Titus 2 & Mark 10:17-22 "Manly Character."

1. Three theological principles to direct men how to be men in Christ.

   1. Between the two appearings, v. 11 & v. 13.

   2. For the present age, a necessary change.

• Rom 13:12, Eph 4:22-24

  1. Preparing for the age to come, v. 13.

• 1Thess 2:19; 5:23, James 5:8, Rev 16:15, 1John 2:28, Rev 3:11.

  1. Because this is what Christ Jesus has done in his first appearing, v. 14.

  2. What is it in your life in the flesh that you hold on to even while you say you want eternal life (Mk 10:17)?

• Every generation of Christians is commanded to conform to God's standards for his people. v. 1, 15

  1. This is sound teaching, healthful for the soul. (hygiainw) .

  2. Sound teaching in the New Testament.

     1. 1 Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 1:13, Titus 1:9, 2 Timothy 4:3, Titus 2:1,2

  3. The sound teaching of Titus 2 promotes godly maturity, instead of self-absorption.

     1. There is sound doctrine: doctrine in accordance with the word of God. And there is unsound doctrine.

     2. We live in a therapeutic culture and a philobabble culture.

     3. The therapeutic ideal is the improvement of the self.

     4. The biblical ideal is the denial of self and the obedience to Jesus.

• Older men according to the model of Titus 2:2 "They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing." (Ps 92:14.)

  1. Sober [temperate, clear-headed], reverent/dignified/worthy of respect, prudent/thoughtful/sensible.

  2. Sound (holiness-healthy, not corrupted) in faith, love, perseverance/patience/steadfastness.

  3. When older men have developed this sort of character, they will bear fruit in old age.

• 1Tim 1:5, Gal 5:22.

• Likewise, the young men, Titus 2:6…

  1. Be of a sound mind = prudent, thoughtful, self-controlled. Like the "older men" in v. 2 and young women, in v. 5, "sensible/discreet" in NKJV.

  2. A sound mind leads to a realistic self-evaluation.

     1. Romans 12:3, 2 Corinthians 5:13, 1 Peter 4:7.

  3. The pastor is to be a model of good works in everything for the young men (and others) to imitate, Titus 2:7.

• 1 Peter 2:12, Ephesians 2:10, Titus 3:14, Hebrews 10:24.,

• Growing up in Christ.

  1. What is "growing up" when we look at our sons?

     1. Giving up childish ways.

     2. Becoming responsible, self-motivated to do right.

     3. Becoming a person you can count on.

     4. Growing up is maturing into manly character.

  2. The Lord calls it "growing up" when he looks at his sons too.

• Ephesians 4:14-16.