The Pressure of the Pattern
Titus 2
· 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
· 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Intro: In this chapter, Paul deliberately and concisely laid out the responsibility of Titus.
His ministry was to the aged men, the aged women, the young women, the young men, and even the servants. (vs. 9)
Tonight, I want to focus on the word PATTERN.
The word PATTERN is the Greek word τύπος tupos too’-pos meaning: the mark of a stroke or blow, print; a figure formed by a blow or impression
ILLUSTRATION: I will demonstrate with this hammer and leather stamp exactly what this word PATTERN means.
A. The Picture is Distinct
There is no such thing as an ambiguous pattern.
It is specific; it is distinct and it is clear.
It is critical that we each understand this: the pattern is Jesus Christ.
· Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Jesus is the original Pattern.
Jesus is the supreme Pattern.
Jesus is the perfect Pattern.
· 1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Jesus is the Author and the Finisher of our Faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
Colossians 1
· 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
· 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
· 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
· 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
But not only is Jesus the pattern, but the Bible tells us that we are to live a life as a pattern for others.
OUR TEXT: vs. 7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern
· 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
· 1 Corinthians 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
· 1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
B. The Purpose is Duplication
Patterns are used for one purpose – to duplicate.
Patterns are used to establish continuity and unity.
When I’m doing carpentry, and I need to make a lot of the same thing, I make a pattern.
Carpenters that are framing a roof will make a pattern roof rafter and trace them out.
When you’re cutting step stringers, you make one, and then trace it out so they will match.
Dresses are made from patterns.
Patterns insure oneness and unity.
The keyword today is INDIVIDUALITY.
The Bible is clear; we are many members with many gifts that God has placed into the body.
But that body is FITLY FRAMED TOGETHER.
We are commanded to have the same mind, the same heart, the same purpose, and the same goals.
Philippians 3
· 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
· 17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
1 Corinthians 12
· 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
· 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
· 6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
C. The Pressure is Deliberate
For the pattern to accomplish its purpose, there must be pressure involved.
Whether you are using a cute little cookie cutter on the kitchen counter with the kids and cousins at Christmas.
Or if you are using a leather stamp, or a metal stamp, there must be pressure involved.
Here is what I discovered as I read this chapter.
1. There was pressure from God on Paul to write this letter. He spake as he was moved by the Holy Ghost.
2. There was pressure from Paul on Titus to be a pattern. Paul is exhorting Titus to be a pattern.
3. There was pressure on the churches to follow Titus’ pattern. What is the purpose otherwise?
There is pressure on the preacher to compel God’s people to be patterns.
There is pressure on the people of God to be in all things a pattern of good works.
There is pressure on the people around us to follow our example.
The Pressure to be a Pattern in:
I. Our Deeds
A. The Emphasis on Good Works
God has ordained us to good works.
· Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
· Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
· Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.
B. The Effects of Good Works
· Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
C. The Explanation of Good Works
GOOD: beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable
1a) beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent
1b) good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends
1b1) genuine, approved
1b2) precious
The Pressure to be a Pattern in:
II. Our Doctrine
Make no mistake: what you believe will be portrayed in your actions.
Your life reflects what doctrine you hold.
This truth is repeated throughout the chapter.
Notice 1:9:
· 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Notice verse 5:
· Titus 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Notice verse 10:
· “…that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.”
Sound Doctrine is not just what we believe; it is what we do.
Notice the lifestyle that was a result of Titus’ doctrine:
A. Showing Uncorruptness - incorruptibility, soundness, integrity
B. Gravity - the characteristic of a thing or person which entitles to reverence and respect, dignity, majesty, sanctity, honour, purity
C. Sincerity - incorruption, perpetuity, purity, sincerity, incorrupt
The Pressure to be a Pattern in:
III. Our Dialogue
· 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
Paul is exhorting Titus to be a pattern of sound speech, so that the other believers could have sound speech.
Paul referenced the importance of sound speech several times in the book of Titus.
· 1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
· 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.
Paul placed a lot of emphasis on the believer being SOUND.
· Titus 1:9 sound doctrine
· Titus 1:13 sound in the faith;
· Titus 2:1 sound doctrine:
· Titus 2:2 sound in faith
· Titus 2:8 Sound speech
The word SOUND here means well, healthy, that which does not deviate from truth.
This includes your text messages.
This includes your phone calls.
This includes your emails.
This includes your social media posts.
This includes your social media posts, and likes and shares.
