CHAPTER 2

INTRO: In the last chapter, Paul left Timothy in Crete to correct things that were lacking,
and to ordain elders in every city.

In Chapter 2, we see the conversation changing, and instructions are given
which set in order things that are lacking in the church.

VS 1-2
1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

The word "become," in verse 1, is the Greek word prep'o.
It means EXHIBITS.
So, to Timothy (and I believe to all who surrender to Christ), we are to speak/preach/teach
those things which are becoming of TRUE doctrine from God's Word!

Be sure what you state as doctine actually can be SHOWN in the Bible!

Concerning aged men, they should exhibit:
SOBER - honest and honorable words,
TEMPERATE - self controlled, not jumping to conclusions,
SOUND in FAITH - Biblically FOUNDED,
SOUND in CHARITY - caring, sharing, giving,
SOUND in PATIENCE - enduring difficulties.

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,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,
that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Note that phrase "aged women."
Older women should be those honored and respected for living in holiness.
WHAT are some things which will exhibit that life style?
1) NOT false accusers! KNOW the FACTS.
Don't speak about it if you didn't HEAR it with YOUR ears, or SEE it with YOUR eyes!
((Gossip: the art of storytelling WITHOUT being burdened with FACTS!))

2) WINE? ...certainly should NOT be "given" to it!

3) Teachers of GOOD things...teaching younger women and children the things
that show a good relationship with God.

4) The Scripture goes ON to say, "teach younger women to be sober,"
unimpassioned, or not jumping to conclusions.

5) And, elder women should teach younger women to "love their husbands and children."
((Not just to CARE for them, but to have RESPECT toward them. No marriage can
survive if each spouse doesn't have care and respect for the other.))

In verse 5, the word "discreet" is from sophrone in the Greek.
It is actually the same word translated as "temperate" in vs 2.
And means to be self-disciplined.

Also here (vs 5) the words "keepers at home" reflect the attitude of
FAMILY FIRST, THEN church, then other things.

And that last part, "obedient to their own husbands!"
WOW!!!
This is stated in the manner of a COOPERATIVE spirit!
Remember, the husband has the LAST say, but the wife DOES have a say too!
ALSO, remember that the husband must meet the qualifications given in other
Scriptures.
For instance, Eph. 5:25 says, "...husbands love your wives like Christ love the
church and GAVE HIMSELF for it!"

VS 6
Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

What exactly IS "sober minded"?
The Scripture outlines that train of thought in Philippians 2:5-8!
"Let THIS mind be in YOU, which was ALSO IN CHRIST JESUS!"
1) Not trying to make a reputation! (Ppns. 2:7)
2) Being a willing "servant" of God! (Ppns. 2:7)
3) HUMBLE and OBEDIENT to the faith until death! (Ppns. 2:8)

VSS 7-8
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works:
in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he
that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having
no evil thing to say of you.

I believe this was written to Timothy (who was a young man), but it is good
advice for young Christians to abide in always!

SHOW a PATTERN for others!
Be INCORRUPT in use of God's truths!
Have "gravity," or being honest!
Having "SINCERITY." Actually, that last word was added by English translaters.
And, I believe it was used to further expound on "gravity!"

In verse 8, the Scripture gives the sound practice of speaking so that
NO ONE can condemn what you have said or taught.

VSS 9-10
9 Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please
them well in all things; not answering again;
10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

"Servants" could be stated today as workers under supervision.
As employees, Christians should be:
1) Obedient - doing the work, and doing it as instructed
Not to "butter up" the boss; but, to demonstrate loyalty as a worker.
2) "Not answering again" actually means exhibiting an argumentative
attitude.
3) "Not purloining" actually means taking something for oneself.
Examples would be: embezzling money, or wasteful use of time.
4) Instead, exhibit "good fidelity" which in the context would mean
showing good assurance in work ethic.

Being a Christian worker, and exhibiting these actions, actually DECORATES
the testimony of BEING a Christian.

VSS 11-14
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great
God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and
purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

God's "grace" toward the world is actually SHOWN in Christ Jesus!
He willingly died on the cross, carrying our sins away through His death.
The cross of Jesus exhibits the love, mercy and grace of God.
The resurrection of Jesus proves that He is ALIVE and has OVERCOME
our sinfulness!
And, John 3:16 exemplifies that Jesus is willing to ACCEPT ANYONE who
"believeth" in Him!
Let me repeat, BELIEVETH denotes SURRENDER to Jesus as LORD
of ones life.....DAILY!!

We should SHOW (vs 13) in our living that we are actually awaiting
Jesus to come again....THAT is our "blessed HOPE!"
AND, we should KNOW, BELIEVE, and LIVE the FACT that Jesus died
FOR us, so that He exhibits His willingness to CHANGE us (2Cor. 5:17)
and help us daily to be "zealous of good works!"

VS 15
These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

As Christians, WE ALL should be willing to be so propelled by God's Holy Spirit
Who is IN us, SPEAK, EXHORT and REBUKE with the AUTHORITY of God's
Holy Word.

When a glass is filled to overflowing, it will pour out on whatever is around it!
When a person is actually filled to overflowing with God's Holy Spirit, his/her
ACTIONS will SHOW it!

The Christian is NOT filled with God's Holy Spirit to be overbearing, prideful,
arrogant, or making a show of himself.
He/she will be SINCERE, HONEST, UNWAVERING, but also GENTLE,
LOVING and LONGSUFFERING!