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Monday, September 24, 2007

Practical Qualities of a Church Part 1


Topic: Practical Qualities of a Church
Text: Titus 2:1-10


Introduction
Today we will be talking about the things that a church should possess. I used the term church here because Paul enumerated in this passage five groups of people that compose the church. And each group should have the following qualities as Christians.
In addition to this, Titus was believed to be a gentile Christian. And for this reason, we can say that this letter is very applicable to us as “gentile Christians”. It was Paul who wrote this letter to Titus.

Older Men (v.2)
1. Sober - dignified, committed in keeping the promises. When we say dignified it is both by words and by works. To be honest, there is no clear indication in the Bible on how to look dignified. And because this is the case, then I think we have to put it in our own context. How do we look dignified in our context?.
2. Reverent – showing profound respect, willingness to serve God (veneration). Again, willingness to serve God means commitment and working for God.
3. Temperate – Not extreme in behavior. It is synonymous with patience in one way but is more applicable to a variety of attitudes.
4. Sound in Faith – This means equipped. Older men are supposed to be equipped doctrinally. They know where to stand and they know what they believe. This may also mean that they are supposed to be qualified for the leadership of the church. To become lay leaders or deacons, or servant leaders.
5. In love – Older men are supposed to be loving people. They should have exemplified love inside the church showing it to the members of the church.
6. In Patience – This means that older men are to exemplify patience.

Older Women (v.3)
1. Reverent in behavior – It is the same as to older men. They have to be showing profound respect and willingness to serve God. Commitment comes with God’s work.
2. Not Slanderers – Not attacking the reputation of others. They are not to gossipers. Slandering is maliciously attacking the reputation of others.
3. Not given to much wine – Obviously, cultures of nations before allow women to drink wine. However, drinking wine in our culture is no longer a reverent act. We must see here that in this passage, the writer is already instructing his recipients to not to drink much wine. Now take note, it is culturally acceptable to them. But in the Christian world, drinking wine is no longer culturally acceptable that is why we prohibit drinking wine.
4. Teachers of good things (to younger women) – They are to be good examples to young women. They have to teach them about good things.
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