A Titus2 Journey
A personal or personal-group journey & study in Titus 2.3-5

The Making of a Titus 2 Woman
pamela spurling

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers,  not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands,  to love their children,  To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.   Titus 2. 3-5


Titus 2 ~ Week One
Proverbs14.1
 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.

 What does this verse mean? 

What am I doing to “build” my house?

What am I doing to pluck it down?


Titus 2 ~ Week Two

What is my/our prayer & goal for the coming year?

 What am I doing to be prepared?

 

 What does the LORD  want me to be doing?  ---Scripture?

 

 What does my husband expect/prefer?
(Ask!!)

Will I listen to him and apply what he suggests?

 

 What daily schedule/routine do I  (or will I)  follow?
(write it out!)

 

 What do I need to concentrate on immediately?

 

 Prayer/Accountability:


Titus 2 ~  Week Three

Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

What does this verse mean?

 

 To what are we to apply our hearts and how are we to do it?

 

 What does this have to do with “numbering” our days?

 

 My plan: 

[Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalm 90.12-17] "Those who would learn true wisdom, must pray for Divine instruction, must beg to be taught by the Holy Spirit; and for comfort and joy in the returns of God's favour. They pray for the mercy of God, for they pretend not to plead any merit of their own. His favour would be a full fountain of future joys. It would be a sufficient balance to former griefs. Let the grace of God in us produce the light of good works. And let Divine consolations put gladness into our hearts, and a lustre upon our countenances. The work of our hands, establish thou it; and, in order to that, establish us in it. Instead of wasting our precious, fleeting days in pursuing fancies, which leave the possessors for ever poor, let us seek the forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance in heaven. Let us pray that the work of the Holy Spirit may appear in converting our hearts, and that the beauty of holiness may be seen in our conduct."


Titus 2 ~  Week Four
Titus 2.3-5 
Write what these three verses mean to you.
 

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.

(yes, each one... what do they mean to you?)

            Below are cross references… please look for other references, and as you do,  pray
            for deeper understanding  as to the LORD’s purpose in these “instructions.”

 Verse 3---

      1Timothy 2.9-10; 3.11;  

        Genesis 1.26-27

      1Peter 3.3-4

 Verse 4---

      1Timothy 5.14

 Verse 5---

        Romans 2.24 

       1Corinthians 14.34

       Ephesians 5.22

       Colossians 3.18 
 
     1Timothy 2.11;  6.1 

      1Peter 3.1,5


Titus 2 ~  Week Five

Titus 2.3-5 
Last week you were to write what these three verses mean to you.
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.

This week I’d like to focus on “our part” of the instruction, that of receiving and applying the teaching.  Our understanding and application of the teaching we receive will be evident in our character and behaviour.   How or how soon we apply it will demonstrate our hearts’ desire---if our hearts’ desire is to fully yield to the Spirit of God then the instruction will be well received---even fervently desired.

 How well do you receive teaching or instruction?

 In what area do you see your greatest need  [or do you lack instruction?] ?

 Could you take care of any of it /them today?


Titus 2 ~  Week Six           

Last week you were to focus on “our part” of the instruction, that of receiving and applying the teaching. 
Our understanding and application of the teaching we receive will be evident in our character and behaviour.    
Obedience always requires us to give up our ways and seek His ways.

Titus 2. 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.

When we receive and apply instruction, others are often aware or even affected by changes
we make or have made in our lives.  Sometimes changes we make may cause a negative reaction
in others.  They may question our motives, convictions, or changes and may feel inferior or
sensitive that their behavior /decisions stand in judgment or condemnation if convictions differ.

  1. How do you handle the negative reactions of others to changes/decisions/convictions
    you make or maintain?
     
  1. If you have received criticism (negative) have you remained gracious in your thoughts
    and speech?

     
  1. Do you bring undue criticism upon yourself?

 

  1. How to you handle praise for positions you hold?

     
  1.  Are there changes you perceive the LORD convicting you to make that you are nervous/anxious/fearful to make?

     
  1. What does your husband think/say?

 

  1. What should your next action be?

Titus 2 ~  Week Seven

Last week you were to focus on how you face/handle criticism and praise. 
This is important because our behaviour is to be holy.

Titus 2. 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.
 

We are to have a holy or reverent demeanor.  As teachers of good things, we are not to be slanderers, irreverent,  or in bondage or enslaved to wine----so that we can teach!

 What qualities are necessary in teachers?

 At what age does a woman begin this teaching?

How do we slander?

 What is reverence?

 We are not to be given to much wine---is it possible to be given to too much of anything else?

 Why is this so important to heed?

 Your thoughts?

 Your actions?


Titus 2 ~  Week Eight

Titus 2
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.

   Last week we talked about the qualities are necessary in teachers, and as teachers, of good things,  
        to be holy in behavior, to not be slanderers, irreverent,  or in bondage or  enslaved to wine, etc.

  When does this behavior need to be evident?

  Are these qualities or guidelines just for aged women? 

  Is this behaviour possible for a person who is not “aged” yet?

  How about an unsaved person?

 What are you doing to develop these qualities?

  Do you know a woman who possesses these qualities?

  What do you most notice or find most interesting about her?

  What is her approximate age?

