I am sharing with you today a message (you might want to read this in parts) that is actually the introduction of the Titus 2 Bible Study I prepared last year. My purpose in sending this to you is that we all have hopes and aspirations---hopes for the woman we’d like to be and dreams for the woman we like others to think we are. Ideally, those two would be the same. The problem with our aspirations to be ideal is that the definition of ‘ideal’ is frequently flawed by attempting to blend
worldly and godly, or temporal and eternal, or carnal and spiritual. Each of the aforementioned pairs are incompatible. By the world’s definition, a Christian woman just might be considered foolish, ignorant, and dull while a worldly woman might be thought of as intelligent, clever and lively. Neither are true---but we cannot change what others think, but what we can do is sharpen our own viewpoint and make decisions based on what God’s Word says, not on what the world says.
In order to do this, we must study His Word… we must get to know Him by way of prayer and devotion and we must apply every known conviction, directive or prompting of the LORD in our lives. It doesn’t matter what He’s told another sister---it doesn’t matter that you do things differently than others do them, what matters is that *you* are obedient to the LORD---through His Word, through prayer, or through your husband. These are the means God will use to speak to your heart. Let’s not endeavor to be women who
are concerned with appearances, accomplishments or acquisitions; rather, let’s be women whose first concern is to be: obedient---obedient to the Word of God. One of the very best places to study this is in Titus. Let’s take a look.
The Study of Titus 2.3-5 (part one)
---pamela spurling © 2001
Titus 2.3 "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; "
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It appears to be fruitless to discuss what exact or specific age is actually considered aged. For the sake of our study, let's assume this means a woman who is older... not a young woman, wife or mother; rather this is a woman who has lived longer, shown a pattern of good works and faithfulness. We can tell these requirements because of the description in the verse, *plus* we consider the word *likewise* --- "The aged women likewise..." and this pertains to what was just described above for the aged men (V. 2
"That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.")
Let's look today at verses that describe what else, or what all, this *likewise* means:
1 Timothy 2.9
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;"
1 Timothy 3.11
"Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things."
1 Timothy 5.5-10
"Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 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."
1 Peter 3.3-5
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 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. 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:"
For today we will define each 'quality' of the aged women. The aged women [older women] Women general, not deaconess specific. likewise, [like as, or after the same manner (as the previous verse indicates)] that they be in [denoting position among, in the rest, together, at,] behaviour [demeanor, position or condition] as becometh holiness, [reverent, sacred, holy] not false accuser, [(not) violent, throw, hit, accuse, not slanderers, backbiters, tale-bearers, etc.] not given [servant, enslave, bondage] to much wine, [many, much, plenteous, + wine] As I understand it, the Cretians were considered "gluttonous" in their behavior and were enslaved to drink. Remember Titus 1.12. Greek and Roman women were noted for drinking much wine---it was common-though *not* becoming!
teachers [instructor, teacher, doctor, master] This would be private---not teaching in the church as in mixed groups of good things; [properly, beautiful, chiefly good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous for appearance or use, better, fair, good(ly), honest, meet, well, worthy.
How many years must pass for a woman to set a pattern of holy behavior? ____________________________________________________________
Who would be the judge of this behavior? ____________________________________________________________
When does this behavior manifest itself or become distinguishing in the life of a woman---when she is young or as she grows older? ____________________________________________________________
Be thinking of older women you know personally who *exemplify these qualities*... what specifically about them or their behavior do you notice, and what qualities would you most like to develop in your own life? ____________________________________________________________
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Titus 2.1,3&4
1 "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: ...
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,"
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Go back to verse *one.* Read it and reread it. Who is the "thou" in that verse?? __________________________________________________________
Now, look at another little word in verses 3 and 4: BE. Yes... BE! BE! BE! ___________________________________________________________
Now, given that this is one of the "pastoral epistles," and the fact that Titus is instructing the pastors/elders/bishops in their roll, what is the first priority? We see in this segment that they are responsible to be teaching the aged men (v. 2) and they are to be teaching the aged women (and the young men; v.6) what is the
*responsibility* of the aged men, women, young men???
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Yes... to BE...!
To the aged women, he was commanding: "...*be* in behaviour as becometh holiness..."
BE. To *be* in behavior... who is exempt? ___________________________________________________________
1Peter 1.15-16 "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
And then, to *teach.* How are they to teach??
Is this teaching an interactive teaching, or is it by example? ___________________________________________________________
The previous question was the *how* of the teaching---and now I ask you, who is exempt, who is exempt from teaching? ___________________________________________________________
For those of you looking for the key or the answers to being a "Titus 2 woman," I pray that you will not be discouraged... there is no magic key, no shortcut or method-------it all centers on one thing... and it's all in the *BE-ing* "Be in behavior..."
Titus 2.3&4
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,"
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Q: What happens when women neglect the Word, its teaching and reputation? __________________________________________________________
1Ti 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.
