S) "3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored"
Titus 2:3-5 (NASB)
O) This is a sort of compound instruction. Paul starts by directing older women about their behavior, but then part of that is their instruction to the younger women. Since Paul describes what they are to teach the next generation, we also have Paul's instruction to the younger wives and mothers, as well. These instructions are not exhaustive, but rather they are foundational. With the last line of v.5, Paul reminds us of the purpose of holy living, that it would bring honor to the word of God. Remembering that Jesus Christ is the word of God made flesh, living as a Christian should (i.e., obediently) will honor Him.
A) Because I am not a woman (old or young), this passage does not hold direct application to me. However, I am a husband, and I have children who are girls. One of my responsibilities as a husband, is to support and encourage my wife in obedience to the word of God. This passage is all about discipleship. Even though we are not done raising our own kids, my wife can share a lot with young wives and young mothers, about what it means to be godly. I have been nothing short of completely blessed by my wife, by the mother of my children. It is a joy to me, any time I hear or see her ministering to other mothers and wives. I want to support her efforts in that, in every way. There is another aspect of this passage that is still important for me to remember. I still have daughters. I pray that nothing happens to my wife before they are grown, but if the Lord calls her to heaven before then, I need to remember how important discipleship is for them. Certainly, a godly dad can teach his daughters, but not the same ways a godly woman can. The last thing is certainly applicable to me as much as Kristin, or any Christian for that matter. Righteous living is only sustainable, when it is motivated by a love for Christ. I want to honor Him with the way I live, that His glory would be shown through my actions.
P) Father, thank You for being my perfect example of a loving Father. I am so grateful for Your grace, that my marriage is so blessed by Kristin's heart for obedience. She loves me and our children undeniably. She is sensible, pure, working hard at home. She is kind and subjects herself to my leadership constantly. She honors Your name. I pray that my daughters learn these disciplines from her. I pray that Kristin remains with them, that we can raise them together. Help me be an encouragement to Kristin, too. I am so blessed whenever I have seen her ministering to other women, other wives and mothers. You have blessed Kristin with wisdom in her words and actions, and I love seeing her disciple other women. Give her boldness to step into those roles, and help me to support her in every way I can for that. We are not done raising our own kids, though. I know that Kristin longs for an older woman's wisdom. She longs for a relationship with a godly woman who can disciple her, too. Please do this for Kristin. Please bring a godly woman into our lives, who can take up this role for her. We are about to move to Montana, and I pray that You are already arranging the circumstances, to bring us into fellowship with the right church home for us. Bring us into fellowship with the right people, the right women, for my wife and daughters. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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