  Do you strive to emulate her or the qualities?

  Can you find women of the Bible that you see as having these qualities?

  Can you find verses to help you as you strive to develop these virtues?



Titus 2 ~  Week Nine
Titus 2
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.

When discussing outward appearance or outward behaviour, Christian women often fear being labeled, or are labeled as legalists or legalistic.  However, from the verses we're studying, what key words tell you that attention to or observance of certain behaviour is *not* legalistic.
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There is a key reason why a Christian woman must pay strict attention to her behaviour.  What is it?
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What would  this [keeping this key reason in mind] do to, or how would this affect or change your decision making process?

How would this change any thing you are currently doing?

Is there, or are there, a thing or things that you need to change?

Are there thoughts or thought patterns you need to address or change?

We'll talk next week about what it means to do this.  Until then.......


Titus 2 ~  Week  Ten
Titus 2.3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers,  not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.
 
 As noted last week:   
When discussing outward appearance or outward behaviour, Christian women often fear being labeled, or are labeled as legalists or legalistic.  However, from the verses we're studying, what key words tell you that attention to or observance of certain behaviour is *not* legalistic.

After this lesson, we’ll go back to some more “specifics” in Titus 2. 
For this week:     Now, what is the key reason a Christian woman must pay strict attention to her behaviour??     

 

 

Yes!   That the word of God be not blasphemed!
 
What does it mean to   do/not do  this? 
     Specifically, what does it mean to blaspheme the Word of God?

 

(The remaining page is for filling in your answers *supported* by specific Scripture references!) 

 


Titus 2 ~  Week  Eleven                       
Titus 2.3-5   The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers,  not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste,
keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.


 From last week:     What is the key reason a Christian woman must pay strict attention to her behaviour?? 
      Yes! That the word of God be not blasphemed!

 

Now, consider your sphere of influence… 

 

Do you realize that your sphere of influence is greater than your sphere of acquaintance?

 

Everything you do, everywhere you go, everything you say must be influenced by this Bible Truth: “… that the Word of God be not blasphemed.”

Toss a rock into a pond and see the ripple effect.  Do you see the similarities of  a ‘ripple effect’ in your own life?  Lives your touch influence decisions they make which in turn influence others’ decisions and so on and so on.  You may or may not ever be aware of the degree of influence you have on other lives.  Your sphere of influence is greater than your sphere of acquaintance.


List what, who, where, when… you influence and how you may positively or negatively influence others.

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   That the word of God be not blasphemed!
To Commit blasphemy is to curse, use foul language,
1) to speak reproachfully, rail at, revile, calumniate, blaspheme
2) to be evil spoken of, reviled, railed at

(attitude of submission)
Genesis 16:8  And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.

Genesis 16:9  And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.

(Keeper At Home)

Genesis 18:9  And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.

Proverbs 7:11  (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house:
 

(The Virtuous Woman)

Proverbs 31:10  Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:11  The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

Proverbs 31:12  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:13  She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

Proverbs 31:14  She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

Proverbs 31:15  She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

Proverbs 31:16  She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

Proverbs 31:17  She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

Proverbs 31:18  She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Proverbs 31:19  She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

Proverbs 31:20  She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Proverbs 31:21  She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

Proverbs 31:22  She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

Proverbs 31:23  Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

Proverbs 31:24  She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

Proverbs 31:25  Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Proverbs 31:26  She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

Proverbs 31:27  She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:28  Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Proverbs 31:29  Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Proverbs 31:30  Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:31  Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

(Strive for godly obedience)
1 Timothy 5:13  And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

Acts 9:36  Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Acts 9:39  Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

1 Timothy 5:10  Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

Genesis 3:16  Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

1 Corinthians 11:3  But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

1 Corinthians 14:34  Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

Ephesians 5:22  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

Ephesians 5:23  For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

Ephesians 5:24  Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.

Ephesians 5:33  Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Colossians 3:18  Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

1 Timothy 2:11  Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

1 Timothy 2:12  But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

1 Peter 3:1  Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;

1 Peter 3:2  While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

1 Peter 3:3  Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

1 Peter 3:4  But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

1 Peter 3:5  For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

2 Samuel 12:14  Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.

Psalms 74:10  O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? shall the enemy blaspheme thy name for ever?

Romans 2:24  For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

1 Timothy 5:14  I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

1 Timothy 6:1  Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

Titus 2:2  That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and [his] doctrine be not blasphemed.
 


Titus 2 ~  Week  Twelve
Titus 2.3-5 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers,  not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste,  keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.  

 From last lesson:     Your sphere of influence is greater than your sphere of acquaintance.

Now,  considering that your sphere of influence is greater than your sphere of acquaintance and that your influence is not necessarily only what you intend to present, but how you’re *perceived* by those around you or those who hear of or simply see you.

 How do you see yourself?

 

 How do you think others see you?

  

What are the discrepancies and what are the similarities of #1 and #2?

 

 

When my friend Florence was turning 80, she told me that whatever you want to be at 80 you need to be doing at 40  (I had just turned 40 at that time).  If you’re not doing it at 40, you won’t be it at 80.  She was referring to probably any area of life you’d mention.

