Saturday after Oculi Sunday
Posted on March 18, 2023 by under
Scripture: Titus 2:1-10 (NKJV)
2:2 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: 2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; 3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Devotion
Paul commands Titus to speak or teach healthy doctrine. This is vital for the Church. The older men are to be balanced and dignified. They also ought to be knowledgeable in the faith as fits their years of study. They must be examples of the faith in action. And they must be pillars of the Church, remaining faithful under the burden of duty. This is what “patience” means; even in hard times, one stays the course.
The pastor must encourage all the members of the Church to strive for lives of holiness and study the Word. The Christian life is one of continual study and self-discipline. Today, older people should speak the truth openly on all subjects, especially on controversial or sensitive subjects. When they do this, it gives courage to younger people, who are more vulnerable in society. When older people show courage, it infects younger people. Those who are more experienced often see past current fads and misconceptions and should help the young avoid the lies of popular culture. The pastor and everyone in the flock must “speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine.”
Prayer: We beseech Thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of Thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to be our defense against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Collect for the Season of Lent
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hatest nothing that Thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