Q: When women lack self control, when they do not learn to exercise self-restraint in all areas of their behavior, what are the consequences? ___________________________________________________________
2Ti 3.6-7 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Aren't we sometimes prone to this(2 Timothy 3.6-7)? Here we study and study the Word and seem to be addicted to it, and yet for lack of applying it, we fall into the sin described above... silly women led away... I wrote about this recently in TheWelcomeHome message: The
Secret to the Christian Walk (2/17/01). We are like window shoppers when it comes to Bible Study---we *love* to look, but we never really intend to buy the truth! So, what needs to change? What needs to be done? Is it a decision to *be* a *learner* of "good things, a *learner* of how to be/remain sober, a *learner* of how to love ones husband, a *learner* of how to love ones children? YES, it IS a decision to *be* a *learner*---because here the aged women are commanded to teach... and the younger are to
BE taught. You see? We are to BE sober, we are to LOVE our husbands and we are to LOVE our children.
Why do you think these things are to be *taught* by the aged women? Won't they simply come naturally? Won't women just naturally *want* to love their husband and children???? ___________________________________________________________
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Let's look at the three key words of verse 4 in the Greek
***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.
***To love their husband
5362. philandros, fil'-an-dros; from 5384 and 435; fond of man, i.e. affectionate as a wife:--love their husbands.
5384. philos, fee'-los: properly, dear, i.e. a friend;
actively, fond, i.e. friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.):--friend. & 435. aner, an'-ayr: a primary word (compare 444); a man (properly as an individual male):--fellow, husband, man, sir.
***To love their children:
5388. philoteknos, fil-ot'-ek-nos: from 5384 and 5043; fond of one's children, i.e. maternal:--love their children.
5384. philos, fee'-los: properly, dear, i.e. a friend; actively, fond, i.e. friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.):--friend. 5043. teknon, tek'-non: from the base of 5098; a child (as produced):--child, daughter, son.
So... we are to BE self controlled, to have a sound mind, to BE affectionate as a wife, to actively be fond of friendly with, to love our husband, and to be fond of and actively and in a friendly way, love our sons and/or daughters.
These are not things we are to study to do someday, rather, we are to BE them today! We are to come this way, be this way, exist this way. So... what of a woman who isn't actively pursuing this command? ____________________________________________________________
For today:
Q: Are you striving to have a sound mind? What are you doing to improve? ____________________________________________________________
Q: Are you striving to love your husband? What are you doing to SHOW him this love and affection? What are you doing to improve? ____________________________________________________________
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Q: Are you striving to love you children? Are you fond of them? Are you affectionate toward them? Are they sure of your love? What are you doing to improve? ____________________________________________________________
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Titus 2.3&4
3 "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;" 4 "That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,"
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Before we get too far away from the behavior of the aged women and move on to the teaching of the young women, let's look for a moment at a couple of characteristics that are typically ascribed to women and that is that they are typified as nosy, nagging busybodies who lack self control. I say this because it is typical of *some* women. That word for false accusers here is the same word used for devils. You see it is the devil's work to slander, accuse, be a talebearer, etc. So, as is common with many women
who spread gossip through malicious behavior, here is the admonition for them to not behave devilishly or to be slanderers. Instead, they are to "be in behaviour as becometh holiness..."
One of the most distinguishing features of a wise woman's character is her use and control of her tongue, both within her home and in public. The self-control or behavior she demonstrates when hearing and *NOT* repeating information will indicate Christian maturity. A woman who does not need to either know everything, or to spread everything she does know is a woman who is in "behaviour as becometh holiness."
This is a "Titus 2 woman."
Now, on to the teaching of younger women...
As we have studied... we are to BE self controlled, to BE of a sound mind, to BE affectionate as a wife, to actively BE fond of, friendly with, to love our husband, and to BE fond of, actively and in a friendly way, love our sons and/or daughters.
Why do you suppose that the duty of teaching the younger women was given to the aged women? _________________________________________________________
Let's think for a moment about the wisdom of this. Scripture teaches that a wife should receive her counsel from aged women and that her Spiritual teaching should also come from her husband. It only stands to wise reasoning then, that it would be inappropriate for any other man (other than father first, and husband after marriage) to be personally teaching the woman. It would most certainly have been inappropriate for Titus to be coming alongside the younger women.
Then, let's look at the practicality and precedent the LORD has set here. An aged woman would likely have been married a good length of time, likely have learned to love her husband and would probably have raised many or most of her children---it not all of them. Additionally, the aged woman would presumably have learned a great deal from her own past mistakes and shortcomings---certainly enough to warn of possible pitfalls or trails a woman would face. Also, her journey would probably have taken her through
the tough spots in marriage... sex, finances, career, in-laws, children; pregnancy and birth, housing, etc. Additionally, the aged woman would likely have been through spiritual highs and lows, her faith would have been tested and made more secure by trials and blessings, and she would doubtless have overcome many disappointments and faced sadness and loss in her life. All of these things would be things that the LORD would have incorporated into her life to make her into a vessel He could use for the training
and modeling for younger women.