 

It was at that time she shared that if you want your own teeth to floss at 80 you need to be flossing them at 40.  Yes, sage advice.  This is the friend who regularly memorizes large passages of Scripture, frequently speaks at conferences and retreats, holds weekly Bible study/fellowship meetings, has a ministry in the local nursing facility and ministers in hospitality to countless men and women who visit her and her husband in their home.

 

So, then, when you’re 80, what would you like to have said in the personal description of your life?

 

What Scriptures support your plans/desires?

 

What do you want to begin doing or change in your life?

 

Are you willing to ask someone to hold you accountable for the change you want to make
or the new steps you want to take?
 

Titus2 Week 13

Titus 2.3-5
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers,  not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.

 From last lesson:  Now, considering that your sphere of influence is greater than your sphere of acquaintance, your influence is not necessarily only what you intend to present, but how you’re *perceived* by those around you or those who hear of or simply see you.  Also, remember: when you’re 80, what would you like to have said in the description of your life?

 

After considering those questions & thinking on your answers, are you sobered by where or who you are compared with where or who you want to be

 What changes can be made immediately?

  When looking at the Scriptures to support your  plans/desires, do you have understanding as to how the LORD will/can use them in your life?

  Are you willing to accept ---today--- the directives of the Word and begin applying them?

 Are there decisions you are making or are desiring to make that contradict your husband’s plans or desires for you or your life?

 Are you running ahead of him [your husband]? 

 

Are you willing to sacrifice your reputation and/or the opinions of others to do what the LORD is revealing/telling you to do and what your husband prefers or is directing? 


Titus2  Week 14
This week we begin our study of specific qualities of the woman who would be known as a "Titus 2 Woman"
Memorize the passage:

The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.

To be sober
   (...That they may teach the young women to be sober...)
Do a word study; get your Strong's and find all the verses using this word.  Find similar verses:
***To be sober
4994. sophronizo, so-fron-id'-zo: from 4998; to make of sound mind,
i.e. (figuratively) to discipline or correct:--teach to be sober.
4998. sophron, so'-frone: from the base of 4982 and that of 5424; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):--discreet, sober, temperate.

Questions for today:

Are you striving to have a sound mind? 
     

What are you doing to improve?


What things hinder sound thinking/decision making? 


What will you do today to eliminate these things?

 

What does your husband think?  Ask him!!   Remember he is NOT your enemy/you are his help specially fitted for him!  Seek his counsel. 
Follow through with his suggestions for your life/days/plans. 
___________________________________________________________

Titus2                                                                                                                  Lesson 15
”…to Love their husbands… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5

…that the word of God be not blasphemed.

One Flesh
 ONE
Trustworthy
Submissive
Subject in Everything
Joined
Quiet Spirit
Of Great Price
Trust
Obedient
Excellent
 Fear of the LORD
Trustworthy
Satisfying
Good
Intimate
A  Crown
No Divorce

 One Flesh
 ONE

LEAVE & CLEAVE
Genesis 2
24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh

SUBMISSION
Ephesians 5.
21  Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

 SUBJECT IN EVERYTHING
Ephesians 5.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.

 JOINED
Ephesians 5.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

 DESIRE
Genesis 3.16
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.

SUBMIT as it is FIT in the LORD
Colossian 3. 8
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

BEHAVIOUR/CONVERSATION
1Peter 3
1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;

Quiet Spirit
OF GREAT PRICE
1Peter 3
4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

EXCELLENT
Proverbs 31
28  …her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

FEAR OF THE LORD
Proverbs 31
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

 TRUST
1Peter 3
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:

 OBEDIENT
1Peter 3
6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

 NOT PROVOKING
Colossians 3
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.


TRUSTWORTHY
Proverbs 31
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.


Does GOOD
Proverbs 31
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life

 A GOOD THING
Proverbs 18
22  Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.
 
SATISFYING
Proverbs 5
18 Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.
19 Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

 INTIMATE
1Corinthians 7

2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

 A CROWN
Proverbs  12
4  A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

BEAUTIFUL
2Samuel 11
2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

COMPANION
Malachi 2
14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion,

COVENANT
Malachi 2


GODLY CHILDREN

Malachi 2
15 And did not he make one? …

ONE  WITH/FOR  A PURPOSE

(15)…Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

 NO DIVORCE

16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye
deal not treacherously.

My instant reaction:
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Am I seeking to be ONE flesh?
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What am I fighting?
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Areas I want to improve:
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A MATTER for PRAYER & FASTING:
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5 things I will do this week to demonstrate L-O-V-E to my husband
 

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3___________________________________________________________
4___________________________________________________________
5___________________________________________________________

 

ONE MAJOR PROJECT I WILL COMPLETE THIS COMING WEEK
that will demonstrate my practical love for HIM

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ONE TOTALLY  -SELFLESS-  activity THIS COMING WEEK

that will demonstrate my preference and desire for HIM
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For some additional personal study and personal behaviour corrections

 CONTENTIOUSNESS

Proverbs  21.19  It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

Proverbs  21.9  It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house

Proverbs  19.13  A foolish son is the calamity of his father: and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping.

Proverbs  27.15  A continual dropping in a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 

BITTERNESS
Ephesians 4.31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

 Hebrews 12.15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.

James 3.11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
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  Titus2                                                                                                                  Lesson 16
”…to Love their children…   that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5
that the word of God be not blasphemed.

