Paraphrase: (2/3/03)
2 As regards older men, your teaching should emphasize the need for them to exhibit self-control and dignity in their actions. They must be encouraged to show themselves sensible and well-reasoned, firm in faith [because belief is reinforced by understanding]. In all things, they are to be the model of perseverance, doing all things in the power of love.
Key Verse: (2/3/03)
2:2 - The wisdom of age is displayed in character, and that character should show one to be in control of himself, strong in perseverance, wise in choosing, and loving in action. Without faith, these things are impossible to a man.
New Thoughts (2/4/03-2/5/03)
2:2 The mature man carefully considers all circumstances and consequences of his actions. He is one who inspires both respect and reverence. He has learned to limit his own freedom with proper thinking, to control both his opinions and his passions. He is free of error in his beliefs, and keeps the graces given him by God healthy. He is fervent in his belief that God's truth is Truth, that He created all, rules all, and provided for the salvation of all in His Son, Christ Jesus the Messiah. His confidence in God and Christ is unshakable. Without fail, he does for his fellow man what is needful for that man, even when it is not desired. His love towards God is real and true. His goodwill towards his fellow man is constantly in action. Situations don't get him down. He is able to abide under pressures without losing hope. He is cheerful as he withstands circumstance. He will neither surrender, nor give up, however hard the trials that may come.
Last night, we examined these definitions, and the verse in general, together in our home group. Truly, this is an awesome picture of what it means to reach maturity as a believer. Yet, we concluded, this is not the whole picture. What is given here is not to be construed as applicable only to the older man, it's a truth applicable to all. In this verse and those which follow, Paul is showing Titus how to deliver his one message of God's truth to a varied group of listeners. The truth is true for all, but the particular focus needed by each group may be a bit different. It's not that he's addressing different levels of Christian progress here, as the whole of the church in this case is pretty new. It strikes me that Paul is accenting the fact that the truth of Scripture is perfectly tailored to address the specific needs of every stage of life, and showing Titus how to apply it accordingly. Thus, in the longer run, we will have to look at the instructions given in each of these sections, and see them as applying to ourselves as well.
The primary question that is being addressed here, it seems to me, is what the mature believer should look like. The amplification given above provides a stunning view of the character we are to develop, and yet I find myself wondering now how much more will be added to that list by the time I've looked at the remaining verses of this section! Already, the goal seems to be set so high for us, and, of course, it is. Yet there is one particular aspect of what we are given in this verse that really stands out. It's as though Paul is looking at that most critical facet of character from a number of directions to create a more complete picture of it. The major characteristic that comes out of this passage seems to be that of self-control. Paul is seeking to establish order. The mature believer, then, should reflect order in his life. How is it reflected? In self-control, in reason established as ruling over emotion, in thoughtful consideration before taking action.
It is this very reasoned and thoughtful approach to things that will establish a man's faith most firmly. He has thought about the propositions God has laid before him in Christ. He has applied himself to searching out and understanding. He has researched the Truth, and found that Truth to be absolute, and so, he believes wholeheartedly, there remains no question that can disturb his faith. As his belief is so complete, his actions will be directed by that belief, will reflect the Truth he has come to know. Thus, he is led to continually seek out all the ramifications of any action he may consider undertaking. How does it fit with God's plans and purposes? Is this really what God wants of me in this situation and time? He is prepared and willing to limit his own freedom (for when once Christ has freed us, we are truly free indeed), knowing that the fact that we are allowed to do does not necessarily indicate that we ought to do. He studies. He makes certain that no error creeps in to his beliefs. He looks after the seeds that the Spirit has planted in his soul, exercising the gifts God has given him to keep them in growing, and in good shape. All of this seems to ring of self-control.
It also speaks of a life in which reason rules, rather than emotions. One of the definitions we see for 'sensible' roughly equates to 'delivered from the emotions.' Reason has been given its rightful rule in the mature believer, yet it is also in proper submission to the spirit, and that in turn submitted to the Holy Spirit. Certainly, God teaches Spirit to spirit on any number of occasions. But just as certainly, He has never once asked a man to dispose of the mental faculties He Himself created within that man. God is Truth. He has never been afraid of man's questions. He has been wise in answering or withholding answer as the case required, yet he has never feared to display the Truth that is He. An earnest and upright inquiry He will not despise. He calls us to be ready in season and out to declare His truth to those that will hear it. Will He then have us speak from ignorance? No! A reasoned belief is a solid belief. Anything less remains superstition, and leaves itself open to the attacks so often levied against faith.
