That the word of God be not blasphemed!
To Commit blasphemy is to curse, use foul language,
1) to speak reproachfully, rail at, revile, calumniate, blaspheme
2) to be evil spoken of, reviled, railed at
(attitude of submission)
Genesis 16:8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
Genesis 16:9 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
(Keeper At Home)
Genesis 18:9 And they said unto him, Where
is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
Proverbs 7:11 (She
is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
(The Virtuous Woman)
Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price
is far above rubies.
Proverbs 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Proverbs 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
Proverbs 31:14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
Proverbs 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
Proverbs 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
Proverbs 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
Proverbs 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise
is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
Proverbs 31:19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
Proverbs 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Proverbs 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household
are clothed with scarlet.
Proverbs 31:22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing
is silk and purple.
Proverbs 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
Proverbs 31:24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth
it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honour
are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
Proverbs 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue
is the law of kindness.
Proverbs 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
Proverbs 31:28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband
also, and he praiseth her.
Proverbs 31:29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
Proverbs 31:30 Favour
is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
Proverbs 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
(Strive for godly obedience)
1 Timothy 5:13 And withal they learn
to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Acts 9:39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
1 Timothy 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
Genesis 3:16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire
shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman
is the man; and the head of Christ is God.
1 Corinthians 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but
they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
Ephesians 5:22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
Ephesians 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so
let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Ephesians 5:33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife
see that she reverence her husband.
Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
1 Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
1 Peter 3:1 Likewise, ye wives,
be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1 Peter 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation
coupled with fear.
1 Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward
adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1 Peter 3:4 But
let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible,
even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Peter 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
2 Samuel 12:14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also
that is born unto thee shall surely die.
Psalms 74:10 O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?
Romans 2:24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
1 Timothy 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and
his doctrine be not blasphemed.
Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed.
Titus 2 ~ Week Twelve
Titus 2.3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
From last lesson: Your sphere of influence is greater than your sphere of acquaintance.
Now, considering that your sphere of influence is greater than your sphere of acquaintance and that your influence is not necessarily only what you intend to present, but how you’re *perceived* by those around you or those who hear of or simply see you.
How do you see yourself?
How do you think others see you?
What are the discrepancies and what are the similarities of #1 and #2?
When my friend Florence was turning 80, she told me that whatever you want to be at 80 you need to be doing at 40 (I had just turned 40 at that time). If you’re not doing it at 40, you won’t be it at 80. She was referring to probably any area of life you’d mention.
It was at that time she shared that if you want your own teeth to floss at 80 you need to be flossing them at 40. Yes, sage advice. This is the friend who regularly memorizes large passages of Scripture, frequently speaks at conferences and retreats, holds weekly Bible study/fellowship meetings, has a ministry in the local nursing facility and ministers in hospitality to countless men and women who visit her and her husband in their home.
So, then, when you’re 80, what would you like to have said in the personal description of your life?
What Scriptures support your plans/desires?
What do you want to begin doing or change in your life?
Are you willing to ask someone to hold you accountable for the change you want to make
or the new steps you want to take?
Titus2 Week 13
Titus 2.3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
From last lesson: Now, considering that your sphere of influence is greater than your sphere of acquaintance, your influence is not necessarily only what you intend to present, but how you’re *perceived* by those around you or those who hear of or simply see you. Also, remember: when you’re 80, what would you like to have said in the description of your life?
After considering those questions & thinking on your answers, are you sobered by where or who you are compared with where or who you want to be
What changes can be made immediately?
When looking at the Scriptures to support your plans/desires, do you have understanding as to how the LORD will/can use them in your life?
Are you willing to accept ---today--- the directives of the Word and begin applying them?
Are there decisions you are making or are desiring to make that contradict your husband’s plans or desires for you or your life?
Are you running ahead of him [your husband]?
Are you willing to sacrifice your reputation and/or the opinions of others to do what the LORD is revealing/telling you to do and what your husband prefers or is directing?
Titus2 Week 14
This week we begin our study of specific qualities of the woman who would be known as a "Titus 2 Woman"
Memorize the passage:
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
To be sober (...That they may teach the young women to be sober...)
