(Titus 2:1-3) Old Age Is Not A Time For Retirement

#5 OLD AGE IS NOT A TIME FOR SPIRITUAL RETIREMENT

(Titus 2:1-3)

^[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

^[2] That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

^[3] The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

Chapter one of Titus deals primarily with ministers. As we move into chapter two the focus turns to members. Paul has given instruction about the preacher in the pulpit, now he gives instructions for the members in the pews. In 1:16 he spoke of “they” and the things they denied. He spoke of those whose profession was empty. Now he has a word for “thou” (2:1) and the things that are to be displayed. His thoughts are now on a practice he encourages. It is like Paul is saying, this is what they are, but this is what I want you to be.

We read in verse 1, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” The word “speak” is a word that describes an ordinary conversation. It is in the present tense, thus speaks of one keeping on speaking. Paul is talking about things that are to be constantly and continually discussed, taught and preached.

What is it that is to be constantly talked about? It is “sound doctrine.” The word “sound” is found 5 times in Titus and is a word that means “well” or “healthy.” We get our English word “hygiene” from this word. Paul is talking about doctrine that promotes and produces healthy Christian lives.

You will note the words “which become.” The word means “fitting.” There are certain behaviors that are fitting to doctrine. These behaviors reflect sound doctrine.

In chapter 2 he begins to describe the behavior that reflects sound doctrine. In verse 2-4 he speaks of aged men and women. In verses 4-6 he speaks of young women and young men. I want us to look at these groups separately starting with the aged men and women.

The word “aged” speaks of older men and women. Paul used this word for himself when he was in his sixties. In ancient Greek literature the word sometimes was used of men as young as 50. Since I am a few months shy of 50 we will go with Paul and say that being old is when you are in your 60’s.

Someone has said that an elderly person is a person who is ten years older than you are. Another has said that there are four signs of approaching age: baldness, bifocals, bridges, and bulges!

Someone has written that you know you're getting older when:

· Everything that works hurts, and what doesn't hurt doesn't work.

· You feel like the morning after, and you haven't been anywhere.

· Your little black book only contains names ending in M.D.

· Your children are beginning to look middle-aged.

· Your mind makes contracts your body can't keep.

· You look forward to a dull evening.

· Your knees buckle and your belt won't.

· Your back goes out more than you do.

· You sink your teeth into a steak, and they stay there.

· You know all the answers, but nobody asks the questions.

I came across this:

My deafness I endure

To dentures I'm resigned

Bifocals I can manage

But how I miss my mind.

When I think of old I am mindful that some people don’t look their age. I read about a woman who walked up to a little old man rocking in a chair on his porch. "I couldn't help noticing how happy you look," she said. "What's your secret for a long happy life?" "I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day," he said. "I also drink a case of whiskey a week, eat fatty foods, and never exercise." "That's amazing," the woman said. "How old are you?' "Twenty-six," he said.

Some people don’t act their age:

Age is a quality of mind.

If you have left your dreams behind,

If hope is cold,

If you no longer look ahead,

If your ambitions' fires are dead-

Then you are old.

But if from life you take the best,

And if in life you keep the zest,

If love you hold;

No matter how the years go by,

No matter how the birthdays fly

You are not old.

As you look at what is said about the aged in Titus 2:1-3, we see that old age is not a time for spiritual retirement. Old age doesn’t have to mean that a life of service and effectiveness is over for a Christian. The Bible says in Psalms 92:14, “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing.” We also read in Proverbs 4:18, “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Again, old age is not a time to retire. Old age, as we shall see, has an important place of service.

Moses was 80 years old when God called him to lead Israel out of bondage in Egypt and to the land of promise. But, advanced age did not excuse him from the Lord's work.

At the age of 83—after having traveled some 250,000 miles on horseback, preached more than 40,000 sermons, and produced some 200 books and pamphlets—John Wesley regretted that he was unable to read and write for more than 15 hours a day without his eyes becoming too tired to work. After his 86th birthday, he admitted to an increasing tendency to lie in bed until 5:30 in the morning!

Paul describes old age as a life that is remains effective and useful, and what is to be true of a Christian in their old age. There is no place for spiritual retirement in your old age. Let’s consider Paul’s words about the aged by first noticing:

1. THE CHARACTER OF AGED MEN

We read in verse 2, “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” Paul mentions 6 things about the aged. Let’s divide them into 2 categories. First, he describes:

A) A Spiritually Settled Life

Paul describes a kind of life in which one has abandoned the recklessness, impetuosity, thoughtlessness, and instability that are often characteristic of youth. The word “sober” is an adjective that carries the root idea of being free from intoxication. In the New Testament it is used metaphorically of someone who is moderate, a person who avoids extravagance and overindulgence.

A “sober” person is one who is able to discern more clearly the things that are of the greatest importance and value. He uses his time, his money, and his energy more carefully and selectively than when he was younger and less mature. His priorities are in the right order, and he is satisfied with fewer and simpler things.

