The Way of the Godly

Background Scripture: Titus 1-3
Lesson Scripture: Titus 2:1-15

Introduction

In a sense we are all equal when we enter the world. All are innocent, and all have a sin nature. What are the factors that determine whether our life will be a tale of failure or whether we will be able to testify like the apostle Paul, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7)?

After birth, people travel divergent paths through life. Circumstances shape our lives in many ways. We may be surrounded with evil influences, or we may live in an environment that is conducive to godliness. Regardless of our condition, the enemy of our souls will seek to destroy us. If we obey God and follow Him, we can be assured success in spite of any situation we experience.

Key Verse

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Mall. 5:16).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

Historians believe that Paul wrote the epistle to Titus while Titus was serving as a pastor to the Christians in Crete, From Titus 1:10-16, we gather that the Cretian people were in need of instruction. Their careless, unstructured lifestyle was affecting their lives as Christians. Paul encouraged Titus, his fellow minister and apprentice in the gospel, to preach and teach sound doctrine and to set forth a standard of godliness, teaching that the gospel would impact every facet of their lives. They must seek to please God; they could not follow their carnal inclinations. The believer would be set aside from the world with the high calling of serving God.

Paul's teaching was for every age group; none were too young, neither were the aged Christians too old to live the truth. They were to be considerate of those who were following them, teaching them by word and example. Paul's instructions laid the foundation for stable, secure homes where parents would love their spouses and children. Paul taught all Christians, regardless of age, to deny worldly lusts and ungodly practices.

Paul gave a special encouragement to servants. He enjoined them to be obedient and loyal to their masters. A warning was included against purloining, which is taking a share of what belongs to another. In this sense it could mean retaining a portion of the profit when selling a product for one's master. According to Unger's Bible Dictionary, purloining is the same word used to describe the sin of Ananias and Sapphira.

Finally, Paul instructed Titus to unfailingly teach these godly principles with all authority.

Practical Truths for Today

When God gave the Israelites His law, He included a practical standard for living wherein His children would be blessed. Although the covenant of the law was superseded by the covenant of the gospel, any institution or individual who follows God's basic principles, even after the advent of Christ will have relative success. Governments become corrupt and people rebel at authorities when respect for God's Word wanes. If God's order is not adhered to in homes, there is unhappiness and chaos. Troubled children, some from broken homes, cause many problems for society by their delinquencies. Profanity, hatred, crime, alternative lifestyles, and sexual perversions are all the result of mankind's disregard for God's Word. Those who are unwilling to follow the ways of God are vulnerable to despondency and despair.

The standard set forth by Christ and the apostles stands in stark contrast to the self-serving world; however, the ways of the world appeal to our flesh and tend to influence us. We can hold fast to the right as we remember that "greater is he that is in [us], than he that is in the world" (1 John 4:4).

Jesus died "that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit" (Rom. 8:4). When the Holy Spirit fills our hearts, He teaches us what the spirit of the law is for our daily walk. Many times the Spirit takes us closer than the literal words of the law, and as we are obedient to Him, we experience His approval and enjoy His comfort.

Following are some of the principles included in the lesson Scriptures with some thoughts on how they apply today. Paul began his instructions by addressing the elder brothers and sisters, encouraging them to be good examples and faithful teachers of virtue. Perhaps our elders do not realize the significant place they fill in maintaining the stability of the brotherhood. A little encouragement from a faithful Christian who has walked the way of the godly for many years can be a tremendous boost to a young brother or sister who is struggling.

It seems to be old fashioned for women in society to be discreet and chaste. Nevertheless, the Christian young woman is in submission to Christ and her father and, if married, to her husband. Sisters must be careful lest the influence of the world erodes their godly standards. Submission is one of the things the elder sisters can teach the younger sisters. The young Christian woman's witness is beautiful when she does not try to be any more or less than what God intended her to be.

Our lesson text teaches about young women being keepers at home. This encouragement is plainly stated, and we do well to not dismiss it too readily. Wives who are not content at home tend to seek idle pleasures and frivolous social activities. Some couples believe they are not able to survive without the additional income from the wife working outside the home. Other couples are willing to make the sacrifice needed to preserve the family setting. It has been observed that sufficient income to meet the need is the reward of those who keep God's order. Surely God will bless those who carefully consider the cost before the mother of a family seeks employment away from home.

Paul exhorted the young men to show "a pattern of good works." The Preacher pleaded, "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth" (Eccles. 12:1). To establish habits of godly living as young Christians is a foundation for stable homes. With your youthful energy, consecrate yourselves to the Lord to make your congregation a working church. The world, as well as the church, is influenced by faithful young Christians.

Young people have the ability to focus on an area of interest without being easily distracted. When they focus on God and heavenly things, much good is accomplished. Unfortunately, if this focus turns to worldly pleasure or material pursuits, they will drift away from God. Some young men try to excel in sports and to be popular with their peers. Some aspire to become a noteworthy Christian, such as a missionary or a leader, seeing it as the next goal to achieve. To pursue goals with carnal motives does not constitute sincere Christian living, neither is it pure doctrine. Christian service should be motivated by a deep gratitude to God for salvation rather than by a desire for personal advantage.

Sound speech is a very important part of our witness and has the power to influence those around us. The proverb says, "There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health" (Prov, 12:18),

To honestly and enthusiastically serve our employers is our Christian obligation. Employers appreciate workers with a good work ethic and commitment to their work. A Christian employee cannot expect his employer to repeatedly give him time off for pleasure trips and social activities. The apostle's teaching on the relationship of servants and masters, though penned many years ago, is very applicable.

According to the lesson scriptures, it is by God's grace that we learn Christian virtue. As we grow in grace, our hearts thrill to fulfill the will of our Maker. Ungodly and worldly pleasures lose their appeal, for we want to please Him who redeemed us. Since this way is contrary to the way of the flesh, Christians are a peculiar people in the world. This should not be considered strange. The Lord has called us to be "a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle" (Eph. 5:27).

Illustration

A young lad growing up in the Philippines was privileged above many of his friends. His mother met the Mennonite missionaries and was converted, becoming a member of the church. In Sunday school and by his mother’s teachings, he was exposed to the way of the godly. Sadly, instead of accepting Christ as his Savior, he followed the influences of the neighborhood boys. Having a friendly disposition, he made many friends and was soon drinking deeply from the cup of sin. Drugs, alcohol, and smoking filled his life. When he was paid for the products he sold for his employer, he would keep some for his own pocket. He married and began a family. Many times he would return from a party late at night to find the house door locked, leaving him to sleep outside.

God, in His great kindness, gave this young man another chance. He became violently ill and was rushed to the hospital. As he travelled in a semiconscious state, the Lord spoke to him clearly. The young man promised the Lord, "If you save me, I'll serve you for the rest of my life." God answered his humble plea and spoke peace to his heart. After finding no medical issues, the doctor sent him home.

This young man's commitment to God has been unwavering. Never again has he partaken of those worldly vices. Confessions were made where he had been dishonest. His wife attended his baptismal service with tears of thanksgiving. A few years later she also accepted Christ as her Savior. Cheerfulness and happiness now radiate from a home where once trouble and despair ruled. God's ways are always best.

Questions

1. What is the enjoyment in sin for a season when God's way is full of blessing? See Hebrews 11:25 and Proverbs 13:15.
2. Is early independence in our children with less time for family activities an erosion of the godly way or simply an acceptable change?
3. We enjoy the commendation of the world for our godly integrity and Christian ethics. Would our good reputation be spoiled if we were more set apart from the world?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).