Titus 2 Men And Women

(Gwen Sheldon is the director of New Vision Ministries--a ministry of encouragement to women serving the Lord.  I asked Gwen to write an article of encouragement for the women who will enter our web site.  I have placed this in the HOPE for Titus 2 Women section because if any woman in God’s work needs encouragement it is the woman who is counseling/mentoring other women.  I hope this article is as much of an encouragement to you as it was to me.  ~~Sharon)                               

The world today is pretty dismal. There is a lack of confidence in the economy. Families are in turmoil. Cancer and other diseases seem to be on the rise. And the fear of war is upon us.

It may seem that the darkness will smother us. There is so much to bear! How do we get through it all?

If we only focus on these fears, we will be sad, discouraged sisters in Christ. But we have more than fear to surround us. We have the promise of peace and victory in the darkness. We are children of light. Please read in I Thessalonians, Chapter 5.

Verse 4: "But ye brethren are not in darkness that that day should overtake you as a thief."

Verse 5: "Ye are all the children of light, and children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness."

What was Paul telling the church of Thessalonica.? Do we understand what it means to be a child of light? Are you sure you are a child of light?

If we have trusted Jesus as our Saviour, we are children of light and can look above the cares of this world. Having the title "children of light" brings security, but it also brings responsibility. In order to be joyful during these troubling times we need to comprehend our position, heed the calling, and accept the comfort of being a child of light. I would like to discuss the Comprehension, the Calling, and the Comfort of being children of the light.

Comprehension

Understanding what it means, to be a child of light needs to be addressed before any further discussion. Have you recognized Jesus as your personal Saviour? It takes more that just believing in Jesus. It is trusting him, realizing your need of a Savior, confessing and repenting of your sins; then inviting Him into your heart. It is a personal decision only you can make. Just being a good person or attending church every Sunday doesn’t qualify you to be a child of the light!

Let’s read I John 1: 7, 9:

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Did you notice not one word was said about good works cleansing our sins? The key is repentance, confession, and asking Jesus to come into your heart as Savior and King.

If you haven’t made a commitment to Christ as described, now is the time to do so.

As children of light, it would behoove us to find the definition of Light and how it is used in the Bible.

Webster’s dictionary defines light as "something that makes vision possible; a source of light such as a candle; spiritual illumination and truth". That’s us. Children of light !

We will find that Bible definition of light not only coincides with Webster, but reaches beyond the boundaries of words. The Light of God is life everlasting, unending mercy, and over flowing compassion. Let’s look at a few verses.

John 1:4-9 John is sent as a witness to bear witness of the one true Light, Jesus

Verse 4: "In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Verse 5: And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Verse 6: There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

Verse 7: The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

Verse 8: He (John) was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

Verse 9: That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."

John 8:12  Jesus tells the Pharisees he is the light of the world.

Then spake Jesus again unto them saying, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

John 12:36 -- "While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light."

John 12:46 "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."

Our light makes vision possible for the dark world. We have spiritual illumination by the understanding of his word.  And we possess the truth of God’s word, the light that brings eternal life.

Another point to discuss in knowing what "children of light" means is that Jesus calls us children. By calling us children he lets us know we look to a father, just as we expect our children to look to us as parents. It indicates that we are still in a growing and learning stage of life. Our position as his child denotes we still need someone to have authority over us.

He is our Abba Father, we are his beloved children.

After reading these few passages w e know that Children of Light are children of life, truth, and salvation. No one can take away these promises from us. Even if we feel our faith is weak, we still have the light and truth that cannot be denied.

The Calling

 I Peter 2:9 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

We have been called and chosen to be his child. Why would he do that for us?

Once we understand the position of being a child of light we cannot deny there is a purpose. We need to study the word and seek God’s face in prayer to learn his will for our lives.

Matthew 5:14-16. "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Christians are scrutinized by the world. We are the messengers of good news to the world. Our "light" should get the attention of people, making them wonder what is different about us.

Jesus very plainly tells us we are to shine our light on all those around us, drawing men to Him. By doing so, we glorify the Father. Our calling is to let our light shine!

How selfish we are to keep the hope of salvation to ourselves. Do you share your faith with daily contacts you make? Does your candle give light to all the house?

If we go back to I Thess. 5, verses 6-23, we will find further instructions to fulfill our calling.

Verse 6: "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

   ~ We aren’t supposed to walk around smugly saying I am safe and secure in Jesus but be aware of the darkness and urgency around us. We must be vigilant to recognize and rebuke Satan’s attacks.

Verse 7: "For they that sleep, sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night."

    ~  Those who become drunk do not have their full senses. They are inhibited to their surroundings, unaware of danger around them. This is true for those Christians who are involved in worldly pleasures. Their eyes become blinded to the downward spiral of their life! We must guard our hearts so carefully against cunning words and empty promises Satan uses today.

Verse 8: "But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation."

    ~  We are to walk in the light through faith and love, with the promise of salvation. Our actions should be marked with a calm, thoughtful attitude. We need to have our armor ready!

Verse 9: "For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ"

   ~   Wrath can mean anger or condemnation. When witnessing to others, we should not speak to them with condemnation. That is not how Jesus spoke, and that is not how we should speak either. John 3:17 reminds us "For God sent not his into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."

(Verses 10 and 11  will be discussed later)

Verse 12 -13: "And we beseech you brethren to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves"

     ~ This verse reminds us we are to respect and show love to those Christians who are in authority over us and to honor them for their labor and leadership.