TO love their children
to LOVE their children
to love THEIR children
to love their CHILDREN
                                …that the word of God be not blasphemed.

Can you think of times or give examples of seeing a woman/mother love her children?
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Now… think of times or give examples of seeing a woman/mother NOT loving her children: 
(What did you think? And were you motivated to alter your behavior?)
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Tell of your greatest joy(s) in mothering:
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 Tell of your deepest regret in your mothering:
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 Tell of a time you were most moved as a mother:
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The Word says that the younger women are to be taught to love their children. 
Do you find you need(ed) to be taught to love your children?
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What things did you do in times past (to demonstrate love) that you no longer do?
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 Was it a conscious decision or did things just fade away?
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List your children’s names and then make a note of decisions you would like to
implement or change in order to better LOVE them the way THEY need to be loved.
1__________________________________________________________
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2__________________________________________________________
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3__________________________________________________________
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4__________________________________________________________
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5__________________________________________________________
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11_________________________________________________________   
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Locate Scriptures to support your thoughts and your goals. 
Pray over them and memorize the  most impressive ones on your heart and mind.
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Titus2                                                                                                                                        Lesson 17
                                      "…to be discreet…   that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.

This is an inward 'behaviour' that will need some introspection, some time in prayer and reflection.  We women tend to really botch it here in this area of discretion.  O, we would like to think of ourselves as pure and holy---aspiring to it every day---but we're quite feeble in the mind when it comes to discretion... we talk and O, the power of the tongue.  Read 1 Timothy 5.13-14.  As we consider this important topic: To be discreet, we must be brutally honest and face the (sometimes shameful)  truth about our tendencies to be indiscreet---especially when it comes to our speech.
Titus 2.3-5
To be discreet  [4998] [swfrwn sophron, so'-frone Search for 4998 in KJV  from the base of 4982 and that of 5424; safe (sound) in mind, i.e. self-controlled (moderate as to opinion or passion):--discreet, sober, temperate. 

From the two words:

4982. swzw sozo, sode'-zo ---from a primary sos (contraction for obsolete saos, "safe"); to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively):--heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.

5424. fren phren, frane --- probably from an obsolete phrao (to rein in or curb; compare 5420); the midrif (as a partition of the body), i.e. (figuratively and by implication, of sympathy) the feelings (or sensitive nature; by extension (also in the plural) the mind or cognitive faculties):--understanding.

Find verses to support discretion. Read Proverbs searching for discretion and the consequences of the lack thereof.

Thoughts upon personal reflection:
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Prayer and confession:
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Titus 2                                                                                                Lesson 18
"…to be chaste  …that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5

This week we're again looking at an attitude and just as discreet is an inward attitude with outward demonstration, so also, chaste is an inward attitude which also is demonstrated outwardly.  This is a decision, a learned behaviour just as the abuse of this quality is learned by observing and following the world's ways.

To Be Chaste

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Proverbs 31.10

Behaviour that becomes holiness is: to be chaste.  This is not: to be chased!  You see, in the world in which we live there is great influence to be alluring, to be attractive, to be enticing, to be 'chased' not chaste.  But the Word says we are to be chaste.  We are to be pure for our own husband and so this means we must do nothing to be enticing to other men or to cause the heart of our husband to NOT trust in us. (Proverbs 31.11)

Chaste:  Strong's Number: 53  Greek: hagnos

signifies (a) "pure from every fault, immaculate," 2Cr 7.11 (AV, "clear"); Phl 4:8; 1Timothy 5.22; Jam 3.17; 1Jo 3.3 (in all which the RV rendering is "pure"), and 1Pe 3.2, "chaste;" (b) "pure from carnality, modest," 2Cor 11.2, RV, "pure;" Titus 2.5, "chaste." See CLEAR, HOLY, PURE. Note: Cp. hagios, "holy, as being free from admixture of evil;" hosios, "holy, as being free from defilement;" eilikrines, "pure, as being tested," lit., "judged by the sunlight;" katharos, "pure, as being cleansed."

Now, note the FEW times this word is translated chaste in the whole of scripture---look where this word is used!
2Corinthians 11.2 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
Titus 2.5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
1Peter 3.2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

So, also, for the sake of our marriage [which is a picture of Christ and the church] we're to be chaste.  In our homes, as mothers, in our church or wherever we go, we are to demonstrate this quality, this behaviour.  This is a behaviour which becomes holiness: that the Word of God be not blasphemed!

