Titus 2 Review

November was our last meeting of 2011 and completely focused on Home Management.  It was a difficult topic with lots of honesty.  But good news!  We can learn to be better keepers of our homes and difficult doesn't mean discouraging!

Short notice, but I'd like to have a 2011 Titus 2 Review before we begin our new year's study.  I want to know how Titus 2 brought about change in your lives, but especially check in with how Home Management was put in practice.  Each of us named an area for improvement and I'm looking forward to hearing your progress!

I'm praying for you!

Titus 2 Review:
Tuesday, Jan 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Nicole and Candice Beaty.  

The Disciple

Dorcas of Acts 9 is fascinating.  Dorcas died and was brought back life. Strange, miraclous, and true.  

My interest in Dorcas is more than just the miracle.  Dorcas was a Titus 2 Woman in the absolute purest sense of the Word.  Tabitha (Aramaic) is translated Dorcas (Greek) and her story is found in Acts 9:32-43.  She is the ONLY woman in Scripture where the title disciple is used.  Additional descriptions speak directly to her actions (fruits).  She was "always doing good, deeds of kindness, or full of good works".  She was "helping the poor, charity, almsdeeds".  To peel that last word or phrase back, it's where we get "non-profit".  And we know from 9:39, exactly how Dorcas did these things, she made clothes.  

Dorcas is the Titus 2:3 and 1 Tim 2:10, 5:9-10 model for older women.  First Tim 5 deals with widows and helps interpret Acts 9 (also Titus 2:3 concerning teach "what is good").  A woman should not be considered for a widow's list unless she is over 60, had been faithful to her husband, "and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds."  With her very hands, Dorcas correctly handles the Word of God in exactly how she lived her every day life.  Dorcas, a woman, a disciple, the Word at work!

But wait, there's a bonus!  The picture of Dorcas is not complete without seeing the actions of Peter.  This passage is equally dependent on Peter.  One disciple brings out the Jesus quality in the other, as should the Body of Believers.  It was Peter who responded to the urgent call from those in Joppa to "come at once" when Dorcas died.  

In one word, Peter in this passage, was available.  Not let me check my calendar, let me make arrangements, or what would have been appropriate here by most standards ... I'm sorry for your loss.  

To be available is to be free.  I know over the years I've confused this.  This is not signing up for church ministry, although necessary and called to do at times, or packing my calendar with more "godly" activities.  Please don't mistake my heart here.  I'm talking about having the freedom to move.  If I'm tunnel vision, I won't see the opportunity.  I have to think Peter was very involved in ministry, but he had the wiggle room to GO when called.  I've heard it put that God gives ability, all we have to give Him is availability.  

Dorcas wasn't brought back for her benefit or even Peter's (Peter knew from where his power came, always giving Christ credit).  Because of Dorcas, a true Titus 2 Woman, and Peter, available to go, "this became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord."  

The Race

My kids are competitive swimmers, and a common racing mistake is looking around.  Unfortunately, in the water the position of the head controls the position body.  Looking around throws the swimmer's technique off, which could disqualify them, but ultimately it slows them down.  We remind the kids all the swimmers will end in the same place, so focus on their swim, their lane, their time.... this is their best.  

I think I could use a lesson from the swimmer.  Looking over Romans 14,15, "You, then, why do you judge your brother?  Or why do you look down on your brother?  For we will all stand before God's judgement seat... So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God."  Looking down at my sister's convictions slows my calling for the Lord and the results are disunity for the body.  The stronger then has the greater responsibility to bear with the weaker, building her up with edifying words and deeds.  

"To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.  I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.  Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?  Run in such a way as to get the prize.....  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly..... No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."  1 Cor 8, 9

The Stronger, The Weaker

This past Titus 2 meeting I wanted to hit pause on the Pass It On! theme.  Not to linger, next month we'll pick back up with our regular study, but I know the necessity to assess and address any parts of the heart that are not in line with God's Will or His Word.

Romans 14 and 15 are where we set up camp for the night, dealing with the stronger/weaker sister in the Faith.  This is crucial for a Titus 2 Woman.  I believe that by the very nature of the relationship (older woman teaching younger woman), this tension of stronger/weaker will exist.

In Romans, Paul is addressing both Jew and Gentile in the church of Rome.  In chapters 14 and 15, he is dealing with some specific issues of stronger/weaker believers and their response to each other.  The strong respond to the weak with contempt.  This has a condescending tone to it, a superior attitude.  Perhaps a kin to hatred.  The weak respond to the strong with judgement or legalism.  They condemn to only find guilt and serve out punishment.  

In Romans 15:7, Paul says, "Accept one another."  But ultimately how do we do that?  Especially when we have such strong convictions concerning certain practices.  Is there any way to truly find common ground?  Romans 14:1 says to accept the one who is weak in faith, but not pass judgement on her opinions.  I think that's the key!  These are matters of opinion, disputable ideals.  Matters that Scripture gives liberty to or even stands silent on.  These matters, or better opinions, may not even be Bible based, but simply people pushed.  

