The Church Organized & Organic: Groups P1

We’re on a journey together through the book of Titus … a book written by Paul given to Titus on “How to BE the Church”. The church is to emulate the Father. The Father is organized … He does everything in order! The only way to do everything in order you must have some kind of system or organization to the process. Therefore, the church is to be organized BUT it is not to be an organization. Although troublesome, this has become a common struggle in today’s church. Some churches have become an organization … or denomination and in so have lost it’s organic or natural process of Spiritual growth. In fact, many can do church consistently and if the Holy Spirit was not involved they would not know the difference. How does the church protect itself from becoming an organization?

How do we stay organized and organic? Paul gives some great words to the different groups in the body of Christ. If each group fulfills their part then the organized and organic church is healthy and it makes a deep impact on the culture in which it is growing and developing. In Titus the Scripture calls upon different groups within the body of Christ to grow in and live out Sound doctrine … these groups are: older men (v. 2), older women (v. 3), and younger women (vv. 4, 5), younger men (vv. 6–8), and bond servants (vv. 9, 10), each reflecting specific duties for the health of everyone in the church. Sound meaning healthy—Paul uses this word 9 times in the pastoral epistles (5 times in Titus), always in the sense that the truth produces spiritual well-being. The “specifics” Paul mentions in vv. 2–10 pertain to truths, attitudes, and actions that corresponds to and is based on biblical truth. In order not only to please God, but also to have an effective witness to unbelievers, God’s people must know and live out the truth that leads to spiritual health. Let’s review the groups we studied last week … ask yourself if you are growing in the likeness of Christ as you grow older.

1. GROUP 1 – OLDER MEN v. 2

Paul used this term for himself when he was over 60. It refers to those of advanced age, using a different term from the one translated “elder” in 1:5.

Self Controlled … SOBER, temperate, especially in respect to wine. He is to be sober–minded, watchful, cautious in action … seeing everything before making a decision. It is that state of mind which is free from the excessive influences of passion, lust or emotion.

Dignified … Respected and highly regarded. Not only earthly dignity, but that which is derived from a HIGHER citizenship, but a heavenly one. There lies something of majestic and awe–inspiring qualities in an older man’s dignity that God has developed over the years which does not repel but rather invites and attracts others to His Savior!

Sensible … not only means having knowledge but using what he understands to CURB his desires and impulses that leads to a life that bold declares a clear witness of God’s power to control and temper one’s life for His Glory!

Sound in Faith … meaning firm in doctrine, pure in respect to Christian life. They have a SOLID foundation of the doctrines of the faith …. Their theology is understood and they can take you to scripture to back up their belief system. (They have scripture based Bibliology – Soteriology – Pneumatology – Ecclesiology – and Eschatology), they are men who have taken the time to “LABOR IN THE WORD”. They are seen as good WORKMEN, who have studied to show themselves approved of God. (see 2 Timothy 2:15)

Love … they are men who have a DEEP, deep love for Christ and it shows in how they transfer that love to their wife, family, friends and even strangers. (Agape’)

Perseverance … A bearing up under, patience, endurance as to things or circumstances. This kind of perseverance is associated with HOPE we have in Christ and refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial because of the desire to make much of God through his life.

2. GROUP 2 – OLDER WOMEN v. 3-4a

Reverent in their Behavior … This requirement is not limited to reverence for God, but also refers to being HONORABLE and dignified (like older men). They are to be sensible and spiritually healthy or risk themselves in becoming unable to perform their part in the Body of Christ – which is to teach younger women.

Not Slanderers … One who FALSELY accuses and divides people without any reason. This term is primarily used of Satan who is known to be the Accuser of the faith.

Not Addicted to Much Wine … see last weeks message on this issue.

A Teacher of What is Good – especially towards younger women … they are women who also have LABORED in the Word in order to teach those coming after them the ways of God, Family, and a Virtuous life. They do not lean mainly upon personal experience but primarily on the Scriptures as they give counsel, advice, and teach.

This Lord’s Day we will continue the journey …. What does Paul tell Titus about younger women and men? How do these descriptive terms challenge each of us as we grow in faith and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?