Becoming a “principled” person

Scripture Read: Titus 2:1-5 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. 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.

 

Application: Though the scripture gives us much freedom in how we live, it is important to note that it does give clear principles to how we do it. Yes, the liberty You have given us Lord gives us great flexibility in what we can or cannot do. As usual You show Your wisdom Lord – instead of dictating a list of dos and don’ts, You give us principles that cover all that we do. Notice the words to describe this man …

Temperate - νηφάλιος nēphálios; to be sober. Sober, temperate, self–controlled, especially in respect to wine. It is that state of mind which is free from the excessive influence of passion, lust or emotion.

Dignified - σεμνός semnós; to worship, venerate. Venerable, reverend, reputable, dignified. Semnós represents not only earthly dignity but that which is derived from a higher citizenship, a heavenly one, which is the possession of all believers. There lies something of majestic and awe–inspiring qualities in semnós which does not repel but rather invites and attracts

Sensible - σώφρων sṓphrōn; from sṓos sound, and phrḗn understanding. Discreet, sober, temperate, self–disciplined in one’s freedom, self–restrained in all passions and desires.

Sound - ὑγιαίνω hugiaínō; sound, healthy. To be healthy, sound - Metaphorically of persons, to be sound in the faith, meaning firm, pure in respect to Christian doctrine and life - uncorrupted ^[1]

The standard is high but very clear – the idea of being “free from excessive” is really important. A believer should know how to be moderate. Whenever we are not it leads to sin. Notice; “dignified” is not snobby or arrogant, but attractive, which means you can still be a relaxed person, but understanding how to behave in the particular surroundings that you find yourself in would be important. Disciplined in one’s freedoms is the essential stewardship of liberties. Lastly, uncorrupted in faith, in love and in perseverance. This will be expressed in trusting God with a sincere love and a no quit attitude. All of these equate to a hope that most in the world are looking for. When they see this in us they will ask us the reason for our hope. We should be ready to tell them about You Lord – how You have made all the difference in our life. Holy Spirit of God make us people like this!

* Meditation Questions: When you look in the mirror, what kind of person do you see honestly? If you were to ask the 3 people closest to you what would they say? How much time do you spend thinking about what you can or cannot do versus how much time you spend thinking about how you do things? Do you respect others weaknesses, cultures, traditions? How does that show itself?

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^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.