Do a word study; get your Strong's and find all the verses using this word. Find similar verses:
***To be sober
4994. sophronizo, so-fron-id'-zo: from 4998; to make of sound mind,
i.e. (figuratively) to discipline or correct:--teach to be sober.
4998. sophron, so'-frone: from the base of 4982 and that of 5424; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):--discreet, sober, temperate.
Questions for today:
Are you striving to have a sound mind?
What are you doing to improve?
What things hinder sound thinking/decision making?
What will you do today to eliminate these things?
What does your husband think? Ask him!! Remember he is NOT your enemy/you are
his help specially fitted for him! Seek his counsel.
Follow through with his suggestions for your life/days/plans.
___________________________________________________________
Titus2 Lesson 15
”…to Love their husbands… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5
…that the word of God be not blasphemed.
One Flesh
ONE
Trustworthy
Submissive
Subject in Everything
Joined
Quiet Spirit
Of Great Price
Trust
Obedient
Excellent
Fear of the LORD
Trustworthy
Satisfying
Good
Intimate
A Crown
No Divorce
One Flesh
ONE
LEAVE & CLEAVE
Genesis 2
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh
SUBMISSION
Ephesians 5.
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
SUBJECT IN EVERYTHING
Ephesians 5.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
JOINED
Ephesians 5.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
DESIRE
Genesis 3.16
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
SUBMIT as it is FIT in the LORD
Colossian 3. 8
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
BEHAVIOUR/CONVERSATION
1Peter 3
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Quiet Spirit
OF GREAT PRICE
1Peter 3
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
EXCELLENT
Proverbs 31
28 …her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
FEAR OF THE LORD
Proverbs 31
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
TRUST
1Peter 3
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
OBEDIENT
1Peter 3
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.
NOT PROVOKING
Colossians 3
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
TRUSTWORTHY
Proverbs 31
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
Does
GOOD
Proverbs 31
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life
A GOOD THING
Proverbs 18
22 Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
SATISFYING
Proverbs 5
18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.
INTIMATE
1Corinthians 7
2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
A CROWN
Proverbs 12
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.
BEAUTIFUL
2Samuel 11
2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.
COMPANION
Malachi 2
14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion,
COVENANT
Malachi 2
GODLY CHILDREN
Malachi 2
15 And did not he make one? …
ONE WITH/FOR A PURPOSE
(15)…Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.
NO DIVORCE
16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye
deal not treacherously.
My instant reaction:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Am I seeking to be ONE flesh?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
What am I fighting?
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Areas I want to improve:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
A MATTER for PRAYER & FASTING:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
5 things I will do this week to demonstrate L-O-V-E to my husband
1___________________________________________________________
2___________________________________________________________
3___________________________________________________________
4___________________________________________________________
5___________________________________________________________
ONE MAJOR PROJECT I WILL COMPLETE THIS COMING WEEK
that will demonstrate my practical love for HIM
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
ONE TOTALLY -SELFLESS- activity THIS COMING WEEK
that will demonstrate my preference and desire for HIM
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
For some additional personal study and personal behaviour corrections
CONTENTIOUSNESS
Proverbs 21.19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.
Proverbs 21.9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house
Proverbs 19.13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.
Proverbs 27.15 A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike.
BITTERNESS
Ephesians 4.31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Hebrews 12.15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.
James 3.11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
_________________________________________________________
Titus2 Lesson 16
”…to Love their children… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5
…that the word of God be not blasphemed.
TO love their children
to LOVE their children
to love
THEIR children
to love their CHILDREN
…that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Can you think of times or give examples of seeing a woman/mother love her children?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Now… think of times or give examples of seeing a woman/mother NOT loving her children:
(What did you think? And were you motivated to alter your behavior?)
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Tell of your greatest joy(s) in mothering:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Tell of your deepest regret in your mothering:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Tell of a time you were most moved as a mother:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
The Word says that the younger women are to be taught to love their children.
Do you find you need(ed) to be taught to love your children?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
What things did you do in times past (to demonstrate love) that you no longer do?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Was it a conscious decision or did things just fade away?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
List your children’s names and then make a note of decisions you would like to
implement
or change in order to better LOVE them the way THEY need to be loved.
1__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
2__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
3__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
4__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
5__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
6__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
7__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
8__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
9__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
10_________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
11_________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
12_________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Locate Scriptures to support your thoughts and your goals.
