Words With Families Wednesday

Wednesday, Read Titus 2:9-10

    God is against slavery. The story of Moses is how God delivered His people from bondage. Yet God uses slavery’s imagery to teach us to submit to authority unless it conflicts with His commands. Verses about slaves could be used for those under authority, as long as we remember that Jesus frees us to serve.

Submit to the leadership. This can be anyone who has authority, a boss, law enforcement, government, teachers, even church leaders.

Everything. True servants should be subject in all things, not just when we agree with our leaders. We should only refuse when it conflicts with God’s commands (Acts 5:29).

Respectful. Not only should we do the right thing but with a right heart attitude. “As unto the Lord.”

Value. Servants are not to steal but should actually be of value to our leaders.

Exalt God. In all we do, we should always serve the Lord with gladness.

Words With Families Tuesday

Tuesday, Read Titus 2:4-8

    Spell out “KIDS” and read the passage. Titus 2:6 begins with “Similarly,” meaning that the instruction is not exclusively for “young men” and is linked to the instructions for “young women.” Verses 4-8 are for all who are willing to grow.

Kind in words “soundness of speech” Kids must be careful with the words they say. Only a child believes that “words will never hurt me”. Years later they’ll find words still wound.

Integrity Paul says that the young should behave not because of external reasons but because they have good hearts within. Wise parents work on character more than behavior.

Deeds are Good “nothing bad to say” The natural outflow of integrity are good works.

Self-Controlled. “sober-minded” Like father, like son, a child who sees self-control modeled is more likely to be controlled by God as well.

Words With Families Monday

Monday, Read Titus 2:2, 6-8

    Spell out “FATHERS” and ask for words that contain those letters to describe mature men. When women and men teach by example as well as explanation, they ensure that the word of God is not maligned or used in vain.

Faithful “sound in faith” Paul teaches that men are to be assured of their faith in God and assure others that they will be found faithful. The word “sound” applies to faith, love and endurance and means “healthy”.

Agape “sound in love” The word “love” comes from a Greek word pronounced “Ah-Gah-PAY” (used in John 3:16) and means a selfless, sacrificial love that meets the needs of others. It is a stronger word that the “phileo” love used to teach women to love their husbands and children. Men should be strong and healthy in their love.

Temperate “not extreme” Many men go to the extremes but a mature man should be moderate and controlled in all he does.

Holiness (vss. 6-8 with Heb. 12:7-10) When men discipline children, the writer of Hebrews explains that godly fathers should discipline not out of anger or even to punish but to produce holiness.

Endurance “sound in patience” KJV (See Col. 3:21) Men of high rank must have the endurance and patience to work with disciple younger men. Blessed is the man and the father who finishes well.

Respectable “worthy of respect” The most recurring command for wives is to respect their husbands. Men thrive on respect, but mature men don’t demand it, they earn respect.

Self-controlled “sober” KJV This self-controlled sobriety is not from within or as a result of one’s own will, but rather it is the control of a man’s self by God.