohol, or anything else no matter if it is a hobby or substance, so that your mind is impaired.  Have reverence for others and for God.  Be temperate in attitude so that your neither exercising a temper nor being meek.  Do all things in love (see 1 Cor 13:4-8) with the utmost patience.

Older women, you must be like them in your reverent behavior having respect for all things and people around you.  Keep sound in the faith, clinging close to Jesus.  He is a part of your daily life, closer to you in all things than your own shadow.  Don't gossip or say things that are hurtful or negative in any fashion about others.  When you drink wine, have moderation and refrain from becoming intoxicated.  Be the mentor and tutor that others can trust to come to in order to learn that which is good.

Young women, you need to love your husbands.  Please read 1 Cor 13:4-8 if you are wondering what God's idea of love is.  Love your children if you have them.  Don't become drama queens or high maintenance to be around, but have a more discreet nature.  Be chaste until marriage, or after be loyal to only your husband.  Take care of the home and make it a safe environment for all that are there.  Be good, don't let anyone have anything mean to say about you be true.  Always listen to your husband, and support him when he makes a decision as this will bring praise to God.

Young men, you need to be sober-minded.  If this means you need to stay away from alcohol or hobbies that make you more than moderate on something, then do so.  (Don't be jealous of the women.)  Put to use the bodies and minds God gave you and do good things.  Good works is a way for you to uphold sound doctrine.  In this way you can demonstrate integrity by being honest and having morals.  Be reverent to all people, animals, places, and things (don't let your temper get the best of you.)  Do not ever allow someone to bribe you, have you do something that is against your better judgement, or act against your conscience.  Whatever you say, ensure it is backed by fact and avoid opinions based on biases, stereotypes, or false judgments so that no one can condemn you.  In this way even those who are against you will have no ammo to use to fire at you with.

People who work for you need to be of a character where they listen and do as their employers say to.  They have good attitudes and do not talk back whether it is in front of them or behind their back.  They don't steal or cheat but have good loyalty to you.  In this way they are making the doctrine of God beautiful in every way.

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