Pray over them and memorize the most impressive ones on your heart and mind.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Titus2
Lesson 17
"…to be discreet… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
This is an inward 'behaviour' that will need some introspection, some time in prayer and reflection. We women tend to really botch it here in this area of discretion. O, we would like to think of ourselves as pure and holy---aspiring to it every day---but we're quite feeble in the mind when it comes to discretion... we talk and O, the power of the tongue. Read 1 Timothy 5.13-14. As we consider this important topic: To be discreet, we must be brutally honest and face the (sometimes shameful) truth about our tendencies to be indiscreet---especially when it comes to our speech.
Titus 2.3-5
To be discreet [4998] [swfrwn sophron, so'-frone Search for 4998 in KJV from the base of 4982 and that of 5424; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):--discreet, sober, temperate.
From the two words:
4982. swzw sozo, sode'-zo ---from a primary sos (contraction for obsolete saos, "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
5424. fren phren, frane --- probably from an obsolete phrao (to rein in or curb; compare 5420); the midrif (as a partition of the body), i.e. (figuratively and by implication, of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature; by extension (also in the plural) the mind or cognitive faculties):--understanding.
Find verses to support discretion. Read Proverbs searching for discretion and the consequences of the lack thereof.
Thoughts upon personal reflection:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Prayer and confession:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Titus 2 Lesson 18
"…to be chaste …that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5
This week we're again looking at an attitude and just as discreet is an inward attitude with outward demonstration, so also, chaste is an inward attitude which also is demonstrated outwardly. This is a decision, a learned behaviour just as the abuse of this quality is learned by observing and following the world's ways.
To Be Chaste
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31.10
Behaviour that becomes holiness is: to be chaste. This is not: to be chased! You see, in the world in which we live there is great influence to be alluring, to be attractive, to be enticing, to be 'chased' not chaste. But the Word says we are to be chaste. We are to be pure for our own husband and so this means we must do nothing to be enticing to other men or to cause the heart of our husband to NOT trust in us. (Proverbs 31.11)
Chaste:
Strong's Number:
53
Greek: hagnos
signifies (a) "pure from every fault, immaculate," 2Cr 7.11 (AV, "clear"); Phl 4:8; 1Timothy 5.22; Jam 3.17; 1Jo 3.3 (in all which the RV rendering is "pure"), and 1Pe 3.2, "chaste;" (b) "pure from carnality, modest," 2Cor 11.2, RV, "pure;" Titus 2.5, "chaste." See
CLEAR,
HOLY,
PURE. Note: Cp. hagios, "holy, as being free from admixture of evil;" hosios, "holy, as being free from
defilement;" eilikrines, "pure, as being tested," lit., "judged by the sunlight;" katharos, "pure, as being cleansed."
Now, note the FEW times this word is translated chaste in the whole of scripture---look where this word is used!
2Corinthians 11.2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a
chaste virgin to Christ.
Titus 2.5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
1Peter 3.2 While they behold your
chaste conversation coupled with fear.
So, also, for the sake of our marriage [which is a picture of Christ and the church] we're to be chaste. In our homes, as mothers, in our church or wherever we go, we are to demonstrate this quality, this behaviour. This is a behaviour which becomes holiness: that the Word of God be not blasphemed!
"Then he [Paul] says, "Teach the young women to be pure," hagnos in Greek, chaste, morally pure, virtuous, sexually faithful to their husbands. Teach them that they are devoted to one man and that's it. Morally pure. ....So if you want to be a holy woman, you work on the inside. And that's what he's saying. Teach women to be adorning their heart, teach women to be virtuous and godly on the inside... Back in 1 Timothy chapter 2 and verse 9 and 10 that this same thing is said, "Women are not to adorn themselves in any way that would call attentions to themselves but they are to put on
proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with the braided hair and gold and pearls and costly garments but rather by means of good works as befits women and making a claim to godliness." So if you're going to claim godliness and virtue and holiness and purity, it ought to show up on the outside. Those two words in 1 Timothy 2, "modestly and discreetly," very interesting. Modestly means with a sense of shame, with a healthy blush. Not ashamed that you're a woman but ashamed that you might cause someone to be distracted from worshiping God, or ashamed that you might cause someone to look at you and lust. You
want to have that kind of sense of shame, the thought of inciting lust or distracting someone from worshiping God. And the idea of discreetly is the same root again, sophra and again it means controlling all your passions. Women who make a claim to godliness had their passions under control, they wouldn't do anything to excite lust, they wouldn't do anything to draw attention to themselves when God's people come together for worship. Holy women have always conducted themselves that way so Paul says you teach the young women to be pure like that."
