Memory Verse: “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:14)
Scripture Reading: Titus 2:1-16
Introduction: There is a constant pull upon the church to draw her into some sort of bondage. Bondage, in the sense we are using it means, being in subjection to some doctrine or religious custom or ritual that is unnecessary, and perhaps distinctly spoken against.
For the most part, the bondage is some portion of the “yoke” which Israel bore or tried to bare for close to 1500 years. These are usually things to do, which somehow give a sort of satisfaction to the mind. If it is things to do that we want, there is an abundance of bona fide instruction, the surface of which we have only scratched.
When the veil was rent and the Most Holy Place exposed to view, such vistas and avenues were open to man as have never been fully explored. Who among us can say, “I have plumbed the depths of God’s Word,” that is to say, discovered all the facts and contents of God’s word with complete understanding? There is a way of holiness so high that to even behold it we feel like Isaiah when he saw the Lord, “high and lifted up” (Isaiah 6:1).
It is upon entering into such holiness, that men and women are moved upon by God. They find the breath of God upon their lives so exceptionally soft that they never want to dwell out beyond the “veil” again. It is here, within the “veil” that God moves them as we move chessmen; how wonderful to be a pawn in the Master’s hand. It is here that the “Philip’s and the Eunuch’s meet, it is here that the true Church moves. All these things are within the veil.
Paul views sound doctrine as the root that produces the fruit of sound practice such as faith, love, and patience, as well as sound speech. Right thinking is the raw material for right actions, and our actions will naturally reveal the direction of our thoughts. The character that results from this process truly is an eye-catching advertisement for the gospel.
Lesson Questions:
- What kind of doctrine was Titus told to teach? Titus 2:1; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; Romans 6:17-18; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 John 1:9-10.
- What does the Lord expect aged men to be, and likewise, what kind of standard did Paul set for aged women? Titus 2:2-3.
- What were the aged women to teach the younger women? Titus 2:4-5. Are they still expected to teach these things to the younger women?
- What exhortation should be given the young men? Titus 2:6. In all things what was Titus to be, and in doctrine what was he to show? Titus 2:7; 1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Timothy 4:16.
- What kind of speech is Titus urged to use? Titus 2:8. What effect would this have upon those of the contrary part and why? 1 Peter 2:12-14.
- Did Paul consider the conduct of servants to be important? Titus 2:9-10. What were servants not to do? 1 Corinthians 7:21-22; Colossians 3:22-23.
- What appeared to all men? Titus 2:11. What does this salvation teach us? How should we live? Titus 2:12; Galatians 1:4.
- While we are living thus, what are we looking for? Titus 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18; Matthew 24:30-31; Revelation 1:7; 2 Timothy 4:8.
- Was it necessary that Jesus Christ should give Himself for us? From what are we redeemed? Titus 2:14. When purified, what kind of people will we be? 1 Peter 2:9.
- What should Titus do about these things? Titus 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12-15.