This includes the music you sing/listen to.
· Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
· Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Paul was adamant that if anyone spoke evil of us, that they would be ashamed when it was discovered to be untrue.
· “…that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
Peter echoed the admonition of Paul when he said in…
1 Peter 3
· 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
· 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
· 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.
Conclusion: Make no mistake; there is a lot of pressure involved in the pattern process. Whether you are the pattern, or you are blessed to have one in your life. The whole purpose of the pattern is duplication. Are you a pattern? Who are the patterns in your life that you allow to influence you?
The Pressure of the Pattern
Part 2
Titus 2
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
· 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.
I. The Pressure to be a Preacher
The call of God to preach is a life of continuous, non-stop pressure.
· Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
The pressure to manifest God’s Word THROUGH PREACHING has been committed.
The pressure on Titus to fulfill that commitment involved a wide variety of tasks.
Difficult tasks; stressful tasks – FOR THIS CAUSE.
There is far more going on here than a job, an occupation, filling a slot in the ministry.
The man of God has been given A CAUSE.
The pressure is in the first part of verse 5 – “…that thou shouldest…”
Titus was given several key assignments.
Each of them difficult and with great pressure.
A. The Pressure to Size Up – 1:5
B. The Pressure to Set Up – 1:5-9
C. The Pressure to Shut Up – 1:10-16
D. The Pressure to Speak Up – 2:1
E. The Pressure to Show Up – 2:7
II. The Pressure to be a Pattern
A. A Pattern of Saving Faith
1 Timothy 1
· 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
· 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
QUOTE: “The greatest threat to the furtherance of the Gospel are those that claim to have been saved because of it but are not changed by it.”
Paul realized that he had the overwhelming responsibility to be a pattern of a true salvation experience.
In other words, people will not just judge his salvation personally, but salvation as a whole.
PATTERN: ὑποτύπωσις hupotuposis hoop-ot-oop’-o-sis
1) an outline, sketch, brief and summary exposition
2) an example, pattern
2a) for an example of those who should hereafter believe
2b) to show by the example of my conversation that the same grace which I had obtained would not be wanting also to those who should hereafter believe
Paul believed that God saved him, “the chiefest of sinners” to demonstrate the power of salvation.
If God could save Paul, he could save anyone!
If God could save Paul, a man that had persecuted the church, God could save anybody.
Paul’s salvation was a testimony to the mercy and longsuffering of God.
This salvation weighed heavily on the Paul.
Paul felt the responsibility to “shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern…”
Paul didn’t look at God’s longsuffering as a license to live in sin; but rather as a call to labor more abundantly.
1 Corinthians 15
· 9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
· 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
The Apostle Paul gave Titus a number of charges concerning the importance of a life that proves true salvation.
· Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Profession without a possession.
They know how to give a WORD of testimony, but there are no WORKS to back it up!
· Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
A lot of people are content to be redeemed, but are not at all interested in being regenerated.
True salvation is regeneration; a new life; a new creature; a new walk; a new EVERYTHING!!
Paul didn’t get a super-duper dose of salvation.
There’s only one kind!
In fact, Paul mentioned this in Titus 1:4 – Titus was his son after the COMMON FAITH.
If you got saved, you got the same salvation that Paul got.
Or did you???
Paul said that the same grace that saved him hath appeared to ALL men. Not just him!
It didn’t just teach him some things, it teaches US.
Titus 2:11, 12
· 11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
· 12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
· 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
The Grace of God that bringeth salvation will bring some more things to the table!
It will have an impact on:
1. Your LUSTS – vs. 12
2. Your LIVING – vs. 12b
3. Your LOOKING – vs. 13
Make no mistake: The Bible is clear that we are NOT saved by works.
SEE Titus 3:3-7
· 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
· 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
· 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
· 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
· 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
But now notice verse 8!!
· 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
AFFIRM CONSTANTLY!!!
The pressure is on the preacher to make sure that saved people MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS!!
There are not two kinds of salvation; Paul’s and yours. They should match, and they will match.
The Pressure of the Pattern
Part 3
B. A Pattern of Sound Faith
Just as there are not two different kinds of SAVING FAITH, there are not too different kinds of SOUND FAITH;
There is not the SOUND FAITH of Titus, and then “your” SOUND FAITH.
Notice Paul’s instruction to Titus to make sure that everyone he encountered had the same kind of SOUND FAITH.
· Titus 1:13; “…that they may be sound in the faith.”
