SOUND DOCTRINE & CHRISTIAN CONDUCT--LESSON 2

SOUND DOCTRINE & CHRISTIAN CONDUCT
LESSON 2

BY E. L. Bynum

Lesson: Titus 2:1-15

Memory Verse: Titus 2:1

Introduction:

This lesson places in sharp contrast the false doctrine (1:10-16) of the false teachers and the sound doctrine of Titus.

I. ADORNING THE DOCTRINE OF GOD. vs. 1-10

Proper Christian behavior is dependent upon sound doctrine (v. 1). It behooves the God called pastor to speak sound doctrine to the believers in order that they may through proper conduct adorn the doctrine of God. To "adorn the doctrine of God" means to embellish with honor the word of God, so as to beautify the Bible. To live a hypocritical life causes the doctrine of God to be despised and rejected.

A. The Aged Adorning The Doctrine Of God. vs. 1-4a

1. The conduct of aged men. v. 2

a. "Sober" means to abstain from wine and alcoholic drinks.

b. "Grave" means to be dignified and respected for character.

c. "Temperate" means to be of sound mind, self-controlled.

d. "Sound in the faith" means that opinions are free from error. Their doctrinal convictions are in accord with God's word.

e. "Charity" means brother love, affection, and good will.

f. "Patience" means he is steadfast and enduring.

2. The conduct of aged women. vs. 3-4a

a. "Likewise" indicates they are to have the characteristics of the aged men, plus that which follows. v. 3a

b. They are to be holy and in control of their tongue and appetite. v. 3b

c. They are to teach good things to the young women. v. 4a

B. The Young Adorning The Doctrine Of God. vs. 4-6

1. The conduct of young women. v. 4b-5. This is what the older women are teach them.

a. They are to be sober and to love their husbands and children. v. 4. If the child is truly loved, it must be disciplined. Prov. 13:24, He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

b. "Discreet" means to curb ones desires and impulses. v. 5a

c. "Chaste" means pure from carnality, modest. v. 5b

d. "Keepers at home" means caring for the house and household affairs. v. 5c

e. "Good" means pleasant, agreeable, joyful. v. 5d

f. "Obedient to their own husbands. " "Obedient" comes from a Greek military term meaning "to arrange troop divisions under the command of a leader. v. 5e

d. Their conduct can keep the word of God from being blasphemed. v. 5f

2. The conduct of young men should be based upon being sober minded . v. 6. II Tim. 2:22, Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Psa. 119:9, Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.

C. The Pastor Adorning The Doctrine Of God. v. 7-8

1. He is to be an example for the young men to follow. v. 7a

2. His doctrine is to be pure and he is to be grave and sincere. v. 7b

3. His speech is to be sound. v. 8a

4. The purpose of this is that the enemy might be silenced. v. 8b

D. The Servants Adorning The Doctrine Of God. v. 9-10

1. Their conduct enjoined. v. 9-10a. See Eph. 6:5-8, Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men. Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Col. 3:22, Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God. I Tim. 6:1, Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. I Pet. 2:18, Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.

a. They are to obey and please their masters without complaint. v. 9

b. They are to be honest and show good fidelity. v. l0a. "Purloining" means to embezzle or steal.

2. The purpose explained. v. lob. "Adorn means to arrange, to put in order, to garnish or ornament." "Kosmos" (Greek word translated adorn) is the word we get cosmetics from. If lowly servants (slaves) can adorn the doctrine of God, then surely all of the redeemed may do so!!

II. THE GRACE OF GOD AND ADORNED LIVING. v. 11-15

"This imposing statement (v. 11-15) not only contains an epitome of Christian doctrine but also emphasizes the impossibility of giving practical advice apart from the eternal verities of the Christian faith." Tyndale N.T. Commentary

A. The Basis Of Adorned Living The Grace of God. v. 11

1. Grace is God's divine favor bestowed on sinners. Rom. 3:24, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

2. This grace is not just for the Jews but for all men who receive it. I Tim. 2:4-6, Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

B. The ABC's Of The School Of Grace. v. 12-13 Grace changes and reforms us.

1. We should abandon the old life. v. 12a. See Gal. 5:16, This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Eph. 2:3, Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. I John 2:15-17, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Luke 9:23, And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

2. We should begin to live the new life. v. 12b

3. We should show concern for the blessed hope. v. 13. I Cor. 1:7, So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 3 :20-21, For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself. II Tim. 4:8, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

C. The Purpose Of This Grace. v. 14

I Pet. 2:9, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shed forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

1. We are redeemed from all iniquity. v. 14a

2. We are to be purified unto him. v. 14b

3. We are to be zealous of good works. v. 14c

D. The Authority To Enforce These Truths. v. 15

1. The preacher is to speak, exhort, and rebuke.

2. He is to not to be turned aside by criticism and man's opposition. I Tim. 4:12, Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

—by E. L. Bynum

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What was Titus told to speak?

2. What is the relationship between sound doctrine and proper living?

3. What should characterize the older men?

4. What should characterize the older women?

5. What are the older women to teach the younger women?

6. What is the meaning of adorning the doctrine of God?

7. What instructions are given to the pastor?

8. What is the purpose in servants adorning the doctrine of God?

9. Name the ABC's of the school of grace.

10. Recite the memory verse!