- A Study In Titus -

Lesson 6 – Qualities of a Sound Church:

Having described in detail the atmosphere that existed without qualified men to stand for the truth; and the desperate need for them to exist, in order to combat the many who would otherwise deceive and subvert, we now move on to a scriptural template that should exist in place of the chaos that did exists in these churches of Crete.

Remember that the things that were lacking were not just that they didn't have elders, but that they did not have the order that God designed in Christ's church. This affected them in every aspect of service and within every member of the body.

As we prepare to look at the text and at what Paul considered a proper result of sound doctrine, let's look at a similar thought of Paul's as he gave to Timothy (Timothy, like Titus, has been sent to Ephesus to enforce sound doctrine). Even though the church in Ephesus has elders, there is an expectation of an outward production that must be seen as the result of sound doctrine, note:

1 Timothy 3:14-15 “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God , which is the church of the living God , the pillar and ground of the truth .”

This is the same theme that Paul is giving Titus for those on the island of Crete . From our study in Ephesians to our present study, there can be absolutely no doubt that God had a specific intent and design for the church of Christ . Based on sound doctrine, the world was to be able to recognize this design and God's wisdom by its order and conduct.

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians. 3:10-11 “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,”

It is so vital that we work diligently to ensure that we are conforming to this design and Divine wisdom, both to glorify God and honor the Savior who died for the church ( Acts 20:28 ). This is accomplished through sound doctrine (healthy teaching). This sound doctrine is always referred to in a singular sense, and is found within the faithful word that educates us ( Titus 1:9 ).

Text:

Titus 2:1-10 “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine : 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. 6 Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. 9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”

What we are going to find within the body of Paul's teaching is that sound doctrine is for everyone (every class of Christian). It is not just for a preacher, teacher, or elder. Everyone has a role and a vital need to accomplish the expectations of the Lord. Again this was the theme of Paul to the church at Ephesus in describing the work of the church, note:

Ephesians 4:16 “from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies , according to the effective working by which every part does its share , causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

Paul is going to break down working parts of a sound congregation of the Lord into four distinct parts, and for brevities sake, we will cover them this way. Remember that the following is what constitutes sound doctrine in practice.

Pillars: This is the first of the classes of Christian found within the teachings of Paul and refers to older men .

They were to have a state of mind free from excessive influence, based on earthly passions, lusts, and emotions. They were to be venerable, reputable, and dignified concerning their heavenly citizenship. They were to be self disciplined and convicted to the truth; with an affectionate regard for others and their best interests. Finally they were to be patient. They were to bear up under pressure. Older men may not be as strong physically, but they have the experience to be strong spiritually and display the needed foundation to build on, based on the truth.

Mentors: This second class of Christian is directed to older women .

Their behavior was to be that of a sacred person. This individual was to never practice slander or false accusing for the purpose of division. They were not to be given to wine (since wine had several uses at this time, the idea of given to it, referred to its misuse).

The vital role that this group would fulfill was that of a teacher of good. This would first occur as examples and then they would admonish (hold one to their duty) the younger women.

What we can see in the first two of these groups is that the elderly have a vital role within the body of Christ. The church needs older men and women who would rather wear out than rust out.

Support: This has a direct reference to the young women . Being encouraged to do their duty by the older women, they were to act in the best interests of their husbands and children. This transpires via their behavior first. They were to be self restrained, in order to keep from being a distraction. They were to be pure in heart, set apart from worldly lusts. They were to be attentive to the foundation of the home, kind, and submit to the authority of their own husbands. Since this is the will of God; insubordination to the authority God has deemed necessary, is to blaspheme His will.

Apprentices: This last group is targeted towards the young men . We will note that Paul would include Titus within this group as well. Paul uses the term ‘ likewise ' to begin this portion, and is saying that like the young women being exhorted by the older women; the young men were to be exhorted to do their duty.

In this we can see the wisdom of God for the future of the church. As the young men and women would not remain that way, they are being trained by sound doctrine to be the future pillars and mentors. This makes it vital that they take the training of sound doctrine very seriously.

These young men were to think and act in sound judgment and they were to be a pattern (a model after which something is formed) of good works. They were to show the gravity or seriousness of adhering to the integrity and purity of sound doctrine. They were to control their speech and maintain a wholesome vocabulary that reflects their love for the truth.

Youth was never an excuse for slack conduct or speech .

Paul would finally tell Titus to exhort bondservants (regardless of the class they fall into). A bondservant was mostly applied to one who is under the authority of another. However, here as well as, I Timothy 6:1 , is strictly speaking of the slave master relationship. Great portions of the people in the Roman Empire were slaves; and as the Gospel came into the world, neither Christ nor His Apostles attempted to interfere with this status, but only to regulate the proper conduct of each to the other.

As we can truly see, the qualities of a sound church lies directly in the production of its members, in behavior befitting sound doctrine. Notice that the accent is on the individuals within each group to adhere to these qualities. The Lord has placed within the body preachers, teachers, and elders to enhance the sound teaching ( Ephesians 4: 11 ), however, the culpability for the production of sound behavior lies with each individual member.

Just as our study in Ephesians taught us concerning the church as God's eternal purpose in Christ (foundation, government, and work); here Titus has been charged to take the Lord's churches on Crete that are dysfunctional, and through teaching sound doctrine and the appointment of the Lord's government (elders), return them to the original design.

This stands as a testament and pattern to true restoration to this very day. The word of God as the only source of authority, God's government within each local church (Christ as King, elders to shepherd the flock according to sound doctrine), and each member adhering to their individual role which is proper for sound doctrine.

Next: “ His Own Special People ”