"Then he [Paul] says, "Teach the young women to be pure," hagnos in Greek, chaste, morally pure, virtuous, sexually faithful to their husbands. Teach them that they are devoted to one man and that's it. Morally pure. ....So if you want to be a holy woman, you work on the inside. And that's what he's saying. Teach women to be adorning their heart, teach women to be virtuous and godly on the inside...  Back in 1 Timothy chapter 2 and verse 9 and 10 that this same thing is said, "Women are not to adorn themselves in any way that would call attentions to themselves but they are to put on proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with the braided hair and gold and pearls and costly garments but rather by means of good works as befits women and making a claim to godliness." So if you're going to claim godliness and virtue and holiness and purity, it ought to show up on the outside.   Those two words in 1 Timothy 2, "modestly and discreetly," very interesting. Modestly means with a sense of shame, with a healthy blush. Not ashamed that you're a woman but ashamed that you might cause someone to be distracted from worshiping God, or ashamed that you might cause someone to look at you and lust. You want to have that kind of sense of shame, the thought of inciting lust or distracting someone from worshiping God. And the idea of discreetly is the same root again, sophra and again it means controlling all your passions. Women who make a claim to godliness had their passions under control, they wouldn't do anything to excite lust, they wouldn't do anything to draw attention to themselves when God's people come together for worship. Holy women have always conducted themselves that way so Paul says you teach the young women to be pure like that."
from:  "The Character of a Healthy Church" Part 4  [Titus 2:3-5]  John MacArthur

1 Corinthians 10:31, Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  And Philippians 4:8, Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.   And here, becoming holiness form a measure and line of conduct to be looked to.

For this week:
Look for verses to support the idea of purity, holiness, cleanness, etc. that
you can use to help you shape your personal decisions or responses.
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Do you understand what it means to be chaste?
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How can you guard purity in your marriage/home?
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Are there things or ways in your life that are or seem carnal?
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Is there anything in your wardrobe that may cause a brother to stumble or that is
drawing excessive attention to you or your form?  [Questions? See articles on Modesty]

What changes do you need to make?
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Your thoughts; your prayer:
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Titus 2                                                     Lesson 19
"…to be ...keepers at home  …that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5

To be Keepers at Home
A Charge to Keep

When considering Titus 2 and the various aspects or topics covered in three verses, it would seem simple to read, understand and apply the teaching we find here.  Would that it be so easy.  These verses or the specifics of these verses ARE simple---simple but not always easy.  With time, consideration and understanding, these verses or their specifics become easy for us to apply in our lives and carry out in our homes.

 

If women are to be keepers at home, what is it they’re to “keep” or what is it they’re to do?
What is the purpose for the home?
What make a house a home?
What makes a home: Christian?
What does it take to make a Christian home?
Do the inhabitants make a house a home?
If the inhabitants of the house are Christian, do they make it a Christian home?
Because a woman is at home, is she a keeper at home?
Can just anyone be a keeper at home?

Let these questions prompt your own thoughts and questions.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (Colossians1.15) 

So, then, What is the design or the purpose for the Home and what does it mean to be a keeper at home?   That’s what we’ll be talking about today. 

Keeper verses  - same word used elsewhere in the New Testament

Acts 5.23 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

Acts 12.6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

Acts 12.19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that [they] should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and [there] abode.

At Home verses - same word used elsewhere in the New Testament
Matthew 8:6 And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented.

Luke 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

1Corinthians 11.34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

1Corinthians 14.35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

2Corinthians 5.6 Therefore [we are] always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

1Timothy 5.4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

Titus 2.5 [To be] discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

So the keeper at home:
1) caring for the house, working at home
         a) the (watch or) keeper of the house, guard [as in lighthouse, a keeper]
         b) keeping at home and taking care of household affairs
         c) a domestic

It is my hope and prayer that in the lesson we have for today we’ll see and be inspired by the great blessing of this charge to keep.  I believe that when we better understand God’s design of women, their role and responsibility, we’ll embrace the responsibility. 

 ~A Charge to Keep~

 The Christian home is a shelter where the LORD reigns supreme
and all who dwell therein dwell in safety.

 

The mother sets the tone of the home, guarding very carefully what takes place, what comes into the home.

She sets the atmosphere, the environment and more than anyone, she gives the home its character.  Think of all the homes you know… what’s one of the first things that comes to your mind about each one?   The way it feels, and it’s characteristics.  The atmosphere of the home will likely be the first thing you notice and it’ll be the you’ll take from there---that unforgettable “thing” about that home.  The decorations, the style, the colours, the tones, the feel, the scents… the mother sets all of these.  Remember... the father is the lamp and the mother is the light.  When you keep this in mind, you will order your home in such a way as to be a compliment to your husband.  Keep in my his preferences when you are planning, decorating, etc.  Attempt to blend your personalities when setting the tone.

How about tone… think of the ‘tone’ of your home.

What do you think of when you think of the tone of your home? 
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What do you think others think of when they think of your home? When they see things around... what prompts them to think of you?  See, what I mean about your personal tone?
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 How is the atmosphere of your home?

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 Proverbs 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
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It may seem like we’re talking only of externals, of the temporal---not so.  The Word says “…But lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break in and steal: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." {Emphasis mine}

 HOME is WHERE the HEART is. 

Sisters, you know that when your heart is in something, great things happen and when your heart is NOT, perilous things happen.  Perilous?  Yes… the death of life, joy, happiness, creativity, future and memories.

So the home is the sheltering place, the place of refuge.
The word ‘keeper’ actually means to guard, to watch over--- thus the mother/homemaker is the guard of the home.  It’s her domain, her duty and her pleasure to guard and guide the home.

Your home is to be a refuge where no evil dwells, where no danger or harm is allowed.  Your home is to be a safe place.

Everyone needs a safe place in which to rest.  A safe place to grow, a safe place to be refreshed.  The home is at once to be a place of sharing, of freedom, of security, of worship, of praise, of joy, of comfort from sorrow, disappointment, grief, or loss.  
 Joshua 24.15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

The home is a place of worship and prayer.