I believe Romans 15 provides us with two ways out of this sin state.  First, Romans 15:1, says the strong are to bear the weaknesses of those without spiritual strength.  I like Colossians 3:11-17 to clarify this "bear with each other."  But the heart of this verse is in the second half, "and not just to please ourselves."  Wow.  As we bear with the weakness of our sisters, don't please the flesh.  I believe clothes have nothing to do with my salvation, making me neither good nor bad.  But if a sister is convicted to her dress style, then I should not please my flesh in her presence.  Romans 14:15, says if I distress my sister over such matters I am no longer acting in love.

Verse 3 says, "For even Christ did not please Himself."  So, bear with the weak, do not please the flesh, just as Christ did not please Himself, but became the very essence of humility.

Our second way out is to seek Christ's example in v. 7, "Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God."  Again, wow.  If Christ can accept me... how dare I do not accept another!  Verse 8, 9 continues, "For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy."  

Christ humbled himself, denied His flesh, and became a servant to both groups for the purpose of completing God's Will and to bring glory to the Father.  And I want to squabble over pants or dresses.....

Finally, the verse that simply breaks my heart.  Romans 14:4, "Who are you to judge someone else's servant?  To his own master he stands or falls."  My sister serves my Master as I.  We both love the Lord.  Who am I to judge His child?  Ha! What pride to even assume I am the stronger!

Without a Romans 14 and 15 pause, it will be impossible for me to be a Titus 2 Woman.  The air of contempt or the scales of condemnation will ever go before me and block the gospel.  Romans 14:17-18, "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but Righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.  For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men."

Additional scripture concerning the stronger/weaker:

1 Corinthians 8:1-13, 9:19-23

James 4:12 (really James 3-4, what causes disputes...)

Long time since a Titus 2!

Let's get back to task on Tuesday, September, 13, 6:30 p.m..  I apologize for the move from Monday to Tuesday and hope this is no inconvenience.

Our topic, Pass It On!, will continue!  Last spring, we got to know 3 amazing women of scripture who had Pass It On! attitude.  This fall will be nothing less!  Our first night back we'll address a Titus 2 issue:  the weaker sister, the stronger sister.

Looking forward to learning the Titus 2 Way with you ladies!

Pass It On!

Titus 2 Women tonight at 6:30 p.m.  Thanks to Priscilla last month, we have the big picture for Pass It On! Tonight Lois and Eunice will help us out with the who, what, when and where of Pass It On!

It's a Monday.... praying for you my sisters.

Priscilla

We learn the things of Titus 2 so that God's Word is not dishonored.  Raising the bar, 2 Timothy 2 (notice the number 2...Titus 2, now 2 Tim 2...handy way to remember the scripture reference and the goal for the year ahead, doubling our effort and focus) motivates us on.  Verse 15, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."  It is to God that we answer at the end of the day as to how we handled His Word... will we be approved or stand ashamed?

Priscilla, introduced in Acts 18, will help us with the task at hand.  PrisCillA. P-Pass It On!, C-Culture, A-Available. 

1.  Culture.  

Starting appropriately in the middle, is C for culture.  Like Priscilla, I know I'm feeling the pressure of the squeeze all the time!  The pull of the culture, the call of biblical womanhood.  However, if we think our culture is ungodly, let's get to know Priscilla's.  Corinth was an extremely pagan city, home of the temple to Aphrodite, goddess of love.  Even by heathen standards, Corinth was over the top when it came to sexual perversions.  But beginning in Acts 18, we find a another familiar character, leaving Athens and stepping right into this bed of sin city. 

--Paul arrives in Corinth and meets Aquila, a Jew, recently come from Rome.  A thought is they may have met while in the synagogue (they did what Jews do, go to the synagogue) and Aquila already a convert.  Another thought, people sat in the synagogue according to trade... Aquila is a tentmaker, so is Paul.
--Aquila is mentioned first here, afterward Priscilla first.  They are never named without the other. 

--Paul lived and worked with them.  They were Paul's companions, I'm sure in support of the Gospel as well as leather working.  

"But when".... v. 6 turns the table for us, revealing vital info in knowing our culture, thus knowing our enemy.  "But when the Jews opposed Paul"..... As soon as the Lord moves, Satan moves too! According to John MacArthur (I've used him as a major reference), it's always the same attack on the church:  persecution, sin allowed into the body, and no unity in the fellowship.  Our enemy has the world, it's me and you and the church he's after!

Specifically on persecution, John MacArthur has an interesting analogy.  He says throughout church history, the church thrives in light of persecution.  Only when the church confronts the culture, does the church grow and have effect.  A bold church is an effective church.  A bold church is a persecuted church.  Bold you, effective you.  Bold you, persecuted you.  But the result is always the same, progress.