Verse 14: "Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men."

    ~   We are to admonish and encourage those who are "luke warm" in their service. We should be a source of comfort to those who cannot understand the Gospel, and we are to be patient with those who repeatedly offend, criticize, and test our faith. In essence, we are to love and treat others as Jesus loves and treats us. I am so glad he is patient and kind with me.

Verses 15 -- 21 focus more on the personal attitude of those who are called to be children of light.

Verse 15: "See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men." 

~ Don’t seek revenge. Instead do good to those that persecute. God will even the books in due time.

Verse 16 and 17: "Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing."

~Our hearts should always be praising God, thanking him for his love; and we should be communicating with the Father constantly. We should feel comfortable whispering a prayer of need or of praise wherever we are. Remember, the Holy Spirit is within us, we can talk with him

anytime. I find myself asking for his help most frequently at work. I also thank Him when answers my plea.

Verse 18; "In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

~Do not take for granted what God has done in us and through us. We only operate through his power. Be very thankful for access to that mercy and grace which he provides.

Verse 19: "Quench not the Spirit." 

~ We quench the spirit when we fail to remember our position with God. We approach the throne of grace in humility and reverence. Also, unconfessed sin in our lives quenches the ability to hear and understand the Holy Spirit.

Verse 20 and 21: "Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good".

~We aren’t to despise and ridicule those who don’t preach exactly as we do. We can judge their words against the truth of the Bible. We can offer to share what we know is doctrinally true. We should let the scriptures be our standard and flee from those words and actions that are against the Word. Ask God for discernment and understanding to do that which is  good. Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do? Would he get involved in this?"

As you can see, it takes discipline and hard work to shine your light. It also takes a great deal of love. John 15:12 "This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you."

 The darker the world becomes, the brighter we should shine.  Many Christians become tired and defeated. Their light is dimmed because they have lost sight of the promise. They focus on the war instead of the Warrior. They focus on what might happen instead of the promises of what will happen. They are not leaning on the comfort of being a child of light.

The Comfort

Children of light have a source of comfort and joy that others cannot know. We should not be discouraged nor dismayed by circumstances. Today’s events are of no surprise to our Lord. He knew that we would have times of fear. That is why there are so many promises and words of comfort throughout the scriptures. Not only we as Christian women, but all believers can smile in the face of trials because our light has overcome the darkness of this world.

"Fear not" are comforting words in themselves, especially when spoken by our Lord.

Let the following scriptures speak to your soul specifically about fear and comfort.

In Deuteronomy 31: 6, God tells Joshua..."Be strong and a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Isaiah 43:1 "But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob; and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine."

Jeremiah 1: 8 "Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the Lord."

Psalm 27: 1, 5 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion; in the secret of his tabernacle shall he set me upon a rock."

Psalm 91: 5, 10,  "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day.  There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."

Proverbs 1:33 "But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil."

There is evidence throughout the old and New Testament that God’s people experienced the same tribulations back then as we do now. We could list many more verses that would prove we need not fear the things of this world. But I want to focus on the comfort God gives us as children of light. Let’s study some of them and rejoice in our hearts.

The 23^rd Psalm is one the most read and quoted passages in the Bible. In it we find comfort of God’s protection, his provision, his promises and his peace. As we read each verse, you decide  which "comfort category" is described.

1. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."  (provision)

2. "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters." (protection, peace)

3. "He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake." (peace, protection)

4. "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."  (protection, peace)

5. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (bountiful provision)

6. "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." (promises and peace)

Other passages in Psalm include:

Psalm 40: 1,2  also promise comfort when we are distressed:

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."

Psalm 121:1,2 is a favorite verse of mine and offers great comfort:

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help my help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."

Looking in the New Testament, we could read in Matthew Chapter 6 where Jesus is giving his sermon on the mount, and tells the people not to worry about what they shall eat or how they will be clothed (verses 25-32). Or we could turn to Luke 12 and read in verses 30-32 that God knows our individual needs and will provide them if we first seek the kingdom of God.

But the book of John offers more comfort and peace than I feel can be found anywhere else in the scripture. Remember, all of these promises belong to his children of light.

Chapter 10 describes Jesus as our shepherd.

Verse 11: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep"

Verse 27: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:"

Verse 28: "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand."

John Chapter 14 promises us we will live with Jesus in a mansion that he is preparing.

Verse 1: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in god, believe also in me."

Verse 2: "In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."

Verse 3: "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Verses 16:  "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever:"

Verse 18: "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you."

Verse 26: "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to you remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you."

Verse 27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

Do you see the depths of God’s love and compassion for his children? I Thessalonians 5:10-11 reminds us that whether we wake or sleep, we will be with the Lord. We should be an encouragement to each other with this truth.

We have learned that God uses the word light to signify his truth, his love, and his gift of eternal life. When he declares, "I am the light of the world", He is also saying, "I am the Truth of the world; I am the Love of the world; I am the Life of the world."

We are the children of light, of truth, of love, and of salvation. Do you have comprehension of this? Will you obey the calling? Are you secure in his comfort?  We should be filled with the joy and comfort that He is holding our hand, directing our path, and is preparing a wedding feast in our honor. God is on the throne. Children of light, we have nothing to fear!

I close with the promise found in II Timothy 1: 7 ....

 "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

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