from: "The Character of a Healthy Church" Part 4 [Titus 2:3-5] John MacArthur |
1 Corinthians 10:31,
Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. And Philippians 4:8,
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. And here, becoming holiness form a measure and line of conduct to be looked to.
For this week:
Look for verses to support the idea of purity, holiness, cleanness, etc. that
you can use to help you shape your personal decisions or responses.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Do you understand what it means to be chaste?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
How can you guard purity in your marriage/home?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Are there things or ways in your life that are or seem carnal?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Is there anything in your wardrobe that may cause a brother to stumble or that is
drawing excessive attention to you or your form?
[Questions?
See articles on Modesty]
What changes do you need to make?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Your thoughts; your prayer:
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Titus 2 Lesson 19
"…to be
...keepers at home …that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5
To be Keepers at Home
A Charge to Keep
When
considering Titus 2 and the various aspects or topics covered in
three verses, it would seem simple to read, understand and apply
the teaching we find here. Would that it be so easy. These
verses or the specifics of these verses ARE simple---simple but
not always easy. With time, consideration and understanding,
these verses or their specifics become easy for us to apply in
our lives and carry out in our homes.
If women
are to be keepers at home, what is it they’re to “keep” or what
is it they’re to do?
What is the purpose for the home?
What make a house a home?
What makes a home: Christian?
What does it take to
make a Christian home?
Do the inhabitants make a house a home?
If the inhabitants of the house are Christian, do they make it a
Christian home?
Because a woman is at home, is she a keeper at home?
Can just anyone be a keeper at home?
Let these questions prompt your own thoughts and
questions.
Let the
peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are
called in one body; and be ye thankful. (Colossians1.15)
So, then,
What is the design or the purpose for the Home and what does it
mean to be a keeper at home? That’s what we’ll be talking
about today.
Keeper
verses -
same word used elsewhere in the New Testament
Acts 5.23
Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the
keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had
opened, we found no man within.
Acts 12.6
And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night
Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains:
and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
Acts 12.19
And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he
examined the keepers, and commanded that [they] should be put to
death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and [there]
abode.
At Home verses
- same word used elsewhere in the New Testament
Matthew 8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of
the palsy, grievously tormented.
Luke 9:61
And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me
first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
1Corinthians 11.34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home;
that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I
set in order when I come.
1Corinthians 14.35 And if they will learn any thing, let them
ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak
in the church.
2Corinthians 5.6 Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing
that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the
Lord:
1Timothy
5.4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn
first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for
that is good and acceptable before God.
Titus 2.5
[To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to
their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
So the
keeper at home:
1)
caring for the house, working at home
a) the (watch or) keeper of the house, guard [as in
lighthouse, a keeper]
b) keeping at home and taking care of household affairs
c) a domestic
It is my
hope and prayer that in the lesson we have for today we’ll see
and be inspired by the great blessing of this charge to keep. I
believe that when we better understand God’s design of women,
their role and responsibility, we’ll embrace the
responsibility.
~A
Charge to Keep~
The
Christian home is a shelter where the LORD reigns supreme
and all who dwell therein dwell in safety.
The
mother sets the tone of the home, guarding very carefully what
takes place, what comes into the home.
She sets
the atmosphere, the environment and more than anyone, she gives
the home its character. Think of all the homes you know… what’s
one of the first things that comes to your mind about each
one? The way it feels, and it’s characteristics. The
atmosphere of the home will likely be the first thing you notice
and it’ll be the you’ll take from there---that unforgettable
“thing” about that home. The decorations, the style, the
colours, the tones, the feel, the scents… the mother sets all of
these. Remember... the father is the lamp and the mother
is the light. When you keep this in mind, you will order
your home in such a way as to be a compliment to your husband.
