Titus 2:1-16 (NLT) PROBLEM } Corrupt church leaders calling themselves Christians damaged the reputation & response to this new message of faith. SOLUTION} Church leaders should… Promote healthy Christian households who learn to live in . Titus 2:1 (NLT) As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. “Every believer in a disciple making relationship.” Titus 2:2 (NLT) Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Titus 2:3–5 (NLT) 3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. Titus 2:6 (NLT) 6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. Titus 2:7-8 (NLT) 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. Where do we get the power to live in this contrast? The power we need today comes from the we have for tomorrow. Titus 2:11–15 (NLT) 11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. What now? Focus your life on improving your household “contrast”, on improving your household comfort. Focus your life on the glory of Jesus so you can turn from a life devoted to your own selfish desires & pleasures. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION 1. In our American culture, what seems to be the focus of our typical households? 2. What do you think our culture might find attractive about older Christians training & encouraging younger Chrsitians to live wisely? 3 . Did someone older than you ever train & encourage you to thrive in any of your life phases? 4. Titus 2:13 (NLT) …we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. a. To find the power you need to turn from selfish autonomy and toward wisdom, friendship with & devotion to God, you have to look forward with hope. How might you turn more of your attention on savoring Jesus’ glory instead of striving for your own?