praying effectively: Be Sensible (Titus 2:1-15)

(Titus 2:1-15)  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.

6 Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

9 Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.

15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that at work, we should behave as a believer should, to be a testimony to those around us (2:10)

- that at work, we should be obedient and try to please those in authority above us (2:9)

- that at work, we should not argue with those in authority above us (2:9)

- that we do not steal or pilfer, even at our jobs (2:10)

- that we deny all ungodliness and worldly desires (2:12)

- that we are not addicted to much wine (2:3)

- that we are not malicious gossips (2:3)

- that older women encourage younger women to love their husband and children (2:3-4)

- that we respect our spouse (2:5)

- that we do not neglect taking care of our household (2:5)

- that we are good examples through doing good deeds (2:7)

- that we teach what is good (2:3)

- that we are kind (2:5)

- that we are sensible (2:2, 5-6, 12)

- that we show self-restraint and behave with dignity (2:2, 7)

- that we are pure (2:5)

- that we do all things with the motive of purity (2:7)

- that we do all things with the motive of unconditional love (2:2)

- that we do all things in God's will, according to sound doctrine (2:7)

- that we speak in keeping with sound doctrine (2:1, 8)

- that we practice what we "preach", striving to be above reproach (2:8)

- that we are consistent and steadfast in our faith, living righteously and godly (2:2-3, 12)

- that we remain focused on the hope of the Lord (2:13)

- that we use God's authority when we speak, exhort and reprove other believers (2:15)

Today's prayer:

 Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your words of wisdom which we may follow, not because obedience will save us, but because You save us.  As believers, help us realize the freedom that we have in Your grace.  May all our thoughts, words and actions be done with a godly love, and pure motives.  

May we desire to consistently serve You and the church, to equip and encourage other believers.  May we share Your love and the gospel message as You give us opportunities.  Move in the hearts of everyone, to seek out and focus on the hope that You provide.  All to Your glory, amen.