Keep in my his preferences when you are planning, decorating,
etc. Attempt to blend your personalities when setting the
tone.
How about tone…
think of the ‘tone’ of your home.
What do
you think of when you think of the tone of your home?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What do
you think others think of when they think of your home? When
they see things around... what prompts them to think of you?
See, what I mean about your personal tone?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
How is
the atmosphere of your home?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Proverbs
14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish
plucketh it down with her hands.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
It may
seem like we’re talking only of externals, of the temporal---not
so. The Word says “…But lay up for yourselves treasure in
heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where
thieves do not break in and steal: For where your treasure
is, there your heart will be also." {Emphasis mine}
HOME is WHERE the HEART is.
Sisters,
you know that when your heart is in something, great things
happen and when your heart is NOT, perilous things happen.
Perilous? Yes… the death of life, joy, happiness, creativity,
future and memories.
So the
home is the sheltering place, the place of refuge.
The word ‘keeper’ actually means to guard, to watch over--- thus
the mother/homemaker is the guard of the home. It’s her domain,
her duty and her pleasure to guard and guide the home.
Your home
is to be a refuge where no evil dwells, where no danger or harm
is allowed. Your home is to be a safe place.
Everyone
needs a safe place in which to rest. A safe place to grow, a
safe place to be refreshed. The home is at once to be a place
of sharing, of freedom, of security, of worship, of praise, of
joy, of comfort from sorrow, disappointment, grief, or loss.
Joshua
24.15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you
this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers
served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods
of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my
house, we will serve the LORD.
The home is
a place of worship and prayer.
The home
is where the LORD is introduced, revered, worshipped. It is
where the knowledge of Him is deepened and the study of His Word
is highly regarded and practiced. The home is also a house of
prayer. From the earliest moments of the morning to the last
waking moment of each day, prayer must be what governs the
hearts and minds. The keeper at home can contribute greatly to
this practice by first obeying this command and then
incorporating it into each day, modeling a life of prayer and
praise, planning for times of prayer, study and worship, and
being available for devotions.
The home is a place of confession, forgiveness
and forgetfulness.
If our
homes are to be places of worship and prayer, then they are to
be places of confession and forgiveness. I suggest also
forgetfulness so as to encourage growth and joy rather than
oppression and guilt. Genuine forgiveness has a corollary
forgetfulness or NOT rehearsing past faults and failings. This
is where love is often most clearly defined: will I be forgiven
and will we be able to move on from here? There’s nothing more
freeing than freedom from guilt, freedom from the bondage of sin
and the washing we receive from the Lord as He promised in His
Word.
There is no provision made for "You always..." or "You never..."
"Remember, you're the one who never..." "I can't trust
you, you once___________." When confession is made,
remorse is present and forgiveness has been requested, We must
forgive, trust, forget and move on. Past faults and
failings must be put into the sea of forgetfulness.
What is the LORD prompting you in all of this? Is there a
member of your family whose past [confessed/forgiven failings]
you continually rehearse or bring up?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What do you need to do?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The home is
where we’re refreshed.
This may
mean with food---meals or snacks, with relaxation, tea, a bath,
a nap or sleep for the night. Within the safety of home these
are pure joy.
The
keeper at home must invest time, energy and *interest* in these
in order that true refreshment and rejuvenation takes place. We
all have much to learn in the area of meal preparation,
nutrition, and presentation. The home is where we can explore
these areas and tend to the specific needs and preferences of
the family.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The home is
where we teach and learn skills.
Whether
we’re teaching children to read, or to cook, to sew or to
clean. Whether we’re singing or praising, washing or praying,
we’re modeling Christ. We have a charge to keep. We are to be
keepers at home---part of this ‘keeping’ is to openly show the
process to our daughters so that they’ll be fully equipped to
carry on this duty in their own homes.
Think of
the skills you are teaching; what is the Lord prompting you to
do here?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Home is
where we learn and practice hospitality.
Our home
is not only a safe haven for our family, it is a place for
others to come be refreshed as well. Home is where we learn to
serve and be served.
Hospitality is not going about from house to house, but having a
home where others may enter in and the conversation is pleasant
and the atmosphere, sweet.
