The Saturday after Oculi Sunday
Posted on March 29, 2025 by under
Scripture: Titus 2:1-10 (NKJV)
2:1 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
St. Paul explains to Titus how he is to lead the Church. It is not an easy task for any pastor, especially in our modern era where more and more skepticism is placed on God’s Word, even from those who claim to be Christians. The Apostle Paul calls Titus to promote sound doctrine. Many would tell us that sound doctrine is not “inclusive” or that it’s too harsh. Many say that the instructions to women are outdated. Some say the instructions to young men are ineffective for attracting people to the Church.
No matter what anyone says, one thing is certain: these instructions are what God has said. Even if there is push-back, the pastor is called to lead the Church in the way given in this text, as well as according to the entire instruction of the Scripture. This is not to put burdens on the people or the pastors. Such wisdom is for the purpose that we would be led to live in the blessed freedom which Christ has won for us on the cross. It is a blessing from God for the pastor to exhort the people in sound doctrine and good works. And it should be a joy to live in Christ and flee from the sinful flesh.
All of these instructions, given by the pastor and received by the congregation, show us that our lives are together in Christ. By the power of God the Holy Spirit, we walk as one Body according to these ways.
Collect: 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 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.
