In what ways can older women "teach what is good" to younger women? Root Passage “Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or enslaved to much wine. Instead, they are to teach what is good.” (Titus 2:3) “In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.” (Titus 2:4-5) The Pattern of a Reverent Life Older women teach what is good first by living it. Their very lifestyle becomes a curriculum: • Reverent conduct—worshipful, God-centered attitudes that permeate every choice (1 Peter 3:4). • Guarded tongues—no slander, gossip, or harsh criticism (Proverbs 16:28; Ephesians 4:29). • Sobriety—free from anything that masters the body or dulls spiritual alertness (1 Corinthians 6:12). When these qualities shine, younger women see how the gospel shapes ordinary days. Teaching Through Godly Character • Faithfulness in trial—showing how hope endures (Romans 5:3-5). • Humility—quick to repent, eager to serve (James 4:6). • Joy—displaying the “cheerful heart” that is good medicine (Proverbs 17:22). • Contentment—modeling trust in God’s provision (1 Timothy 6:6). Character is the loudest sermon; it validates every lesson that follows. Teaching Through Words of Wisdom • Speaking with gracious counsel: “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue” (Proverbs 31:26). • Sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness (Psalm 71:17-18). • Explaining doctrine clearly—guarding younger women from false teaching (Acts 18:26). • Encouraging Scripture memory, devotional habits, and sound books (2 Timothy 3:14-15). Mentoring in Everyday Life • Invite younger women into the kitchen, the living room, the grocery run—discipleship on the go (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Demonstrate hospitality—setting an example of opening the home to saints and strangers (Hebrews 13:2). • Pray together regularly, letting the younger hear seasoned petitions shaped by God’s promises (Colossians 4:2). • Offer gentle correction when needed, always in love (Galatians 6:1). Guiding in Marriage Titus 2:4 emphasizes training younger women “to love their husbands”: • Model respect—speaking well of one’s husband in public and private (Ephesians 5:33). • Teach practical ways to support leadership—consulting, encouraging, and partnering (Genesis 2:18). • Share biblical conflict resolution—quick forgiveness, slow anger (Colossians 3:13). • Celebrate marital intimacy as God’s good gift (Proverbs 5:18-19). Guiding in Motherhood “Love their…children”: • Show nurturing discipline—firm yet affectionate (Proverbs 13:24; Hebrews 12:11). • Teach Scripture to little hearts (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15). • Demonstrate patience—faithfully sowing seeds for a future harvest (Galatians 6:9). • Help younger mothers order priorities—cherishing the fleeting years. Training in Household Stewardship “Managers of their households” (Titus 2:5): • Organization—budgeting time, money, and resources wisely (Proverbs 31:27). • Industry—diligent work that blesses the family (Proverbs 31:13-22). • Beauty and order—creating a refuge that reflects God’s peace (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Generosity—opening the home for ministry (1 Timothy 5:10). Shaping Virtues of Self-Control and Purity • Daily self-denial—saying no to ungodliness and worldly passions (Titus 2:11-12). • Modesty—expressing inner purity through outward choices (1 Timothy 2:9-10). • Discernment about media and friendships—guarding hearts (Proverbs 4:23). • Honesty about past failures—illustrating God’s restoring grace (Psalm 51:13). Serving the Church Together • Lead intergenerational Bible studies, weaving in life experience. • Partner in service projects—baking meals, visiting the sick, discipling youth (Romans 12:10-13). • Encourage younger women to exercise their spiritual gifts (1 Peter 4:10). • Uphold church leadership—modeling submission and support (Hebrews 13:17). Bearing Fruit That Honors God’s Word The ultimate aim: “so that the word of God will not be discredited” (Titus 2:5). When older women teach what is good, they: • Display the transforming power of the gospel. • Secure a legacy of faith for the next generation (Psalm 145:4). • Strengthen families, congregations, and communities. • Bring glory to Christ, “who gave Himself for us to redeem us…to be a people zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14). |
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