Attractive attributes of age- older men

Introduction: All of us need to recognize the value of the older men and women who have labored in the Lord's church for many years. They have wisdom common talents, & abilities that can be of great benefit to the cause of Christ. May we never make them feel unneeded or unwanted in the Lord's church. As Tom Holland so aptly put it, the younger need the older to show them the ways. That is the theme of our text.

Text: Titus 2:1-3

Body

1.       True teaching is a must. (VS1) Paul urged Titus to speak “sound” teaching. This is in contrast to false teachers whom he had just discussed in 1: 9-16. Their teaching was unsound, unhealthy, potentially fatal to them & those that heard them. 

·        Why was this so important? Because teaching influences behavior. We are what we are taught. True doctrine keeps spiritually healthy.

·        Titus was to speak things that are proper, that benefit, or become sound doctrine.  Means to be conspicuous among a member. Believe and behavior must be consistent. Should not be like the Pharisees in Matthew 23: 1-4.

·        Older men and women never outgrow the need for teaching. Never reach an age when they cannot be taught. Need to take God's word very seriously. Older men who have been in the Lord's church for many years should have a good knowledge of the word because they have been willing to spend much time in diligent study. Should not be like those in Hebrews 5: 12-13, but like those in VS 14.

 

2.       Christ like qualities of older men

·        Sober. A healthy mental condition that shows itself in self-control. Means mastering sensual appetites. Also, to be vigilant and watchful, especially of the return of Christ. (First thessalonians 5: 6). They realize that for them time is short period need to make sure their life is together.

·        Reverent.  Grave, serious, dignified. Understand life is not a game period not about seeking new ways to have fun. Life is about serving jehovah & preparing for eternity. (Colossians 3: 23-24)

·        Temperate.  Marked by moderation. Not extremist. Realizes the cost of self indulgence. Also includes the idea of being discrete. Older men can show the younger men the way to develop these Christ like qualities.

 

3.       Spiritual health of older men

·        Sound in the faith. Their faith was genuine as was timothy's in second Timothy 1: five. Possessed a strong conviction. The only way it can be sound is if it is built on the faith, the word of god. Remember second Timothy 1: 13. A healthy faith is essential. Hebrews 11: six. A wholesome faith keeps us from losing heart & enables us to focus on things eternal, second Corinthians 4: 16; 5:1. 

·        Sound in love. Pure uncorrupted love. Goodwill, benevolence. As we grow older, this love keeps us from becoming a better, critical, or spiteful. Note what the agent John wrote in 1 John 3: 18. By this time in his life he was convinced of importance of being sound in love.

·        Sound impatience. Be steadfast, persistent, persevere, endure. Must never give up or quit. Should not become careless or unfaithful. Live so you can say what Paul said in 2 Timothy 4: 6-8.

4.       Conclusion:  the older men in the congregation can be a great example of living the Christian life. Can show us the way to be good fathers, good husbands, good teachers, good Bible students. Men of character & strength. Psalms 92: 12-15.

 

Lesson outline by Bobby Stafford, 

 

 

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The church of Christ at Granby, Missouri

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P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

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