By the
way, do you see that this is something *men* are to learn as
well? It’s one of the imperatives of a man desiring the office
of a bishop, which the Lord says is a good work. (1Timothy 3.2)
Do you see that if YOU are not practicing hospitality, you are
actually HINDERING your husband in the charges the LORD gives to
men who would be deacons and bishops? Is there any man who
shouldn't be aspiring to these callings?
What are
you doing to show hospitality?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Are there hindrances?__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Titus 2 lesson 20
[PART
TWO]
"…to be
... keepers at home… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5
Teach…
To be… Keepers at Home…
Titus 2.5
A
Charge to Keep
PART TWO:
In our last lesson, we talked about hospitality---and the necessity
of learning how to be hospitable. Think of all the previous points
regarding our charge to be keepers at home, our: “Charge to Keep.”
In all of the previously listed points for the design for the home,
we see aspects that will naturally apply to hospitality to others
--- those who don’t live in our homes, those who are not a part of
our family.
A sheltering place
A place of worship and prayer
A place of forgiveness and forgetfulness
A place to be refreshed
And a place to learn skills
Your home is naturally to be all of these things for your family,
but can you picture all of these things being practical and
important as you invite others into your home?
Again, you setting the tone will make your visitors feel welcome
---or not, they’ll feel refreshed---or not, they’ll feel the
atmosphere of worship and prayer ---or not. All of these and things
we’ll talk over in the next lesson, are what I call imperatives for
the Christian home; the home must be AT LEAST these things… or
change is in order.
Is your home a place where BOTH family and friends feel loved,
sheltered, refreshed and encouraged? Where BOTH family and friends
see your joy? Where BOTH family and friends see your contentment?_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Practically, how is hospitality shown? Call this your “Top Ten”
list of ways to demonstrate hospitality.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Remembering the inestimable quality of a meek and quiet spirit, how
are you seeking to demonstrate hospitality?__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Your children---especially your daughters need to see these
qualities and their effects lived out in you. They need to see
gracious hospitality in action in order to have a model for their
own future home. They need to see you happily ----happily----
serving. Your sons need to see an example of a godly
woman---modeling before them the qualities they’ll seek in a wife.
A POINT TO REMEMBER: Nancy Campbell once said, something like:
They might not remember exactly what you did in the home, or every
little detail… but they’ll remember how your home FELT!
You’re the KEEPER of the HOME----HOW does it FEEL there at YOUR
HOUSE????__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
You’re the wife of a man who’s to be given to hospitality. Are you
an encouragement there? Are you making his ‘job’ painful?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Back to serving… The Word says: "Use hospitality one to
another without grudging." 1Peter 4.9
Do you “grudge” about serving others?__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Here’s a challenging section of verses… a good challenging;
reminding us what the LORD calls to do---
“[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil;
cleave to that which is good. [Be] kindly affectioned one to
another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not
slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing
in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless
them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them
that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” Romans 12.9-15
And “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk
ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith,
as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”
Colossians 2.6-7
Abounding therein with thanksgiving---THANKSGIVING
There is the secret of the happy Christian wife, the key to a happy
Christian home… it is the answer to the murmuring you may
experience. It is: THANKSGIVING.
Are you demonstrating a spirit of gratefulness, and a heart of
thanksgiving in your home?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Does your family and do your guests see this ‘way’ about you?_______________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have a murmuring spirit? Are you
unthankful? Has the whole matter of hospitality got you in knots?
Do you KNOW you ought to be hospitable but you still don’t want to
obey?
Would you be willing to go before the
LORD---to seek His forgiveness, His cleansing, His filling?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your thoughts? What do you need
to learn?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Your “thankful” meditations:
Titus 2
Lesson 21
"…to be
... keepers at home… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers,
not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober,
to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5
Teach…
To be… Keepers at Home…
Titus 2.5
A
Charge to Keep
[part three]
As we continue
looking at this portion of our verse: that younger women are to be
taught to... be keepers at home, we see that there must be something
to this 'keeping a home' for it to warrant teaching or knowledge of
skills to do the keeping. This home-keeping, something that needs to
be studied, or which requires skill, must also be pretty important
or noteworthy for it to be contained in the list of imperatives in
the Word concerning women. I will add that this 'home-keeping'
be done well because it does not stand alone, it is in the verse
which concludes: that the Word of God be not blasphemed.