Another interesting thing to note is that the word used here: "to love their husbands" is used nowhere else in the New Testament. Not only should the placement of the directive pique our attention, but the preciseness of the word should, as well.
We learn in Ephesians 5 that wives are to submit to their husbands (22), that the husband is the head of the wife (23), that wives are to be subject to them in everything (24), and finally, that the wife see that she reverence her husband (33).
But, here in Titus, we see that women are to be taught to love---remember the definition... it carried with it the terms, affectionate, fond, friendly, love, etc.---their husband. Could it be that this affectionate love would be foundational to the success of their marriage and home? ______________________________________________________
What happens when love fades or declines in a marriage? Is that not the most wretched time? And when love AND affection are strong AND growing, is that not the *sweetest* time of all?!?!?! _______________________________________________________
Why must this be taught or modeled, isn't it just something that happens naturally? ________________________________________________________
You are studying the book of Titus and you were likely drawn to this study because you know you need the teaching----NOT from ME, but from the *Word*... we all need this teaching from the Word. We all know that we long for sweetness of what the Word teaches us. What a blessing when we see it modeled as well!!
Let us endeavor to be women of the Word---women who read and heed, because it is in the Word and let us be seeking to please the LORD in *everything.*
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Titus 2.5
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
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Today's study may be (by comparison) a bit dry... and you may wonder about the purpose, but I want you to know that it is my hope that we really and truly understand exactly what we mean when we say we are or want to be a Titus 2 woman. It is a phrase or "title" so commonly thrown out, and yet, we may be ignorant of the truly deep meaning of this passage. So, for today, I am simply posting the Greek definitions (Strong's) to each of the key words in the first portion of Titus 2.5.
Were we to move to a foreign country, it would be foolish to not learn the language and specific definitions to words we would regularly use. So, also it is with the Bible... if we are to be serious students of the Word, we must learn the definitions of specifically chosen words in order to more thoroughly grasp the rich message, command, or admonition.
We will look at this passage again and at that time we will have a better understanding of the rich and precise meaning of these words. You may want to cut away, print out and keep this list so that you can become very familiar with each word... The numbers you see are the numbers Strong assigned to each Greek word in the New Testament. They make for interesting study and cross referencing. Additionally, they truly demonstrate the intention of the author because of the careful choice and usage of each
word. We are learning that Greek is a very precise language. I hope you will take the time to study them today and to pray the LORD will direct your thoughts.
***Discreet: 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. 4982. 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. 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.
***Chaste: 53. hagnos, hag-nos'
from the same as 40; properly, clean, i.e. (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect:--chaste, clean, pure. 40. hagios, hag'-ee-os from hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially,
consecrated):--(most) holy (one, thing), saint.
*** keepers at home: 3626. oikouros, oy-koo-ros'
from 3624 and ouros (a guard; be "ware"); a stayer at home, i.e. domestically inclined (a "good housekeeper"):--keeper at home. 3624. oikos, oy'-kos of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively):--home, house(-hold), temple.
*** good: 18. agathos, ag-ath-os'
a primary word; "good" (in any sense, often as noun):--benefit, good(-s, things), well. Compare 2570. 2570. kalos, kal-os' of uncertain affinity; properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e. valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished from 18, which is properly intrinsic):--X better, fair, good(-ly), honest, meet, well, worthy.
***obedient to: 5293. hupotasso, hoop-ot-as'-so
from 5259 and 5021; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey:--be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto. 5259. hupo, hoop-o' a primary preposition; under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (underneath) or where (below) or time (when (at)):--among, by, from, in, of, under, with. In the comparative, it retains the
same general applications, especially of inferior position or condition, and specially, covertly or moderately. 5021. tasso, tas'-so a prolonged form of a primary verb (which latter appears only in certain tenses); to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e. assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot):--addict, appoint, determine, ordain, set.
***their own: 2398. idiov idios, id'-ee-os
of uncertain affinity; pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate:--X his acquaintance, when they were alone, apart, aside, due, his (own, proper, several), home, (her, our, thine, your) own (business), private(-ly), proper, severally, their
(own)
Husband: 435. aner, an'-ayr
a primary word (compare 444); a man (properly as an individual male):--fellow, husband, man, sir.
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Titus 2.5
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
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The question I pray you'll ask yourself today: "Do I really, really want to BE a "Titus 2 woman, and why?" _________________________________________________________.
The following verses all pertain in some way to being discreet, chaste, a keeper at home, good, and obedient to ones own husband.*See if you can add more verses of your own to this list to make it more complete. 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.
1Timothy 2.9-11
9 "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection."
Colossians 3.18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
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.
Ephesians 5.22-24 & 33
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. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. & 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.
1 Peter 3.1-6
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; 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. 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:
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. Proverbs 7.11 "She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:"
1 Timothy 5.9-15
9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 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. 11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 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. 14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Acts 9.36, 39
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.
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.
Much to think about in the making of a Titus 2 Woman...
pamela spurling © 2001-2002
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