Who Teaches Blasphemy?

Text: Titus 2:1-15

So how does a young minister teach those who are older than he how to behave and who and what to teach? Titus must have faced this dilemma during his ministry, because Paul took the time to outline a number of things Titus needed to cover. First, he would need to take care that he, himself was on solid ground. Paul told him to "speak the things which become sound doctrine."

Next, Paul addressed what Titus should teach older men. They were to be "sober, [vigilant,] grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience."

Then, saying aged women were to have a "likewise" attitude, [like that required of aged men,] Paul honed in on the specifics Titus was to teach "mothers" in the Church. In reality, these were grandmothers and elder saints, some of which were widows.

But at the root of it all, everyone is "older" than someone else. We all have the responsibility to teach those who are coming along behind us, physically and/or spiritually. The points Paul outlined form the parameters in which these women had the right, duty, and privelege of teaching...

By their own behavior...

• as becometh holiness
• not false accusers
• not given to much wine
• teachers of good things

They are to teach younger 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

Why? "...that the Word of God be not blasphemed!" Paul goes on to give detailed instructions concerning what Titus should teach young men and servants. In each of these groups, there is the underlying theme of the grace of God through which He gave Himself for us and redeemed us from all our iniquity. Thus, it is our duty to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.

In Romans 2:21-24, Paul spoke directly to teachers of the law with this caution...

Whatever you teach others, you need to teach yourself!

• If you teach stealing is wrong - why would you steal?
• If you teach adultery is wrong - why would you commit adultery?
• If you abhor idols - why would you commit sacrilige?
• You say you know the law - why do you break the law? By doing so, you dishonor God!

The result of this inconsistency is found in verse 24, "For the Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you." What an indictment! [Note: in this sense, "blaspheme" means to speak or hold in disrespect; to speak evil of, slander or abuse.]

All around us, people are watching our life and comparing it with what we say. For our words to bear weight, they must be backed up by the way we live. To believers and unbelievers alike, every teacher; be it young or old, he or she, Jew or Gentile, bond or free; has the reponsibility to be an example. Anything else brings reproach upon the Name of Christ and His Bride - the Church, and is not profitable for anyone involved.