Everything we do
must be measured against the standard of God's Word. Nothing
is worth anything if it does not measure up to the Word of God.
That's convicting. That's tough teaching---but that's the
Word---God's Word to us.
So, the home is a
shelter, a place of worship and prayer, a place of refuge, a place
of forgiveness and forgetfulness, a place of refreshment, a place
where skills are taught and where they're learned, and a place of
hospitality. It is all of these and more.
I will suggest that
the home is a place of harmony. A place where lives are
blended in order that a whole may be formed. Two come together
as one---a whole is formed. A child is added to the whole and
it is made more complete---perhaps another or many others are added
in order that that whole might be made more complete. Whatever
the case, the home is where harmony and oneness are learned; it is
where communication and cooperation are learned; it is where
acceptance and rejection are learned and handled. The home is where
relationships are modeled and worked out. The home must be a
safe place for all these things to be nurtured or understood.
All of these facets of human relationships will be learned
somewhere---a nurturing Christian home will help all of these
develop healthily.
The keeper at home
has a tremendous responsibility to make sure that the home is all of
these, that in addition to these, it is also a place of work,
creativity, industry, health, basic education and training for the
desire for life-long learning. When the home is seen in proper
perspective--- in line with the Word of God, it is a dynamic
place---a place that's so full of life that it's naturally growing
and incorporating and encouraging each member, friend, or guest, and
the model is Christ-like. That's our whole hope---our whole
hearts' desire: that we may be like Him. Our homes should
reflect that desire---they should radiate that hope or that tone.
So... why be a
keeper at home?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What's the LORD
impressing on you?
Take a look at 2Timothy 3.5-6 and 1Timothy 5.11-14
Write what's
stirring your heart when you read these verses? Is the LORD
bringing to mind anything you need to attend to or to change?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
By the way, how are
you doing in the area of hospitality?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you finding new
ways to *KEEP* your home?
Remember: The
wise woman builds her house while the foolish plucks it down with
her own hands. (proverbs 14.1)
What plucking down is going on in your home, Keeper? In our
first lesson, the question was asked: what are you doing to build
your house, and what are you doing to pluck it down. If you
still have them or can recall them, what are your answers?
Have your answers changed??
Titus 2
Lesson 22
"…to be...
good… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given
to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober,
to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5
Well, we're down to the next to
the last "lesson" in this study in Titus 2. Do you feel as
though you've grown? Have the lessons been too drawn out to
stay on a growing course? It is and has been my hope that throughout
this study, the LORD has prompted you to a more committed walk with
Him and a determination to *be* in behaviour that becomes
godliness---that you be growing in grace and in the ways of the
LORD.
Today's "lesson" is sort of a
culmination of the different terms or qualities of a Titus 2 woman,
it is the sum of behaviours that becoming to godliness. In
fact, it is one of the first terms in the Bible... God called what
He had made: Good. In fact, in blessing male and female and
directing them to be fruitful, He said what He had created was
*very* good. As we were initially told, the aged women
likewise, were to be in behaviour as becometh holiness. Now
the word we're looking at today is: Good. A Titus 2 woman is
to be good. Good.
Isn't it interesting that we toss
that word around so frequently and perhaps forget that we ourselves
have a mandate to be: G-O-O-D. We tell our children to be
good; we ask them if they have been good; we treat ourselves when we
have been good; we like good food, good looks, good sales, good
books, good deals, etc., etc. But do we seek earnestly to be
good? Not that we intentionally choose "bad," but do we
intentionally seek: GOOD?
This word, good,
describes that which, being "good" in its character or constitution,
is beneficial in its effect.
It's a bit different than Jesus the good shepherd or
whatsoever things are of good report or good
behaviour.
This
"good" is a moral
quality---a descriptive term of moral behaviour. It seems to have
the intention of the effect being what drives the desire or
encourages the behaviour---though this "theory" breaks down.
Ephesians 4.29 Let
no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace
unto the hearers.
Share some ways in
which you determine to be good:
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Share your thoughts on some changes that might need to be made.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your thoughts on some changes that might need to be
made---in light of the verse that we'll close with next week:
obedience to husbands.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Are the things you do and the
reasons you do them: good?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Some verses to look up for your cross referencing or
comparison...
