Consistent Behavior     Titus 2:1-15      05-23-04

Introduction
Christians need to demonstrate consistent behavior. It becomes us, glorifies our Savior, and demonstrates to non-Christians an attractive lifestyle. The lesson instructs us toward this behavior.
 

1.    The . . Foundation of Consistent Behavior. v 1
    Consistent behavior must communicate what we believe; far too many Christians remain silent when they need to speak. This communication must be consistent with sound teaching, and of course the foundation of such teaching will be solidly base in the scripture. I am pleased the nine member court of the Methodist Church recently took a stand that is consistent with their doctrine and the word of God. It should be a praise item for all Christians when a Christian body stands for a life style taught in the Bible.

    A.    The Foundation of Communicating . . Sound Teaching. v 1a
        "But you must speak"

    B.    The Foundation of Consistent . . Sound Teaching. v 1b
        "what is consistent with sound teaching."
 

2.    The . . Family and Consistent Behavior. v 2-7a
    It is great to enjoy all age groups in the church. Senior adults have a maturity they can
share and give a stability to the church. But the church will die with out the younger adults. All of this relates to these age groups demonstrating the finest Christian behavior. Paul gives Titus brief, but excellent, advice to the older men, older ladies, younger ladies, and younger men. Note the older men must set the standard of sound faith; from which proceeds love and endurance. Titus expects the older ladies to teach what is good, and that will come from sound faith. It is a little curious why Titus specifies these ladies should not be addicted to "much wine." The younger women are to be encouraged to love their husbands. (Interestingly, this is not a command as women are not commanded to love their husbands, but men are commanded to love their wives in Eph. 5.) Young men are to be sensible about everything, and that is rarely seen today.

    A.    Consent Behavior of the Family and . . Older Men. v 2
            2 Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love,
            and endurance.

    B.    Consent Behavior of the Family and . . Older Women. v 3
            "In the same way, older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not
addicted to much wine. [They are] to teach what is good, so that they may encourage the
young women"

    C.    Consent Behavior of the Family and . . Young Women. v 4-5
            "so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands and
            children, 5 to be sensible, pure, good homemakers, and submissive to their
            husbands, so that God's message will not be slandered

    D.    Consent Behavior of the Family and . . Young Men. v 6-7a
            "Likewise, encourage the young men to be sensible 7 about everything"
 

3.    The . . Framework of Consistent Behavior. v 7b-8
        Paul tells Titus to set a good example in the works he does.  Then he makes a list of character qualities providing a framework for this behavior.  From this kind of lifestyle, Titus can communicate an effective message.  This character and communication produces a quietness from the opposition. If they spoke against him their arguments was without basis.  Today if we are inconsistent we will be open to the rebuttal of the world.

    A.    The . . Qualities in the Framework for Consistent Behavior. v 7b-8a
            1.    Qualities in . . Character.
                    "Set an example of good works yourself, with integrity and dignity in your teaching.
            2.    Qualities in . . Communication.
                8 Your message is to be sound beyond reproach,"

    B.    The . . Quietness from the Framework for Consistent Behavior. v 8bc
            1.    A . . Shaming Quietness. 8b
                    "so that the opponent will be ashamed," having nothing bad to say about us"
            2.    A . . Silencing Quietness. 8c
                    "having nothing bad to say about us"
 

4.    The . . Faithfulness and Consistent Behavior. v 9-10
    A Christian lifestyle of submissiveness permeates the teachings of the New Testament but here Paul emphasizes it to those who are slaves. Today we do not have slaves; so I think these principals relate to employee, employer relationships. A Christian's attitude must be know to be different in the work place. My son in law recently changed jobs and in six months caused all his superiors to take notice of his work habits. This quality flows from one who adorns love for the Savior, and inspires others to love Him. Truly the goal is Consistent Behavior. Amen? Amen!

        A.    The . . Assent of Faithfulness. v 9
            9 Slaves are to be submissive to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not
            talking back

        B.    The . . Adorning of Faithfulness. v 10
            10 or stealing, but demonstrating utter faithfulness, so that they may adorn the teaching of
            God our Savior in everything.
 

5.    The . . Future and Present of Consistent Behavior. v 11-15
        Christian behavior proceeds from the grace of God. Paul says grace appeared for salvation, and salvation demonstrates itself best in consistent behavior, and not just a confession. We need to apply the teaching of scripture in our life as the Spirit leads, and this will include denying worldly lust. Our belief about the Lord's appearing a second time motivates this purity, and deeds worthy of His name. Paul tells Titus to "encourage and rebuke with all authority." Truly the goal is Consistent Behavior. Amen? Amen!

    A.    The . . Appearance of Grace for Future and Present Behavior. v 11
            11 For the grace of God has appeared, with salvation for all people,

    B.    The . . Application of denial for Future and Present Behavior. v 12
            12 instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible,
            righteous, and godly way in the present age,

    C.    The . . Appearing of Christ for Future and Present Behavior. v 13
            13 while we wait for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great
            God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

    D.    The . . Application of deeds for Future and Present Behavior. v 14
            14 He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for
            Himself a special people, eager to do good works.

    E.    The . . Authority for Future and Present Behavior. v 15
            Say these things, and encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one
            disregard you