Godliness For Office-bearers
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
1/31/2010 PM
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Text:
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Titus 2:7,8
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Psalters: |
132, 367, 237, 369 |
- The duty.
- This applies particularly to Titus (“thyself”).
- “Exhort” is to call alongside.
- You beckon someone to come to you so you can instruct, encourage, console, admonish, or beseech.
- Alongside because it applies equally to the speaker - not nose to nose, because must love them.
- He must also personally to beseech them even as he tells them what God commands of them.
- Exhortation must be accompanied with a “pattern of good works.”
- “Good” works are those which are beneficial or useful because they promote the causes of God.
- Office-bearers must say: do as I do, follow my example (I Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil. 3:17; 4:9; II Th. 3:7; II Tim. 1:13).
- “In doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech.”
- This is the reason behind the exhortation and the need to set such a pattern
- Titus must not only teach them how we are to live, but also why.
- Instruct in all the truths of Scripture for they serve as th foundations for such a life.
- “Uncorruptness” concerns the content of Titus’ instruction.
- The instruction must not be corrupted with the lie of false doctrine nor mixed with the folly of Jewish fables.
- Teach faithfully, according to Scripture.
- “Gravity” and “sincerity” describe the manner in which Titus is to exhort.
- “Gravity” is reverence for the great doctrines of salvation.
- “Sincerity” in motive: Scripture’s teachings live within his heart (something easily apparent).
- “Sound speech” is speech which is healthy for the hearers.
- Such instruction “cannot be condemned.”
- Those of “the contrary part” are the enemies of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- These do whatever they can to discredit Titus and to destroy his ministry.
- When Titus labors as Paul is instructing him, then he cannot be condemned, but he will put them to shame.
- More, laboring in this way will free us from being condemned by God.