4 “… and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” (Titus 2:4-5 ESV)
The church is to be engaged in multi-generational life. While there may be particular emphasis placed on certain age group ministries in any given week, the church must not exclude any age group from any other. All generations in the church must be involved with each other. Examples include men and women’s ministries, AWANA, youth groups, Sunday school and Adult Bible Fellowships.
The Apostle Paul focused on healthy church behavior involving typical people groups in the church. He gave special attention to age and gender. We studied the importance of older men and women. Today, we examine the importance of younger women.
The phrase younger women refer to those who are under sixty years of age. Paul instructed Titus that those in this category should fulfill their God-given expectations.
The older women would be humble advisors to the young. They are to train ((σωφρονίζωσι; sōphronizōsi) those who are younger. This means to give instruction in wise behavior and good judgment. What instruction is recommended?
First, young women are to love their husbands and children. This is to be a kind and friendly love. It is a maternal love for one’s family.
Second, they are to self-controlled (σώφρονας; sōphronas). This is also expected of older men (2:2). This means to be self-restrained and discreet.
Third, young women are to be pure (ἁγνάς; hagnas). This refers to moral and ethical behavior.
Fourth, they are to be workers at home (οἰκουρούς; oikourous). They are to be the guardians of the house ((Prov. 7:11; 31:10-31; 1 Tim. 5:13).
Fifth, young women are to be kind (ἀγαθάς; agathas) This means to be good and beneficent (Matt. 20:15; Rom. 5:7; 1 Peter 2:18). They are not to be rude, impolite and stingy, but thrifty as housewives.
Sixth, they are to be kind and submissive to their own husbands. This means to be responsible to and for their husbands welfare.
All of these character traits are so the Word of God will not be reviled (βλασφημῆται blasphēmētai). The Gospel is to be preeminent in our lives.
“This is the purpose of godly conduct—to eliminate any reproach on Scripture. For a person to be convinced God can save from sin, one needs to see someone who lives a holy life. When Christians claim to believe God’s word but do not obey it, the word is dishonored. Many have mocked God and his truth because of the sinful behavior of those who claim to be Christians (Matt. 5:16; 1 Peter 2:9),” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
Pray not only that the older women in your church will help train the younger women, but also that the younger women would be receptive to such training. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 