Titus 2:3-5 NIV
3Likewise, 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. 4Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to 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.
Today's topic in our Becoming Titus 2 series is, "What does is mean to be reverent?" Finding out what this means is critical to understanding how we, as Christian women purposed to apply the principles of Scripture, ought to live in such a way that our example and behavior draws others to Christ. When God offers instruction in the Word, it is always meant for our benefit, but also for His Kingdom purposes.Being reverent is a description of how we conduct ourselves. In the original Greek, reverent comes from the word "Hieroprepes", carrying rich implications:
"...to suit, become. Appropriate for sacred persons, venerable, fitting for one involved in hallowed work. Only in Titus 2:3, [reverent means] to conduct oneself in a manner appropriate for one who lives in the realm of the divine, walking in the presence of God."
Pause.
Deep breath my sisters.
Let this meaning truly soak into your heart.
We are to live in such a way the reflects walking in the presence of God.
Deep breath my sisters.
Let this meaning truly soak into your heart.
We are to live in such a way the reflects walking in the presence of God.
Do our lives look like we live in the realm of the divine?
Likely, not.
Likely, not.
But there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Today is a new day, so let's study the Scripture further and consider what might have change in our hearts and habits to reflect to the world the privilege and blessing of walking in the presence of God.
First, let's compare the NIV translation of Titus 2:3 (written above), alongside with The Message translation,
"Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness"
as well as the NASB translations,
"Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good."
In combining these translations, we end up with quite a set of practical instructions intended for our benefit and for the good of those around us. Essentially, we need to consider our words, our investment of time, and our example to those watching (I can't help but think of the many faces locked in on our every move!).
Our Words
A Titus 2 women should not be caught in the act of other, which means there is a whole of conversation that we participating in daily that is just off limits. As Pastor Tim Keller instructed in this sermon (you really should download and listen to this fantastic teaching), we need to take inventory of what comes out of our mouth. If it is about someone else, it likely ought not to be spoken! God does hold our words accountable. Simply read Matthew 12:36-37,
A Titus 2 women should not be caught in the act of other, which means there is a whole of conversation that we participating in daily that is just off limits. As Pastor Tim Keller instructed in this sermon (you really should download and listen to this fantastic teaching), we need to take inventory of what comes out of our mouth. If it is about someone else, it likely ought not to be spoken! God does hold our words accountable. Simply read Matthew 12:36-37,
"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."
Our Time
Being reverent is not only about what we speak, which truly reveals the state of our heart (Matthew 12:34-35), but is also about how we invest our time. While the verse refers specifically to being addicted or enslaved to wine, I don't think it is a far stretch to replace "wine" with another habit that might enslave us.
Let me ask, what might you be enslaved to? Maybe not to wine, but to something equally as addicting and destructive? As serious as drugs? Pornography? Something else illegal? Could it be more innocent, such as keeping a perfect house? Controlling your children? A food addiction? Shopping? Blogging? Approval? How can any of these things that enslave us be to our benefit, the good of those around us, or glorify God? So even though the Word is speaking specifically of wine, I do believe it would be prudent for us to stretch the application to other areas of our lives.
Our Example
The Scripture says that our reverent behavior is suppose to give way to teaching what is good, or better yet, modeling it for others. What is good? God. Yes, God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good (2 Peter 1:3). Do we teach that? Or do we spend more time whining rather than worshiping the God we love?
Have we allowed God to impress His love, commands, truths in our hearts? Are we living that out before our children, husband, and friends? Do we know the Word well enough to teach it to our children? It makes me clearly think of Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Titus 3:3
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.
Let me ask, what might you be enslaved to? Maybe not to wine, but to something equally as addicting and destructive? As serious as drugs? Pornography? Something else illegal? Could it be more innocent, such as keeping a perfect house? Controlling your children? A food addiction? Shopping? Blogging? Approval? How can any of these things that enslave us be to our benefit, the good of those around us, or glorify God? So even though the Word is speaking specifically of wine, I do believe it would be prudent for us to stretch the application to other areas of our lives.
Our Example
The Scripture says that our reverent behavior is suppose to give way to teaching what is good, or better yet, modeling it for others. What is good? God. Yes, God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good (2 Peter 1:3). Do we teach that? Or do we spend more time whining rather than worshiping the God we love?