The home is where the LORD is introduced, revered, worshipped.  It is where the knowledge of Him is deepened and the study of His Word is highly regarded and practiced.  The home is also a house of prayer.  From the earliest moments of the morning to the last waking moment of each day, prayer must be what governs the hearts and minds.  The keeper at home can contribute greatly to this practice by first obeying this command and then incorporating it into each day, modeling a life of prayer and praise, planning for times of prayer, study and worship, and being available for devotions.

The home is a place of confession, forgiveness and forgetfulness.

If our homes are to be places of worship and prayer, then they are to be places of confession and forgiveness.  I suggest also forgetfulness so as to encourage growth and joy rather than oppression and guilt.  Genuine forgiveness has a corollary forgetfulness or NOT rehearsing past faults and failings.  This is where love is often most clearly defined: will I be forgiven and will we be able to move on from here?  There’s nothing more freeing than freedom from guilt, freedom from the bondage of sin and the washing we receive from the Lord as He promised in His Word.
There is no provision made for "You always..." or "You never..."  "Remember, you're the one who never..."  "I can't trust you, you once___________."  When confession is made, remorse is present and forgiveness has been requested, We must forgive, trust, forget and move on.  Past faults and failings must be put into the sea of forgetfulness.
What is the LORD prompting you in all of this?  Is there a member of your family whose past [confessed/forgiven failings] you continually rehearse or bring up?

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What do you need to do?

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 The home is where we’re refreshed.

This may mean with food---meals or snacks, with relaxation, tea, a bath, a nap or sleep for the night.  Within the safety of home these are pure joy.

The keeper at home must invest time, energy and *interest* in these in order that true refreshment and rejuvenation takes place.  We all have much to learn in the area of meal preparation, nutrition, and presentation.  The home is where we can explore these areas and tend to the specific needs and preferences of the family. __________________________________________________________________________________________
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The home is where we teach and learn skills.

Whether we’re teaching children to read, or to cook, to sew or to clean.  Whether we’re singing or praising, washing or praying, we’re modeling Christ.  We have a charge to keep.  We are to be keepers at home---part of this ‘keeping’ is to openly show the process to our daughters so that they’ll be fully equipped to carry on this duty in their own homes. 

Think of the skills you are teaching; what is the Lord prompting you to do here?
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Home is where we learn and practice hospitality.

Our home is not only a safe haven for our family, it is a place for others to come be refreshed as well.   Home is where we learn to serve and be served.

Hospitality is not going about from house to house, but having a home where others may enter in and the conversation is pleasant and the atmosphere, sweet.

By the way, do you see that this is something *men* are to learn as well?  It’s one of the imperatives of a man desiring the office of a bishop, which the Lord says is a good work. (1Timothy 3.2)   Do you see that if YOU are not practicing hospitality, you are actually HINDERING your husband in the charges the LORD gives to men who would be deacons and bishops?  Is there any man who shouldn't be aspiring to these callings?

What are you doing to show hospitality?
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Are there hindrances?__________________________________________________________________________________________
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Titus 2          lesson 20
[PART TWO]
 
"…
to be ... keepers at home… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5

Teach… To be… Keepers at Home…
Titus 2.5
A Charge to Keep

PART TWO:

In our last lesson, we talked about hospitality---and the necessity of learning how to be hospitable.  Think of all the previous points regarding our charge to be keepers at home, our: “Charge to Keep.”

In all of the previously listed points for the design for the home, we see aspects that will naturally apply to hospitality to others --- those who don’t live in our homes, those who are not a part of our family.

A sheltering place
A place of worship and prayer
A place of forgiveness and forgetfulness
A place to be refreshed
And a place to learn skills
 

Your home is naturally to be all of these things for your family, but can you picture all of these things being practical and important as you invite others into your home?

 

Again, you setting the tone will make your visitors feel welcome ---or not, they’ll feel refreshed---or not, they’ll feel the atmosphere of worship and prayer ---or not.  All of these and things we’ll talk over in the next lesson, are what I call imperatives for the Christian home; the home must be AT LEAST these things… or change is in order.

 

Is your home a place where BOTH family and friends feel loved, sheltered, refreshed and encouraged?  Where BOTH family and friends see your joy?  Where BOTH family and friends see your contentment?_________________________________________________________________
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Practically, how is hospitality shown?  Call this your “Top Ten” list of ways to demonstrate hospitality.

       1.   

2.   

3.   

4.   

5.   

6.   

7.   

8.   

9.   

10. 

Remembering the inestimable quality of a meek and quiet spirit, how are you seeking to demonstrate hospitality?__________________________________________________________________________________________
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Your children---especially your daughters need to see these qualities and their effects lived out in you.  They need to see gracious hospitality in action in order to have a model for their own future home.  They need to see you happily ----happily---- serving.  Your sons need to see an example of a godly woman---modeling before them the qualities they’ll seek in a wife.

 

A POINT TO REMEMBER:  Nancy Campbell once said, something like:  They might not remember exactly what you did in the home, or every little detail… but they’ll remember how your home FELT!