Rom 12.2; to cleave to it,
Rom 12.9; to do it, Rom 13.3; Gal 6.10; 1Pe 3.11 John 5.29
To work it, Rom 2.10; Eph 4.28;
6.8;
To follow after it, 1Th 5.15; to be zealous of it, 1Pe 3.13;
To imitate it, 3John 1.11; to overcome evil with it, Rom 12.21.
Journal your thoughts, your plans,
your prayers-----------------
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Titus2
Lesson 23
"…to be...
obedient to their own husbands… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given
to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober,
to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,
obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5
We come to our final "lesson" in
our study of Titus 2.3-5; today studying what is probably one of the
most difficult, most frequently misunderstood passages pertaining to
women and specifically: marriage.
In order that we might have a
better understanding of what it means to be obedient to one's
husband, perhaps it would be best to review a few passages of
Scripture so that we can see the marriage relationship in proper
perspective. Let's look first at Genesis 1.27-28; 2.18-25;
3.16
These verses are not only given
for our understanding of creation, as things were in the beginning,
but for our instruction as God's Providential design. Our
obedience to His design demonstrates our obedience to God and to the
Word---and to the watching world: that the Word of God be not
blasphemed. You see, we have an awesome responsibility as
wives and mothers---women of the Word.
In your personal quiet time,
perhaps you could study some of the accounts of women who were
obedient to their husband and how they demonstrated that and what
were the outcomes of those decisions. Sara, Naomi, Ruth, Mary,
Priscilla are a few.
The next verses I want us to take
a look at are found in proverbs 31, let's look at 11-12 and 28-30.
Then on to 1 Corinthians 7.4; Ephesians 522-24, 33
Colossians 3.18; 1 Timothy 2.12-15; 1 Peter 3.1, 5-6.
There are other passages which
would tell us of this natural order of living, the husband being the
head of the wife, the wife and children being ruled well, the
picture of Christ and the Church, etc.
So we know what we're to do...
we're to obey. That's very simple... very simple. It is
not necessarily easy. It is not easy if we kick against the
boundaries, tug at the reins or push away or ahead or pull from
behind. A yoke is easy when it is understood as a protective
guide. A yoke is comfortable when it is smooth walking, but
the moment the road gets rough and the steps aren't in sync with the
other, the yoke is heavy and arduous.
What does it mean to be obedient
to one's husband, practically speaking?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Think of the ways your husband
prefers things to be done. Now think of your response to
him/them.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Now when your husband says something in passing that he either
likes, dislikes, wishes to have done, regrets,
etc., do you quickly listen and mentally prepare for how you will
accommodate that wish, thought, desire, etc.?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
A mini "obedience" checklist?
Do you remember his requests?
Do you make excuses for not following through with his requests?
Do you ignore him?
Are you seeking to be helpful to him?
Are you seeking to be reverent to your husband?
Are you seeking to do him good and not evil all the days of your
life?
Are you seeking to love him?
Are you seeking to bear all things with him?
Are you seeking to be hopeful toward him?
Are you treating him as the lord of your home/life? (that is lower
case "l")
Are you trustworthy?
Do you withhold yourself from him?
Do you roll your eyes at his comments?
Do you seek to affirm him?
Do you 'bad-mouth him?
Do you murmur in your heart against him?
Do you complain to others about him?
Do to mock him?
Do you listen to him?
Do you prefer him and does he know it?
Are you helping him or hurting
him?
Do you pray for him?
How do your answers match up with o-b-e-d-i-e-n-c-e
to your husband?
These are some deep and serious
questions and if your answers are "lacking" in the demonstration of
obedience, then you need to begin taking steps to correct, seek
forgiveness and restoration, and a new willingness to submit and
obey.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
All these things... all these demonstrations are done
ultimately that the Word of God be not blasphemed. If
you've gained nothing else---if nothing has made that much of a
difference in your life in these weeks of study, then I pray that
this will... that you will be a woman whose life exalts the Name of
the LORD and who lives in such a manner that the Word of God be not
blasphemed.
May
God Bless you as you seek to serve Him.
A Titus2 Journey ~ The
Making of a Titus 2 Woman
by pamela spurling
©2002-2004