Today’s passage: Titus 2:1-5
Helpful thoughts:
- Teenagers do not turn into adults magically the moment they turn 18. Children turn into adults through a process of transformation and growth. In the same way, men and women do not turn into what Titus 2 calls older men and women to be automatically. It takes time, effort, humility, grace, etc.
- Throughout the Christian life, the Christian must pursue growth in Christ-likeness.
- These transformations do not happen in a vacuum or in a bubble. Christian growth comes in community, in teaching and in relationships.
- Pastors are not the only people in the church who should/can teach. The pulpit is not the only teaching post. Teaching can happen in class rooms, at dinner tables, living rooms, restaurants, parks, sidewalks, etc.
Questions to consider:
- Which characteristics stuck out to you related to older men, older women, and for the younger? How do these traits fit into the complementary model of biblical manhood and womanhood?
- If you’re an older woman and the thought of teaching younger women freaks you out, why is that? What is it about discipling younger (or newer) believers that bothers you? Are you willing to be trained to teach younger women? Men, we can ask the same questions of ourselves.
- Is there someone (or a group) of people you know who are (or could) build into you for your growth? Is there someone you could be encouraging/teaching/discipling in their growth? Be encouraged to reach out and participate in God’s design for spiritual maturity in the church!