 You’re the KEEPER of the HOME----HOW does it FEEL there at YOUR HOUSE????__________________________________________________________________________________________
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You’re the wife of a man who’s to be given to hospitality.  Are you an encouragement there?  Are you making his ‘job’ painful?

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Back to serving…  The Word says: "Use hospitality one to another without grudging." 1Peter 4.9

Do you “grudge” about serving others?__________________________________________________________
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Here’s a challenging section of verses… a good challenging; reminding us what the LORD calls to do--- 

 “[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that  which is good. [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”   Romans 12.9-15

And  “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him:  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.”  Colossians 2.6-7

Abounding therein with thanksgiving---THANKSGIVING

There is the secret of the happy Christian wife, the key to a happy Christian home… it is the answer to the murmuring you may experience.  It is: THANKSGIVING. 

Are you demonstrating a spirit of gratefulness, and a heart of thanksgiving in your home?
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Does your family and do your guests see this ‘way’ about you?_______________________________________
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Do you have a murmuring spirit?  Are you unthankful?  Has the whole matter of hospitality got you in knots?  Do you KNOW you ought to be hospitable but you still don’t want to obey?

Would you be willing to go before the LORD---to seek His forgiveness, His cleansing, His filling?
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What are your thoughts?  What do you need to learn?
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 Your “thankful” meditations:


Titus 2                       Lesson 21
"…
to be ... keepers at home… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers,
 not given to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober,
to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,
obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5

Teach… To be… Keepers at Home…
Titus 2.5
A Charge to Keep
[part three]

As we continue looking at this portion of our verse: that younger women are to be taught to... be keepers at home, we see that there must be something to this 'keeping a home' for it to warrant teaching or knowledge of skills to do the keeping. This home-keeping, something that needs to be studied, or which requires skill, must also be pretty important or noteworthy for it to be contained in the list of imperatives in the Word concerning women.  I will add that this 'home-keeping' be done well because it does not stand alone, it is in the verse which concludes: that the Word of God be not blasphemed.

Everything we do must be measured against the standard of God's Word.  Nothing is worth anything if it does not measure up to the Word of God.  That's convicting.  That's tough teaching---but that's the Word---God's Word to us.

So, the home is a shelter, a place of worship and prayer, a place of refuge, a place of forgiveness and forgetfulness, a place of refreshment, a place where skills are taught and where they're learned, and a place of hospitality.  It is all of these and more.

I will suggest that the home is a place of harmony.  A place where lives are blended in order that a whole may be formed.  Two come together as one---a whole is formed.  A child is added to the whole and it is made more complete---perhaps another or many others are added in order that that whole might be made more complete.  Whatever the case, the home is where harmony and oneness are learned; it is where communication and cooperation are learned; it is where acceptance and rejection are learned and handled. The home is where relationships are modeled and worked out.  The home must be a safe place for all these things to be nurtured or understood.  All of these facets of human relationships will be learned somewhere---a nurturing Christian home will help all of these develop healthily. 

The keeper at home has a tremendous responsibility to make sure that the home is all of these, that in addition to these, it is also a place of work, creativity, industry, health, basic education and training for the desire for life-long learning.  When the home is seen in proper perspective--- in line with the Word of God, it is a dynamic place---a place that's so full of life that it's naturally growing and incorporating and encouraging each member, friend, or guest, and the model is Christ-like.  That's our whole hope---our whole hearts' desire: that we may be like Him.  Our homes should reflect that desire---they should radiate that hope or that tone.

So... why be a keeper at home?
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What's the LORD impressing on you?
Take a look at 2Timothy 3.5-6 and 1Timothy 5.11-14

Write what's stirring your heart when you read these verses?  Is the LORD bringing to mind anything you need to attend to or to change?
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By the way, how are you doing in the area of hospitality?
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Are you finding new ways to *KEEP* your home?

Remember:  The wise woman builds her house while the foolish plucks it down with her own hands.  (proverbs 14.1)

What plucking down is going on in your home, Keeper?  In our first lesson, the question was asked: what are you doing to build your house, and what are you doing to pluck it down.  If you still have them or can recall them, what are your answers?  Have your answers changed??
 


Titus 2                            Lesson 22
"…to be... good… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given
to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober,
to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,
obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5

Well, we're down to the next to the last "lesson" in this study in Titus 2.  Do you feel as though you've grown?  Have the lessons been too drawn out to stay on a growing course? It is and has been my hope that throughout this study, the LORD has prompted you to a more committed walk with Him and a determination to *be* in behaviour that becomes godliness---that you be growing in grace and in the ways of the LORD. 

Today's "lesson" is sort of a culmination of the different terms or qualities of a Titus 2 woman, it is the sum of behaviours that becoming to godliness.  In fact, it is one of the first terms in the Bible... God called what He had made: Good.  In fact, in blessing male and female and directing them to be fruitful, He said what He had created was *very* good.  As we were initially told, the aged women likewise, were to be in behaviour as becometh holiness.  Now the word we're looking at today is: Good.  A Titus 2 woman is to be good. Good.

Isn't it interesting that we toss that word around so frequently and perhaps forget that we ourselves have a mandate to be: G-O-O-D.  We tell our children to be good; we ask them if they have been good; we treat ourselves when we have been good; we like good food, good looks, good sales, good books, good deals, etc., etc.  But do we seek earnestly to be good?  Not that we intentionally choose "bad," but do we intentionally seek: GOOD?

