How Can You and I Be God’s Influencer within our Church?
Titus 2:1-8; Deuteronomy 6:2-9; Joshua 24

Introduction:
•Who makes that best apple pie?
•Generations are important -some say that they don’t want to be like their parents – others want to be like them – others grow to be like them and then sound like them
•The Loaf of Bread

How Can You and I Be God’s Influencer within our Church?
I.The Generational Reality – Truth be told, we are not getting any younger and our time is getting more limited as each day passes.
a.The Truth –Paul referred to himself as the aged/older man used in Titus 2. Ironic that John MacArthur suggests that Paul was around 60 years of age. The book of Titus will be our focus study in the new year but for now we will begin a quick overview that will give us the stepping stones for today.
b.The Testimony – Deuteronomy 6:4-9 – Moses challenged all of Israel to listen to the admonition. The call was to love the Lord with all of our hearts, soul and strength which Jesus Himself quoted even in the Gospel accounts. It is to encompass the 3 generations – you, your son and your grandson. Our influence is powerful and what message are we sending?
II.The Generational Responsibility – Titus 2:1-8
a.The Foundation of our Responsibility – v. 1 – Commitment and Reception
Our foundation according to Titus is to be that which is proper for sound doctrine. 2 Timothy 3:16-17. We surely have the responsibility then to speak these principles into the lives of others for the impact that is to be far-reaching.
b.The Focus of our Responsibility – Family – Titus 2:2-8 – Connection and Relationship
We now live in an instant information age and I don’t need any of those sources because I can “google” it and have whatever information I want whether it is correct or not. We have to be plugged in to the power source of Jesus Christ and the Scriptures as v. 1 reminds us. As we are plugged in, we have the opportunity to share the energy and power of God’s Word for those around us.
i.Older Men
1.Sober –not given to wine and to be clear thinking – this can also be defined as discreet.
2.Reverent – This would best be defined as what inspires respect and awe and implies holy and consecrated.
3.Temperate (Self – Control) –disciplined and controlled by the Holy Spirit so as to be an example of grace produced only by the Spirit.
4.Sound – in faith, in love, in patience – This is best understood as healthy so we see that we are to be healthy in faith, love and patience.
ii.Older Women -
1.Good Living – This good living is found as “reverent in behavior”’ This is to be the example of conduct as becomes holiness and is worthy of someone respecting.
2.Good Lessons –They are to be teachers of good things – these good things can be seen both in the life of Timothy as well as the lessons that are to be taught in our text here. 2 Timothy 1:5 Let’s look at the younger women.
iii.Younger Women –
1.Lessons of Admonition – The lessons have to be lived out by the older women in order to have an impact upon the lives of

the younger women.
a.To Love – how to make a house a home
i.Their husbands
ii.Their children
b.To Be – here to let their way of life be fleshed out so that the example of a believer may be evident.
i.Discreet – same word as sober for the older men/younger men along with self – control and yet carry the idea of modest and decent
ii.Chaste – gives the indication of being pure sexually even as the culture was permeated by their culture
iii.Homemakers – Literally, this gives the truth of the keeper of the home. Ladies, you can literally take a house and make it a home.
iv.Obedient – This follows the Biblical admonition that we are all to be submissive to one another and to God so that the proper relationship points others to God.
2.Lessons of Accountability – Why are these lessons so important? It is so that the Word of God be not blasphemed or mocked. We are called to do nothing that will undermine the influence or impact of God’s Word.
iv.Younger Men – Titus was now “in” – his number was called – Timothy was similarly called (1 Timothy 4:11-16). All of these we will dig into when we return to our study the next time.
1.Sober in Mind – This is repeated over and over - we are to get the reminder. Repeated words mean we are to pay attention.
2.Show out a Pattern – good works – this pattern of good works is mentioned multiple times in this book and we will examine these deeper.
3.Solid in Person – solid in integrity and reverence as good teaching
4.Sound in Speech – v. 8 – speech that cannot be condemned and even the opponents may be ashamed and having nothing evil to say about you.

III.The Generational Review – How and where can we see this in the Scriptures? What you are about to see is an illustration that was from Bruce Wilkinson who is an author and founder of “Walk Through the Bible.” This is his illustration of the 3 Chairs and how it relates to us. This was originally used over 40 years ago and it definitely fits with this truth from Titus and how we can be Generational Impactors for Christ. There are going to be 4 Biblical illustrations as to the importance of having a generational impact and influence on the those who follow after us.
a.Deuteronomy 6:4-9
b.Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
c.Joshua, the Elders and the Next Generation
d.David, Solomon, and Rehoboam

How Can You and I Be God’s Influencer within our Church?

God has called us to impact our generation and it is just as important today as it was with Moses, Joshua or David. Will you stand in the gap for Christ? Will you be whole hearted for Christ and reaching the generations to come?