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Lesson 390 (Vol. 30) Pattern of Scriptural Godliness

Paul instructed Titus, the pastor of the church in Crete, to set a godly example for others to follow through his words and actions. As a minister of the gospel, Titus's morals and conduct needed to match his message. Paul wanted to ensure Titus understood the importance of leading by example, as ineffective preaching could result from failing to live according to the doctrines being taught. Christians are called to exemplify good works and godliness so as not to give critics reason to blaspheme or criticize the faith. Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate example of godly living that believers should seek to imitate fully.

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453 views

Lesson 390 (Vol. 30) Pattern of Scriptural Godliness

Paul instructed Titus, the pastor of the church in Crete, to set a godly example for others to follow through his words and actions. As a minister of the gospel, Titus's morals and conduct needed to match his message. Paul wanted to ensure Titus understood the importance of leading by example, as ineffective preaching could result from failing to live according to the doctrines being taught. Christians are called to exemplify good works and godliness so as not to give critics reason to blaspheme or criticize the faith. Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate example of godly living that believers should seek to imitate fully.

Uploaded by

David Timi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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PATTERN OF SCRIPTURAL GODLINESS

TEXT: Titus 2:7-10


MEMORY VERSE: Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a
pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting (1 Timothy 1:16).
Apostle Paul instructed Titus to teach different categories of people in the church, the lifestyles expected of them. His message was
painstaking, pungent and panoramic.
Sequel to this, the great apostle, in our text, charges Titus, the pastor of the church in Crete, to set the pace and lay the
example for others to follow. He, as a minister of the gospel, must match his morals with his message. Else, he would pull down with
one hand, what he spent years to build, with the other.
Paul seems to say: Titus, you may be a dynamic, eloquent, and persuasive preacher but, if you labour hard to teach sound
doctrine without backing it up with your own life, your preaching will be ineffective. Paul himself had striven to follow this pattern
all through his ministry. Reflecting on his life, he told the Philippian Christian: Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark
them which walk so as ye have us for an example (Philippians 3:17).
Question 1: In your own opinion, why was Paul bold enough to instruct Titus on exemplary living?
EXAMPLE TO THE WORLD (Titus 2:7,8; Matthew 11:29; Acts 20:35).
Paul the apostle held the issue of Christian character and integrity in high esteem. He had little or no room for those whose lives are
diametrically opposed to their profession and teaching. He lived the Christian life and saw himself as a pattern worthy of emulation.
To Timothy, he confidently testified: But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life (2 Timothy 3:10). His manner
was consistent with his message. Expectedly, he knew Titus would not make the desired impact if he did not conduct himself well
before the saints. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of
you (Titus 2:7,8).
On account of Titus position in the church, he must be ahead in practising these things, if he expects the virtues of sobriety,
temperance, charity, patience and godliness in his members. To instruct others in the specifics of their responsibilities is good and
commendable, but the example of the teacher is more important. Good life must tally with good doctrine. In all things, Titus and by
extension, all believers must show themselves models of good works. Men are wont to say: we are not perfect; therefore we cannot
live holy. This is not scriptural. Every New Testament saint is expected to be perfect even as his Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew
5:48).
Every Christian must be a pattern of good works. Goodness, as we know it, is a manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit.
Christians must be good to one another and to those outside the Church. In all we do, we must have good purpose and esteem the good
of others. Believers are to be beautiful specimens of the grace of goodness.
Moreover, Titus is admonished to teach the whole counsel of God while maintaining purity. Corruption of the Word, frivolity
and shallowness in doctrine and teaching will not make the desired impact. Rather, sincerity, singleness of purpose and commitment to
truth, must underline his ministry.
The calling of the servant of God is not secular; it is not meant to be used as a cloak to make merchandise of people but to
highlight the glory and honour of God. Our speech must be sound, devoid of the fallible human knowledge. Scriptural truths must be
explained in scriptural terms and, as much as possible, in Scripture language.
The idea of being examples to the world and the Church runs through the length and breath of Pauls writings. In his
valedictory sermon to the Ephesians he said: I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak,
and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). And to the
Thessalonians he wrote: For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you
(2 Thessalonians 3:7). Jesus Christ, the greatest Teacher and Example, also told His disciples to follow Him. For I have given you
an example, that ye should do as I have done to you (John 13:15).
Question 2: Why must Christian leaders be at the forefront of uprightness?
EFFECTS OF EXEMPLARY LIVING (Titus 2:5,8; Philippians 3:17; Luke 20:20,26; Roman 2:24; 2 Samuel 12:14; 2 Peter 2:2).
To be discreet, chaste... that the word of God be not blasphemed. Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he
that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you (Titus 2:5,8).
It is pretty good to preach the gospel, read the Bible and give out tracts and literature to others but our priority should be to be
specimens of the Bible in life and conduct. The fastest way to destroy our sermons and doctrines is to contradict them by our lives.
What we spend an hour or two to preach, we live the rest of our lives. Our adversaries constantly seek occasion to find fault with us
that they might hold us in derision and contempt. This was why, the apostle, on two occasions, gave Titus reasons why the believer
must live righteously (verse 5,8).

David was favoured as a man after Gods own heart, but because he erred in a matter of morals, he gave the enemies of God
opportunity to speak blasphemously: blasphemously: Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given occasion to the enemies of
the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die (2 Samuel 12:14).
The critics of Jesus day also kept vigil on Him to seek occasion to accuse Him: And they watched him, and sent forth
spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the
power and authority of the governor (Luke 20:20). But they failed woefully (verse 26). Our lives preach more powerfully than our
precepts and sermons. Majority of the unbelievers do not have a copy of the Bible but can well read the epistles in us. If we live true to
our vocation, skeptics will not have occasion to blaspheme the worthy name by which we are called. For so is the will of God, that
with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men (1 Peter 2:15). Finally, they will lack grounds for their evil
allegations.
Question 3: What impact does a godly life make on the world?
EXHORTATIONS TO THE GODLY (Titus 2:9,10; Matthew 16:24; Ephesians 6:5-8; Hebrews 3:1; 1 Peter 2:21).
Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ( Titus 2:9,10).
The apostle, here, charges servants in all categories to be obedient to their masters according to the will of God. They are to
render service to their masters as unto the Lord. Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will
of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any
man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free (Ephesians 6:6-8). They are not to steal but to
elevate honesty and faithfulness which bring glory to God. This same admonition applies to every servant of Christ.
Question 4: As servants of Christ, what should be our attitude in service?
Christ calls Himself our Master: But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are
brethren. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ (Matthew 23:8,10). He has chosen, called and
commissioned us to love one another (John 13:35). Moreover, we are mandated to preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15).
As servants of Christ, our will, time and substance must be placed at the Masters disposal and use. Servants of Christ should be
obedient to Him.
In upholding and demonstrating scriptural godliness, Christ remains our perfect Example. He is the spotless Son of God,
worthy of our whole-hearted imitation. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross, and follow me (Matthew 16:24). In spite of difficulties, we must exalt godly living above all things. Our light
must shine enough for Gods name to be glorified. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving
us an example, that ye should follow his steps (1 Peter 2:21).
Question 5: Who is our perfect example in godly living and how can we be like Him?

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