This last weekend I had a first. I don’t have a lot of firsts in my life any more because of my age, though last September I had a thirty-first. Sunday I taught on my dad’s behalf as he was in California looking after things there with his family. I have taught adult Sunday School many times, but its the first time I’ve ever taught in front of my brothers and sisters in Christ in the main service. I taught on the passage and some possible applications of Titus 2:2-8. Since that’s not a commonly taught passage I’ll post the text here:
| Tts 2:2 | Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. |
| Tts 2:3 | Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, |
| Tts 2:4 | so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, |
| Tts 2:5 | {to be} sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. |
| Tts 2:6 | Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; |
| Tts 2:7 | in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, {with} purity in doctrine, dignified, |
| Tts 2:8 | sound {in} speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. |
I have put a lot of time into thinking about that passage and I hope you find it edifying on its surface. Further it is a great passage to use for looking into how we can grow together as a body. Who has God put into your life for you to grow and have as an example?
Check out the recording of the lesson here. And the handout that is referenced here. Feel free to post any questions or comments below in the comments section and I’ll get back to you with answers (assuming I have them).
What doctrine does the church you go to teach?