Lesson 5

 

As we wrap up our study of God's expectations for us as husbands, I would like us to consider the instructions that Paul gave to Titus and to Timothy. In Titus 2, Paul instructs Titus about what he is to teach the various groups. Two of these groups are the older men and the younger men. Also in Titus and in I Timothy, Paul gives instructions concerning the standards expected of church leaders. I think both of these portions of Scripture are instructive to us as husbands and fathers.

Read through the following passages from I Timothy and Titus.

I Timothy 3:2-9 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience.

Titus 1:6-9 if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

Titus 2:2 -- that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience.
Titus 2:6 -- Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded*

*The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

I would like to pull out several key ideas that seem to repeat themselves in these passages.

First, the word "reverent" shows up several times. Reverent means serious, with gravity and dignity; inspiring reverence and awe. You see this in the description of elders, deacons and also in the Titus 2:2 passage. There is the need for us as men to develop a reverent attitude toward God and toward life. There is far too much silliness and frivolity. In today's world, if someone suggests anything that appears to limit "fun", he is immediately ignored as being on some loony fringe. I believe that God speaks of joy and enthusiasm in our living. There is a place for fun and games and celebrations. However, in my opinion, there is a lack of seriousness in dealing with our responsibilities of leadership in the church and the home. There needs to be a dignity and gravity about our lives that inspires others. This is not something that is just picked up along the way. Paul made a specific point to tell Titus that he should teach this to the men. When was the last time you knew this topic to be included in a discipleship plan? It doesn't happen very frequently.

The second key element repeated several times in these passages is the concept of being sober-minded. These terms refer to a self-controlled life, a life that is alert to the surrounding circumstances. We need to know what kinds of philosophies and ideas are forming an attack against the faith. We need to be self controlled and alert in our preparation for the battles that will certainly come upon us and our families. We need to be prepared to respond to these challenges. This requires us to be self controlled and alert.

Finally, we need to be sound in faith, love and endurance. We live in a day when there are many challenges to the faith. It's important for us as husbands and fathers to know the Scripture well enough to be able to defend our families and churches from doctrinal error. What does it take to develop this characteristic? We need to be sure that our Bible study and prayer time are a high priority in our schedule. Joshua 1:8 tells us that our way will be prosperous if we meditate on God's Word day and night. On any given day it doesn't seem to us that it's having that much of an effect on our lives, but over time, we learn the way God thinks and the principles he wants to build into our lives. This results in a mature faith that is able to weather the storms of life and to combat doctrinal error. Don't allow the pressures of life and the apparent importance of other things squeeze this vital area from your life.