But as for you,
communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. ... Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us. ... in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything.(Titus 2:1-3, 6-8, 11-14, 15) NET
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
So communicate these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke that carries full authority. Don’t let anyone look down on you.
Wow. As I was reading through the book of Titus today, these verses in chapter 2 really stuck out and challenged me. I pray that these words from God speak into your heart and mind as well.
Labels: bible readings
posted by Mark @ Sunday, July 13, 2008
2 comments
2 Comments:
I'm one of those "older men" and I have only recently discovered what is wrong in our churches, and causal, to what is wrong in this world. Bible knowledge is scarce! We hear sermons, Bible lessons, attend Bible studies, and yet, individual knowledge of the Word is soooo small as to not be hardly measureable.
We have knowledge on many, many subjects. We are experts on couputer programs, can install and run sophisticated home entertainment centers, environmental systems that run our homes and lawns, as well as manage complex business and financial systems, and much, much more. BUT many so-called Christians don't know King Saul from Saul of Tarsus. They are clueless about the role of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives, and believe such nonsense as "once saved, always saved." Unless, and until, we begin to individually "study to show ourselves a workman that need not be ashamed," and understand the meaning of, "Your Word have I hid in my heart, that I maight not sin against You," we are in eternal danger. And our leaders, who allow men on their watch to think that shallow, will be held accountable for their actions. The problem is that this "problem" has now moved from generation, to generation, to generation. How, and when will we stop it? What say you?
Thanks for the great comment Jim.
I guess I am a younger. :) One of the first Scriptures that hit my heart and stuck with me is Pro 19:2 ("It is not good to have zeal without knowledge", NIV), which to means that our actions 'in faith' should be done with more than merely good intentions, one has to know what they beleive, and why one beleives it. nothing can accomplish that than good old fashoined reading of teh God breathed words in the Holy book.
As you mention, we can quote sports facts and figures, even the private details of what Hollywood actors are doing, etc., but can rarely come close to that in Biblical understanding, and more so, sound discernment.
What's more, how many have lost their lives to do whatever it took to make His Words avaialble to us today.
All that being said, one of the things I am learnng is that isn't how much one might know, but that what they know is sound (doctrinally), and that they live it out faithfully.
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