This word, good, describes that which, being "good" in its character or constitution, is beneficial in its effect.  It's a bit different than Jesus the good shepherd or whatsoever things are of good report or  good behaviour.  This "good" is a moral quality---a descriptive term of moral behaviour. It seems to have the intention of the effect being what drives the desire or encourages the behaviour---though this "theory" breaks down.

Ephesians 4.29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Share some ways in which you determine to be good:
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Share your thoughts on some changes that might need to be made.
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What are your thoughts on some changes that might need to be made---in light of the verse that we'll close with next week: obedience to husbands.
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Are the things you do and the reasons you do them: good?
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Some verses to look up for your cross referencing or comparison...
Rom 12.2; to cleave to it,
Rom 12.9; to do it, Rom 13.3; Gal 6.10; 1Pe 3.11  John 5.29

To work it, Rom 2.10; Eph 4.28; 6.8;
To follow after it, 1Th 5.15; to be zealous of it, 1Pe 3.13;
To imitate it, 3John 1.11; to overcome evil with it, Rom 12.21.

Journal your thoughts, your plans, your prayers-----------------
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Titus2                                  Lesson 23

 

"…to be... obedient to their own husbands… that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given
to much wine, teachers of good things;  That they may teach the young women to be sober,
to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,
obedient to their own husbands,  that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2.3-5

We come to our final "lesson" in our study of Titus 2.3-5; today studying what is probably one of the most difficult, most frequently misunderstood passages pertaining to women and specifically: marriage.

In order that we might have a better understanding of what it means to be obedient to one's husband, perhaps it would be best to review a few passages of Scripture so that we can see the marriage relationship in proper perspective.  Let's look first at Genesis 1.27-28; 2.18-25; 3.16

These verses are not only given for our understanding of creation, as things were in the beginning, but for our instruction as God's Providential design.  Our obedience to His design demonstrates our obedience to God and to the Word---and to the watching world: that the Word of God be not blasphemed.  You see, we have an awesome responsibility as wives and mothers---women of the Word.

In your personal quiet time, perhaps you could study some of the accounts of women who were obedient to their husband and how they demonstrated that and what were the outcomes of those decisions.  Sara, Naomi, Ruth, Mary, Priscilla are a few.

The next verses I want us to take a look at are found in proverbs 31, let's look at 11-12 and 28-30.
Then on to 1 Corinthians 7.4;  Ephesians 522-24, 33  Colossians 3.18; 1 Timothy 2.12-15;  1 Peter 3.1, 5-6.

There are other passages which would tell us of this natural order of living, the husband being the head of the wife, the wife and children being ruled well, the picture of Christ and the Church, etc.

So we know what we're to do... we're to obey.  That's very simple... very simple.  It is not necessarily easy.  It is not easy if we kick against the boundaries, tug at the reins or push away or ahead or pull from behind.  A yoke is easy when it is understood as a protective guide.  A yoke is comfortable when it is smooth walking, but the moment the road gets rough and the steps aren't in sync with the other, the yoke is heavy and arduous.

What does it mean to be obedient to one's husband, practically speaking?

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Think of the ways your husband prefers things to be done.  Now think of your response to him/them. 
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Now when your husband says something in passing that he either likes, dislikes, wishes to have done, regrets,
etc., do you quickly listen and mentally prepare for how you will accommodate that wish, thought, desire, etc.?

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A mini "obedience" checklist?

Do you remember his requests?
Do you make excuses for not following through with his requests?
Do you ignore him?
Are you seeking to be helpful to him?
Are you seeking to be reverent to your husband?
Are you seeking to do him good and not evil all the days of your life?
Are you seeking to love him?
Are you seeking to bear all things with him?
Are you seeking to be hopeful toward him?
Are you treating him as the lord of your home/life? (that is lower case "l")
Are you trustworthy?
Do you withhold yourself from him?
Do you roll your eyes at his comments?
Do you seek to affirm him?
Do you 'bad-mouth him?
Do you murmur in your heart against him?
Do you complain to others about him?
Do to mock him?
Do you listen to him?
Do you prefer him and does he know it?

Are you helping him or hurting him?

Do you pray for him?

How do your answers match up with  o-b-e-d-i-e-n-c-e  to your husband?

These are some deep and serious questions and if your answers are "lacking" in the demonstration of obedience, then you need to begin taking steps to correct, seek forgiveness and restoration, and a new willingness to submit and obey.
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All these things... all these demonstrations are done ultimately that the Word of God be not blasphemed.  If you've gained nothing else---if nothing has made that much of a difference in your life in these weeks of study, then I pray that this will... that you will be a woman whose life exalts the Name of the LORD and who lives in such a manner that the Word of God be not blasphemed.

May God Bless you as you seek to serve Him.

 

A Titus2 Journey ~ The Making of a Titus 2 Woman
by  pamela spurling  ©2002-2004   

A Christian Home
achristianhome.com
of course, Intact copying for *your * personal or *your* personal-group use permitted. ~ freely receive/freely share ~  Not for sale
These questions are arranged in a progressive order for week by week
study & implementation.

 

 

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