Titus 2 - 1.16.25

Titus 2:3-5

S – 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

O – Titus was one of Paul’s traveling companions and closest friends. He eventually became the overseer of the churches on Crete. Paul wrote this letter to Titus as a step in the discipleship process. The goal of discipleship is to help others trust and follow Jesus, obeying all His teachings.  Paul was showing Titus how to organize and lead the churches. He emphasized the importance of good deeds in the life of the church and how to relate to the various age groups in the church.

This chapter begins with emphasis on sound doctrine and reminds us to be grounded in the truth of the Bible so that we won’t be swayed by false teachers, tragic circumstances, or the pull of our emotions. We need to learn the Bible, study it, apply the biblical principles and LIVE what we learn.

When we get to verses 3-5 Paul is giving instruction on how to teach women to disciple other women….to encourage them and mentor them. Women who were new Christians had to learn to have harmony in their homes by watching older women who had been Christians for some time. This wasn’t necessarily something that came naturally. Now add in the worldly views of today and we not only have that same need for learning from other Godly women, but it is imperative to our homes in order to protect Christian families. Younger wives and mothers can and should, learn from observing other godly women.

A – So if you are one of the older ladies…and older can still be younger by number, but perhaps you have many years’ experience of walking with Jesus…

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

…are you being purposeful in mentoring other women in the church? Discipling one another, whether it’s the men or women, is part of the culture of our DSC family, and applies to all of God’s family.  We must be intentional about participating in small groups, Wednesday worship nights, and one-on-ones with other Believers. There are dozens and dozens of studies out there on Titus 2:3-5, for women. I highly recommend finding, and doing one on your own, or with a couple of ladies. I did a Titus 2 study when I first became a Christian and it was life changing!

Here's a link to 7 Titus 2:3-5 traits and something as women we can strive for: 7 Ways a Titus 2 Woman Lives to Honor God - Topical Studies

These verses give shape and purpose to women’s ministry, whether formal or informal. They give us a clear statement of purpose: older women are to teach and train young women how to live as Christian women.

Unless older women take responsibility for teaching young women, it probably won’t happen. Paul encouraged Titus to teach every group in the church—older men, young men, older women, slaves—every group except for young women! Teaching and training young women in godly womanhood is primarily the responsibility of older women, not the pastor or male elders of a church. It’s vital that women and women’s ministries don’t lose sight of this goal. (Thebriefing.com)

This doesn’t take men off the hook. Men, see Titus 2:2 and 6.

2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

God commands us ALL to teach one another! The only way to do that is to take someone along the journey with you as Pastors Katie and Levi tell us often : )

Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) 17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Paul’s words to Timothy remind us that age should never be a hindrance to setting an example for others. Regardless of our age, we can influence those around us by the way we speak, behave, love, exhibit faith, and pursue purity. Our actions and words should align with the teachings of Christ, drawing others closer to Him. (scripturesavvy.com)

P – Lord Jesus I pray that we would all do our part in the family of God, helping others to grow in their faith, in their walk with You, while helping to build the skills of Bible reading, journaling and praying, so that they can know your Word and can walk in confidence as they navigate through some rough and scary times. As we are using these 28-days of prayer and fasting as a special time to meet up in small groups, would you stir the hearts of anyone who is not in a group, to join one. We are only in our 2nd week, and it is never too late to jump in. Lord, if anyone is hesitant to join on their own, would you place them on the heart of another to invite them.  We need you first and foremost, but we also need each other. We need other Christians to walk through life with, encourage us, rebuke us when necessary, and love on us. May you keep me purposeful about bringing others alongside myself as I continue to grow with you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

- Crystal Flory

Proverbs 15 - 1.15.25

Scripture

Proverbs 15:2

The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge,
    but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

Observation

Far too often I replay conversations in my head and think, “Why did you say that??” I wish my brain was faster, to catch the words before they come out. But the bible says it is not a brain or a tongue issue, it is a heart issue. Matthew 12:34 For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.

Application

As I read Proverbs 15 this morning, I was convicted. Verse after verse talks about the power of the tongue.

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The soothing tongue is a tree of life,
    but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.

The lips of the wise spread knowledge,
    but the hearts of fools are not upright.

A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
    but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers,
    but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

I want to be someone who edifies and builds up others. I want to exercise control and give a gentle answer and calm a quarrel. I want to speak wisdom and truth. I want to glorify God in my words and my actions. And that requires work on my heart. I need to spend time bathing myself in God’s presence. I need to ask him to search my heart and root out the sinful thinking. I need to stop and ask for forgiveness the minute something comes out of my mouth that does not glorify him. There are many things that don’t need to be said – but they don’t need to be thought either, and that is where I must fight.

Prayer

Lord, please forgive me for the sin in my heart. I cannot love others and speak truth unless you are in me and with me every minute of the day. Please fill me and change me and use me as an ambassador for you.

- Debbie Dunn

2 Timothy 4 - 1.14.25

 SCRIPTURE:  2 TIMOTHY 4:1 - 5

4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

OBSERVATION

Paul is writing to Timothy to provide important instruction as a leader in the church because he knows his time to leave this earth is near. You can tell by his writings there is a great importance to what he’s writing about. According to historians and what is written in verse 6, many believe 2 Timothy is Paul’s last book written in the Bible. In verse 6, Paul specifically states “the time for my departure is near.” Here is the context of 2 Timothy 4:6 – 8:

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Realizing this was probably Paul’s last writing, it gives more importance to what he’s writing about. He wants to impart the most important topics to Timothy. Within the context of verses 1 – 5, the ones that hit home in my heart is to “be prepared in season and out of season: correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction” and verse 3 which seems to really apply more today than ever:  “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.”

APPLICATION

Paul “charges” Timothy to “preach the word” because he knows a time is coming when people would reject “sound doctrine.” Somehow it seems hard to believe that people back in Paul’s day could be just like the people today where they reject sound doctrine,  and follow teachers that suit their own desire and “say what their itching ears want to hear.” Boy it sure does sound like the people of today! It really seems like people, deep down, have not changed much since the beginning of time.

With false teachers abounding now and back in Paul’s day, he knows the only way to combat the false teaching is by being prepared in the Word, preaching the Gospel, and to “correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” The goal was to reach people for Christ but also to guide them in their walk. Although the “correct, rebuke and encourage” might come easy after being prepared in the Word, using great patience and careful instruction might be the challenging part if the person you’re speaking with is turning to myths and listening to false teaching. During those moments, it’s important to remember that having patience and providing careful instruction is equally important as the correction, rebuke and encouragement. The first part can’t work without the second part and visa-versa.

Paul’s charge to Timothy is just as relevant today as it was when Paul wrote this book. God is so good that this scripture comes during our prayer and fasting time. Second Timothy 4 gives us the reason why our prayer and fasting time is so important to being prepared, ultimately to help those who are being misled by false teaching. When we’re strong in the Word, in our faith, in our relationship with the Lord, that’s when we can help others in various ways – not only with being misled but in strengthening their faith and walk in Christ. The bottom line is having God’s Word as an important part of our daily life. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” 

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for your Word and to know what’s important as a believer. Forgive me for not always being prepared. Help me to grow in you and to always be ready, in season and out, to preach your Word, and to guide, gently correct and encourage others. It’s so important to be ready to share your Truth because there are so many who are lost and believing false doctrine. You desire all to come to your saving knowledge. Help me to be your instrument and guide me in your ways. In Jesus name! Amen

- Mary Oberg