What is the difference between faith and superstition? Superstition has no foundation. It cannot be subjected to reason and survive. If looked at in the cold light of logic, it will be shown for what it is, mere fable and story. But faith will stand, it will give answer to every question that logic may bring, and it will give answer in ways which will satisfy the demands of logic. God created man in His image. God created man with a logical mind. Would we, then, expect Him to be other than logical? Early scientists found reason to believe the universe was orderly and logical in the very fact that it was created by the same God that created them. He had shown Himself orderly and logical, and so, they knew that His creations would reflect His own nature, being orderly and logical themselves. Faith and belief are as much His creation as all else. It should be as reasonable for us to expect faith to be orderly and logical as it was for those scientists to expect it of the world around them.
What is the fruit of well-reasoned faith? First and foremost, it leads to a wholehearted conviction. The power and willingness to endure martyrdom did not come of superstition, they came of certainty. We cannot possibly worship in spirit and truth if we will not examine Truth and know with certainty that it is true. It is this certainty, this absolute knowledge of his own basis, that can bring a man to the place where the fruits of the Spirit grow. Because he has thought about what he believes, and because he thinks about what that belief means for his words and actions, his words and actions will concur with his beliefs. Belief directs action. As a man thinks in his heart, so will his words and deeds be.
In closing this verse, Paul gives us a wonderful picture of what deeds will follow the man of faith: he will be strong in perseverance, wise in choosing, and loving in action. Because he knows his God is true, he knows hope, and hope supplies strength to persevere. Knowing he has charted his course by the compass of God's will, he is willing and able to go through whatever may come. Knowing that it is God who rules all circumstance, having taken the promises of Scripture to heart, he knows all things are worked together by God for his good. As such, whatever the circumstance, he remembers that his God stands behind it, and it is well with his soul. He chooses his words and actions with wisdom, seeking first the kingdom of God. He has a kingdom mentality. All desire is in subjection to God's perfect will. It may not come down to 'what would Jesus do,' but it certainly comes down to 'what would Jesus have me to do here and now?' He serves God who is love, he knows the commandment first and foremost in God's heart is that we love Him, and we love those around us. He understands that love is not the same as permissiveness. He understands that love may often be misunderstood at the time of its offering. He understands what love requires. And understanding this, he puts the love God has shed abroad in his heart into action on behalf of those around him.
God, it's a tough calling You call us to. Knowing the standard You place before me, how can I but thank You again for Your patience with my own shortcomings? How can I not be patient with the shortcomings of those I deal with? Lord, keep me mindful of this image of maturity. When I would criticize, remind me to look to my own house first. Where am I, Father, on this road to maturity? I am still entirely too impetuous in taking action. Teach me, Lord, to consider more fully before I speak or do. Teach me, Lord, to listen for Your instructions before moving out. How many words, my God, have I wished I could retract? How many hurtful things will I still have to give You account for when You bring me home? Too many, I fear. Lord, forgive me. Curb this tongue of mine, my God, for it still speaks too often from the wrong store of words. Cure the heart, my God, from which my tongue draws its poisons. Create in me a clean heart, oh God! One that cannot conceive of such things as are displeasing in Your sight.
Lord, over and over again this last week or so, You've been showing me the power of remaining tuned to You. How many times have I seen my work week disintegrate into frustration and chaos as I focus wholly upon the screen before me? How many times, as I've put on those headphones, and filled my ears and my heart with words of praise to You have I seen the tide turn, the chaos subside, and the answers come? When will I ever learn, Lord? What will it take for me to stop turning aside to the left and to the right? How many times will I have to call out to You for a rescue mission? Lord, bring me to this place of maturity You have shown me. Do what You must. I would be such a one in Your sight.