Back to 2 Tim 2, Paul says v. 1, to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,  v. 2, pass on what you know to others, v. 3, endure hardship...."   When the Lord is doing a work through you, Satan always counters.  For a matter of length, I'll only tell you to study Eph 6.  After Paul lays out the essentials for spiritual battle, he makes an interesting request... check it out!

In this country, we're not usually tortured or imprisoned for our beliefs.  But nonetheless, we are persecuted.  Think on how we generally react?  We stay quiet in uncomfortable situations or gather within our own ranks to be safe.  We just avoid.  I think for us, persecution seems minimal and unimportant, but it has produced great rewards for the enemy.  We've played his game.  

Back to Acts 18, v. 8-10.  During the night, the Lord came to Paul in a vision and said, "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.  For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city."

WOW!  Don't avoid or keep quiet!  God said Paul if your silent, they won't hear and I have many that will come to salvation.... keep on speaking, they've got to hear it before they believe it!  It's like saying Corinth is a bed of sin and it seems like nothing bright or good can come from such dark and evil.  But God said watch, I'm gonna shine!  Just keep on speaking!  I know, I have people in this city!

The Matthew Henry commentary on Acts 18, says God gave Paul a prospect of success.  Many in the city of Corinth would be called as a result of Paul's ministry.  The Lord knows those who are his.  "Yet in this heap, that seems to be all chaff, there is wheat;  in this ore, that seems to be all dross, there is gold.  Let us not despair concerning any place, when even in Corinth, Christ had many people."  

2.  Available.  

Priscilla was available, flexible, even moving when necessary.  Her home was open, the Ephesus church met there.  But I have to say, my favorite available Bible character is the Good Samaritan, Luke 10.

In v. 33, the Samaritan was about his day, on a set course with a sure purpose.  Scripture says he was traveling.  Ahead of the Samaritan, lay a man who had been beaten and left in the road.  No one would stop and help him.  Knowing those things, I think the key to this scripture isn't what was said, but what wasn't.  After the Samaritan "came upon him;" there's that punctuation mark, a semi-colon.  It's job, connecting two separate thoughts.  It's a pause.  After the semicolon, it says "and when he saw him, he felt compassion."  I believe the ; or the pause, is the choice.  He came upon the man and he had a decision to make, a choice, just like the other travelers.  He chose mercy.  Being available is never about my comfort or my schedule.  Availability is mercy.  (The Samaritan was prepared, or at least had the cash to be available, paying for the man's care.  I think money is the main reason, or excuse, we're not available.  Please pray and ask God to reveal if this is a problem area for you.)

I can't leave Luke 10 without giving a couple of my favorite girls a shout out!  Immediately following the story of the "Good Samaritan" is "At the Home of Martha and Mary."  Jesus is so gracious, he knows how to keep us ladies balanced!

One more point here.  Acts 18:26, Priscilla and Aquilla heard Apollos speak, they invited him to their home and explained the way of God more accurately.  This verse will lead us into our third point, but for now, Priscilla saw an opportunity and she pounced.  She didn't go home, make a casserole.  Time was of the essence and too much at stake.  She needed to speak truth boldly and fearlessly and Apollos needed to hear in order to understand the Way.  She invited him to her home....

3.  Pass It On!  

Priscilla invested in Apollos and Corinth and Ephesus and Rome.... we are part of that lineage.  Acts 18 points out that Apollos was highly educated in scripture and very gifted in public speaking, and yet Priscilla corrected him.  I must point out, this was done aside.  She didn't call a committee or put it on the prayer chain.  She had confidence in her knowledge of the Holy One and approached Apollos square on.  Don't miss this either, Priscilla and Aquilla were a tag team.  

Again borrowing from John MacArthur, there are no simple formulas for a pass it on attitude.  The churchy word here is discipleship.  MacArthur helps us out, listing some common characteristics of what healthy discipleship looks like:

--first and foremost, it's about sharing the gospel.

--it's about relationship, but with the purpose of spiritual growth.  

--humility must always be present on the side of teacher.  

--love the other person without condition (remembering Titus 3:3-5, "At one time I too was foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures...But when the kindness and love of God my Savior appeared, he saved me, not because of righteous things I had done, but because of his mercy...).

--be an example in all areas of your life, 1 Tim 4:12b

--if your going to teach the Word, you have to be a student of the Word.  

Priscilla has done an excellent job at helping us get the bigger picture of Pass It On!  Ladies, we must begin to incorporate this practice into our everyday lives.  It's just too important and too much to lose.  I often wonder how many older women have crossed my path, paused and just didn't think I was worth it.  How often do I too choose the path of least resistance.  The ripple ending where I stand silent.  

In Romans 16, Paul sends a big hello to all his people.  He says, "Greet Priscilla and Aquilla, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus.  They risked their lives for me.  Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them."

That's you and me sister... be grateful for those bold and fearless shoulders on which we stand.