The word “grave” speaks of that which is “honorable and dignified.” It does not suggest that this person never laughs or has fun, but instead there is a dignity that has earned respect. The word “serious” might best describe what is implied. This is a person who takes serious certain things in life

The word “temperate” is translated “sober” in 1:8, 2:4,6,12; and “discreet” in 2:5. It speaks of self-control and prudence. Paul is describing a person who has learned to bring his body and desires under subjection. They control their physical passions and they reject worldly standards and resist worldly attractions.

All these speak of a spiritually settled life and a life of spiritual stability. Old age is to be a time when as a believer we are well-grounded and founded in our spiritual life. As we shall see, the aged are to be a spiritual example and model to the younger. As strong and settled Christians in old age one provides the kind of role model the younger need.

Furthermore, Paul describes:

B) A Spiritually Sound Life

In the second category of words he speaks of being sound, or spiritual healthy in three areas. First, one is “sound in faith.” The word “sound” is the same word found in verse one. Paul is describing those who are not only spiritually grounded, but also are spiritually growing. In the Greek there is a definite article – “the faith.” These are those who are still growing in God’s Word.

They are also sound “in charity.” There is a definite article here as well – “the love.” This is a love for God, His Word, His Church, His work and others.

Thirdly, they are sound “in patience.” The word “patience” means “perseverance.” It speaks of “peace under pressure.” This is the aged whose faith and trust in God is growing which enable them to face life’s trials and disappointments with greater confidence, assurance, and trust.

No matter how old one is, old aged is never a time to take the Christian life lightly. As we get older we should not get colder. Old age should be a time when one is still growing in the Lord and going strong for the Lord.

I came across a senior citizen’s prayer:

Lord, keep me from the habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details—give me wings to get to the point. I ask for grace enough to listen to the tales of others’ pains. Help me to endure them with patience. But seal my lips on my own aches and pains—they are increasing and my love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally it is possible that I may be mistaken. Keep me reasonably sweet. I do not want to be a saint—some of them are so hard to live with—but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the devil. Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places, and talents in unexpected people. And, give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so. Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not bossy. With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all—but Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.

The best prayer a senior citizen could pray is that the Lord will help them to live a spiritually settled and sound life.

Secondly, notice:

2. THE CONDUCT OF AGED WOMEN

After saying a word to the aged man he now talks to aged woman. He says in verse 3, “The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.” He talks specifically about their “behaviour.” The word speaks of their “conduct, demeanor.” It speaks of a way of thinking that leads to a particular way of life.

As we look at this behavior of the aged woman we see:

A) The Holiness of Their Lives

The holiness of their lives is seen from the negative side. There is certain things that are “not” present in their life. For one thing they are not “false accusers.” The same word is used to speak of the devil. It speaks of one who is a slanderer or malicious gossip. The person Paul describes is one who will not listen to or spread gossip.

I have known a few people who first thing in the morning they brushed her teeth and sharpened their tongue. I think of Mildred, the church gossip, and self-appointed monitor of the church's morals. She kept sticking her nose into other people's business. Several members did not approve of her extra-curricular activities, but feared her enough to maintain their silence. She made a mistake, however, when she accused George, a new member, of being an alcoholic after she saw his old pickup parked in front of the town's only bar one afternoon. She emphatically told George and several others that everyone seeing it there would know what he was doing. George, a man of few words, stared at her for a moment and just turned and walked away. He didn't explain, defend, or deny. He said nothing. Later that evening, George quietly parked his pickup in front of Mildred's house............. and left it there all night.

There is an Arabian proverb that says, “He who gossips to you will gossip about you.”

Some of the worst gossipers I have ever known were older ladies. Ma Bell is so thankful for them because they keep the phones lines hot with the latest gossip. Yet, older woman are not to be gossipers.

Paul also mentions how the aged women are not to be “given to much wine.” It literally means “slaves to wine.” Paul is speaking of an addiction to things and not just wine. Older women are not to become a slave to things that would destroy one’s life or testimony. Everything about their life and conduct is to be characterized by holiness.

Secondly, Paul speaks of:

B) The Helpfulness of Their Lives

The older women are to be “teachers of good things.” The word “good” speaks of that which is “noble, lofty, godly.” The life of the older women is to be the kind that demonstrates and displays all that is good.

In verse 4 we see who this teaching is aimed at. We read, “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.” The older women are to be a model and example, teaching the young women how to live godly.

The younger women in the Church ought to be able to look at the older women and see what “becometh holiness.” The Bible often speaks of how the life of a Christian is being observed by others. In the case of the older women, they should live the kind of Christian life that teaches the younger what it means to love God, serve God, and honor God.

Paul is talking about a life that has influence and an impact on others. In other words, he saying that old age is not a time for spiritual retirement. There is work to be done. There are others that can learn from the experience the older have gained as the years have passed. Impacting the lives of others is greatest work that one can be involved in, so never think about retiring—spiritually—when you are old.