Have we allowed God to impress His love, commands, truths in our hearts? Are we living that out before our children, husband, and friends? Do we know the Word well enough to teach it to our children? It makes me clearly think of Deuteronomy 6:5-7
Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Such a short little portion of Scripture, but replete with so much application. I pray you will be encouraged and challenged to consider the reverent behavior demonstrated in your life, and the newness of life the Lord is calling you to!
Remember, we belong to a God of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus -- only the opportunity to confess, repent, and find victory ahead as we pursue God's way, slowly replacing old thinking and habits with a new life that overflows with His extravagant grace!
Thank you to all who have joined in this discussion. Please do leave a comment to let me know you've stopped by. Be sure to share the link to your post, if you have the time to do so, and also post the button at your blog and in your post. THANKS!
Remember, we belong to a God of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness through Jesus Christ our Lord. There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus -- only the opportunity to confess, repent, and find victory ahead as we pursue God's way, slowly replacing old thinking and habits with a new life that overflows with His extravagant grace!
Thank you to all who have joined in this discussion. Please do leave a comment to let me know you've stopped by. Be sure to share the link to your post, if you have the time to do so, and also post the button at your blog and in your post. THANKS!
May we grow together, intentionally this year!
By His Grace & Mighty Power,
To learn more about Becoming Titus 2, click here.
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6 Comments:
You are such a good writer. Such wisdom in these few verses. In the midst of my trials, I am learning to be reverent in the way I speak. That isn't always the case but I'm so thankful for 1 John 1:9, my spiritual bar of soap.
My desire is to become a Titus 2 woman. It is taking challenges to find what's truly inside of me though. But the Lord knows exactly what it takes to conform me to the image of His Son. I must be a hard nut to crack at times though. :)
I wrote my post and will link up as soon as McKlinky is open. Thank you for this opportunity to join in with you.
Love and blessings,
Debbie
I came to you through Debbie @ heartchoices.
I'm not very good with words so please have patience with me.
This is my first visit to your blog and to discover yor memory scripture in Isaiah is not concidence.
Some years ago at a women's conference, the church being charasmatic and here I am from a southern baptist church...very liberating to say the least. I was going through what I thought would probably be the hardest thing I would have to face on this side of Heaven. I was going to have to put my grandpa in a nursing home and the thought was just plain and certain killing me.
At the conference that I almost said no to because of my grandpa my dear friend prayed over me Isaiah 40:31. This was my life verse.
Little did I know at the time that this verse would ring in and out of my life throughout the years.
It has not carried me, so to speak,but has always been there for me when in need.
We lost our 16 year old son, Joshua, in a car accident in November 15, 2003. He would be 23 now. He was our first born. A born leader some would later tell us. We knew that from the very second we lost him.
If you want to visit me i'm at treauresinmyheart.blogspot. com.
Thank you for taking time to help lead us as women. Reminding us of our role in life.
Lisa,
Thank you for explaining it so clearly and in so simple term... i agree with Debbie. You are such a good writer!
Ruthy
Just an awesome study today. I'm truly excited and eager to follow this study series. I'm going back and writing down the verses you noted to meditate on them more and more.
What a great post! I love the definition of reverent, "lives in the realm of the divine, walking in the presence of God." That's such a good reminder of what our lives should really look like.
I'm late joining this discussion but I'm so glad to have stumbled upon your blog. The Lord is bringing me into a mentoring relationship with a married younger lady. I'm so excited to find you Elisa to guide me into this new venture. I've just joined a bible study with some friends, we're reading together "Feminine Appeal". It's all about being a Titus 2 woman.
I have to say your post above it convicting. No, I'm not enslaved to wine, but whoa, I need to examine my heart. I have areas that I've made into idols.
I look forward to reading your past discussions, I'm sure to glean a lot!
Michele
www.michelesmusings.com
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I'm so glad you decided to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'd also love to follow up with you, so be sure to leave your email address or a link to your blog! If you'd like to contact me directly, just pop an email to Lisa at extragrace at gmail dot com.
Blessings, extravagantly,
Lisa