Titus 2:1-15
Wednesday, 15 January 2025
“But you must teach what agrees with sound doctrine. Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled; to be sound in their faith, love, and endurance.” -Titus 2:1-2
In every civilized society/ institution, there are laid down rules and instructions given to every citizen/employee to abide by and uphold, for their well-being. It is a known fact that if those instructions are followed, it helps the institution run well. Apostle Paul gives these instructions to Titus to implement in the church where he was an overseer.
The principle holds true in the Kingdom of God- God never employs a man to a task without giving him basic instructions on how to go about his duties. In the 3rd Chapter of Ezekiel and verse 17, the Lord said to Ezekiel, “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore hear a word from My mouth, and give them warning from Me.” It is evident that for every watchman there is an instruction. God always want his voice to be aired, heard and echoed into the ears and minds of his people. As God’s watchman, we are charged with the responsibility to propagate and instruct that which agrees with our Master’s desires.
God, the Creator of the universe, wants his watchman to teach what agrees with sound doctrine, instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled; and also to be sound in their faith, love and endurance in order to serve as examples to the younger ones. The older women are also charged with the same responsibility toward younger women: in setting examples by being reverent in behaviour and teaching what is good. All these instructions are given to us so that we say ”… “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…” (Vs.12&13)
We are not only watching over others, but our eyes must always watch ourselves. Only we ourselves can see more clearly what happens in the thoughts of our inside—not anyone else. Hence we need to exercise self-control! The home-front cannot be neglected either in applying these principles. In our interpersonal relationships and communication- in terms of our talk/action with our husbands, wives and children- it has to suit the heart of our Master and King. We need to constantly pray: “Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (Psalm 141:3)
Husbands are God’s watchmen over their wives and children, just as wives are the same to their husband and children. The Lord said to Ezekiel, “…therefore hear the word at my mouth’, It is explicitly clear that the Lord always has His own Word for his own people- be it warning, rebuke, encouragement, assurance etc. Whenever unbecoming, insulting words are expressed by husbands or wives, they are not coming from the mouth of the Lord but from another source. So be watchful!
As God’s watchmen, we should not only engage in the task of watching over others, we must always watch our mouths as well, as we carry out our Master’s will and desires for His people.
As a believer in the Lord, in whichever role of life you are in, take heed to your life and how you conduct yourself in word and deed. May you make an impact as a watchman for the Lord!
Prayer: "Lord God, give me the eyes to see more clearly, the heart to understand Your voice and the ear to hear when You speak.” Amen
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