09/22/220
This morning I was reading about commonplace religion, that religion which is shaped around what is easy, formed around what others say and not by intense prayer, God's word, and self-denial. We live in a feel good society "if it feels good then it must be good and right." But that isn't what the bible teaches us. So I read Titus 2 this morning, and as an aging member of my church, the scripture convicted me, but whatever your age, and whether you are a man or woman, I believe it will convict you as well.
“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.”
Titus 2:1-2 KJV
And verse 3 instructed aging women in similar fashion, and it too doesn’t yield to what is easy or commonplace in today’s religion, and way of thinking...
“The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
Titus 2:3-5 KJV
Some churches call us "Elders"; but we are the ballast in the boat that keeps it upright through sudden storms and high seas. Ours is not to give into throwing things overboard to lighten the load, to succumb to the intoxication of speed, or to unwisely set more sails when God tells us to seek harbor. The church’s elderly are a settling influence upon it, and bring it safely home.
Likewise, there is instruction for the young men and women of the church, and though the world would have them believe otherwise, they are told to adhere to their faith...
“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”
Titus 2:6-8 ESV
So, I challenge both the young and old of the church to read Titus 2 this morning; it teaches us that the world does not define the church... The church defines the world. As seasoned hands aboard God's ship the elder generation, more than others, should anticipate the captain's orders having sailed under him through many storms and dangers during their lives. Our ship is constructed of God's word and captained by our Lord Jesus Christ... and by virtue of having found our faith, we are on a return voyage towards home... to be in our Father's presence once again.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,”
Titus 2:11-12 ESV
Today’s World, is busy trying to construct a commonplace religion that is easy, and caters to the whims of man, but that is false teaching, and leads to ruin. The elders have lost their way, and no longer teach the young, while the young have lost their respect for the elders, and no longer honor them. When this occurs in our faith, then we can look around and see it in all aspects of our society, and world... we become lost at sea.
So, though our voyage is not commonplace but fraught with hardship, and the seas often high... we are to keep our eyes on the Captain and obey his commands. If we listen to the groaning of the ship, feel the wind as it fills the sails, maintain our ballast, and keep a firm hand on the tiller, we will most certainly find home port and a waiting place at our Father's table... In the safety of his embrace, and a New Jerusalem will welcome us.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word that guides us towards home when the seas of life are smooth, but thank you most for your instruction that prepared us for the storms, and for the elderly who keep the ship upright in raging seas. Teach the young to remain true to the faith of their fathers, and to hold tight to the tiller as Jesus gives them direction. Shine your light from safe harbor, and lead us there always... safe in your loving arms. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who does not abandon us in the storm, and who leads us back from mutiny by our obedience to your commandments; home to the safety of your harbor. Praised be your name for giving us our Good Captain... Jesus Christ, and for His great sacrifice that has redeemed us, and brought us safely to you. All glory be to you Father for every fair wind, and for our salvation from every storm that blows a gale. Merciful are you who forgives us, and brings us back from the brink of mutiny. Your grace flows from Jesus, and though we are undeserving, you hear our prayers for contrition and draw us like children to your breast. We worship you Father, and sail the seas of life in search of you always... watching for your light to guide us safely home to be with you forevermore.
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,”
Titus 2:11-12 ESV
Rich Forbes