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MEN OF GOD. Titus 2:6-8. 02/05/23. # 5.
6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
1. Young men in a church = key role in spiritual vitality of the church
a. Young men are the providers of their homes and the main supporters of the church
a1. Unlike calling on mature women to mentor young women, Paul speaks directly to the young men
a2. II Timothy 2:1-10 Timothy was instructed to teach faithful so they may mentor others
b. Whereas the older men are leaders, the younger men are the central figures in doing the work of the church (evangelism, teaching, leading, administering, finances, etc.)
2. The qualities exhibited by godly young men
a. Paul tells Titus to exhort (parakalei, to call out) young men (urge, admonish, beseech…) to exemplify Christ in their walk
a1. Believers need to be models of holiness and integrity
a2. Must be aware always of testimony
b. The qualities of a young man are similar to those of leaders, older men, and women:
a1. Sober-minded (lit., “save the mind”) – reasonable, sound in judgment, sensible, and clear-minded (the quality of clear thinking and wisdom)
b1. Many young men are foolish
b2. It does not take advanced age to have common sense and restraint
a2. To be an example or pattern of good works (pattern, tupon, means to strike an impression or make an imprint) – to set an image as to what should be done (good works = wholesome acts)
a3. Teaching integrity (by example, acts, and words, being undefiled of mind, spirit, intent, attitude, that others might safely learn and follow your example) – integrity literally means uncorrupted
a4. Reverent – lit., dignified, serious, wholesome, honest, and decent
a5. Incorruptible – lit., without guile, deceit, or impurity (sincere)
a6. Sound speech which cannot be blamed – lit., healthy talk that cannot be criticized or spoken against (no one can lay a charge against you for gossip, wrath, slander, profanity…)
3. Integrity that stands examination
a. Our purity should be such that no legitimate accusation can be made against us
a1. Jezebel paid lewd men to lie about Naboth to have him killed and land stolen
a2. Enemies used false testimony to charge Jesus with a crime
a3. Festus and Agrippa could find nothing wrong to indict Paul
b. Our words, honesty, acts, motivations, andresponses in trials should be above reproach
c. I Peter 4:12-19 no matter what trials or circumstances, the man of God is faithful and holy
d. Leaders, men, and women are to be righteous
Key verse: 2 Timothy 2:1-10
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.