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18. Adorn Yourself with Good Deeds

Titus 2:1-10

Scriptural Insight: We human beings seem to be imitative by nature. We need models; they give us direction, challenge and inspiration. Paul did not hesitate to offer himself, as an apostle, for the churches to imitate. “Follow my example,” he wrote, “as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). And Paul expected both Timothy and Titus to provide a model, which the churches could follow. (John Stott)

Day One Study

1. Read Titus 2:1-8. In the last lesson, we studied Titus 1:10-16 where Titus was given instruction to refute false teachers. Now Paul uses an emphatic “you” in Titus 2:1.

·         To what is Paul now directing Titus’s attention?

·         Why is this important? (See also Titus 1:9.)

2. Verses 2-8 describe the qualities each member of the household of God should have. List the qualities each group should possess and explain the importance of each.

Older men (verse 2)

·         Character Quality/ Behavior—

·         Importance—             

Older women (verse 3)—

·         Character Quality/ Behavior—

·         Importance—             

Younger women (verses 4-5)—

·         Character Quality/ Behavior—

·         Importance—             

Younger men (verse 6)—

·         Character Quality/ Behavior—

·         Importance—             

3. Obviously God has outlined a specific plan for older women to specifically encourage and train younger women in the church. What would be the advantage of this kind of encouraging relationship?

4. Why would younger women need to be encouraged in the specifics mentioned in Titus 2:4-5?

5. The word “self-controlled” is used 3 times in Titus 2:2-6, and again in vs. 12. The original Greek word means primarily “of sound mind, sane, in one’s senses, sensible.” Its secondary meaning is “curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled, temperate.” In other words, the word refers first of all to correct thinking then to behavior resulting from correct thinking. Read Romans 12:2-3. In the pursuit of godliness, why is right thinking so important?

6. What usually happens when you try to behave right or force correct behavior without “renewing the mind” with truth which leads to right thinking? See Titus 1:15-16 and 2 Timothy 3:6-7.

7. Adorning Yourself: In Titus 2:4, the older women are given the responsibility of training the younger women to be sensible, sane and sober-minded. This involves the cultivation of sound judgment and prudence.

·         If you are an older woman, how can you practice this is your life right now? What else can you give to a relationship with a younger woman?

·         If you are a younger woman, in what areas do you need this kind of training? What else can you give to a relationship with an older woman?

Day Two Study

8. In Titus 2:7-8, Paul tells Titus to be a good example and do good as well. Why is the example of a leader or teacher so important to the local church and to the community?

9. Read what the Bible has to say about setting a good example in the following verses.

·         2 Thessalonians 3:7-9—

·         1 Timothy 4:12—

·         James 5:10—

·         1 Peter 2:21—

Summary:

10. Adorning Yourself: Think of people who have had the greatest effect on your life. In what ways did they influence you for good?

11. Adorning Yourself: “Because I told you” worked as an incentive to do something when we were young children who accepted everything our parents told us. But as we grew into teenagers it was no longer a sufficient reason for changing our actions. We wanted to know why and needed greater incentive.

·         What motivates you to change your behavior? Why?

·         Read Colossians 3:22-24. What should be our motivation to do our best? Share some verses with your group that help to motivate you.

Think About It: Three times in these verses about the Christian behavior of different groups, Paul highlighted his concern about the effect of the Christian witness on the non-Christian world. In two of them he referred to Christian doctrine, which is salvation doctrine. So either we give no evidence of salvation, in which case the gospel is tarnished, or we give good evidence of salvation by living a manifestly saved life, in which the gospel shines. Our lives can bring either adornment or discredit to the gospel. (John Stott)

Related Topics: Curriculum

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