The Cretians may have thought their faith was sound, but it was not.
· Titus 2:2 “That the aged men be…sound in the faith…”
Titus was to be the pattern of sound faith.
There are not multiple kinds of sound faith.
NOTE: There was a leadership vacuum in these churches. (see 1:5)
Because there were no ordained and appointed leaders, there were illegitimate leaders.
If the pastor is not the pattern in the church, someone else will step in and fill that role.
1. A Pattern is concerned with REFLECTION
Age doesn’t determine soundness.
How long you’ve been saved doesn’t determine soundness.
Well, what does? Those things that BECOME sound doctrine! (vs. 1)
· Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
BECOME: to fit
· Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ:
BECOMETH:
1 Timothy 2
· 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
· 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
Some things do not fit; do not match; do not become women professing godliness!
SEE text:
· Titus 2:3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness,
ILLUSTRATION:
CLASS PARTICIPATION: Do you believe that if Titus had a wife, that she would fit the description in vs. 4, 5?
If he was to be a pattern, what about her?
Is the pastor’s wife supposed to be a pattern according to verse 7, 8?
Let me ask this question; are the women in any way, shape or form under any pressure from the pattern of their pastor’s wife?
How do you think God feels about having a preacher and a pattern that is ignored?
How do you think God feels about having provided the church with a pattern, and it not be followed?
How much pressure do you think should be on the young women in verse 4 to learn what the aged women in verse 3 are trying to teach them?
2. A Pattern is concerned with RESULTS
Paul said it like this.
· Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
· He has spoken unto you the word of God – that’s his role as the preacher.
· Whose faith follow – that’s his role as the pattern.
God has put the pastor in the church to be the PREACHER, and the PATTERN.
CONSIDERING THE END: they have; have you?
They considered the end; are you?
They considered the end results of their decisions; have you?
How attentive are you to the conduct of the pattern that God has placed over you?
CONVERSATION: manner of life, conduct, behaviour, deportment
The pastor’s heart is consumed with the FINAL PRODUCT!! THE END RESULTS!!
Ephesians 4
· 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
· 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
· 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
· 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
· 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
The pastor doesn’t want you to look like him! He wants you to be like Christ!
That’s the end results of the pattern - unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
3. A Pattern is concerned with RUDIMENTS
RUDIMENTS: any first thing, from which the others belonging to some series or composite whole take their rise, an element, first principal e.g. the elements, rudiments, primary and fundamental principles of any art, science, or discipline
· Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
One of the keys to being a preacher and a pattern is the attention to THINGS.
I have been in the ministry long enough to know that people don’t mind preaching GENERATLITIES.
It’s when you start dealing with THINGS that the sparks start to fly.
Paul reminded Titus of the importance of THINGS in:
· 1:5, 11, 15
· 2:1, 3, 7, 9, 10, 15
· 3:8 (twice)
The pastor; the pattern has to be concerned about THE THINGS.
When the pattern stops caring about the little things, things will become out of order. (1:5)
When the pattern stops being concerned about the little sins, the church becomes vulnerable.
When the pattern ignores small error and small deception, God’s people are in trouble.
Big things come from little things.
Big problems develop from little problems.
Big errors come from small errors.
Galatians 5
· 7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
· 8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
· 9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Song of Solomon 2 says that is the little foxes that will spoil the vine.
4. A Pattern is concerned with REPETITION
· Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
AFFIRM: to affirm strongly, assert confidently
He closes out the book with the same admonition.
· Titus 3:14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful.
C. A Pattern of Strong Faith
Some of the most difficult aspects of a pattern is found in Titus 2:15.
· Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
The pressure is on every preacher to cave in, to quit; to let up; to slow down; to lower the standard.
Paul admonished Titus – don’t second-guess your calling!
Don’t second-guess your appointment!
Don’t second-guess the cause!
It might be easy in verse 1 to start out, but you’ve got to see this through.
SEE Titus 1:13
REBUKE: 1) to convict, refute, confute
1a) generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted
1b) by conviction to bring to the light, to expose
2) to find fault with, correct
2a) by word
2a1) to reprehend severely, chide, admonish, reprove
2a2) to call to account, show one his fault, demand an explanation
· 1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
· 2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
“…with all authority…”
AUTHORITY: an injunction, mandate, command
It takes a supernatural strength from God to fulfill this command.
In a day and age when people hate authority.
When they question authority and defy authority, being a preacher and a patter with authority requires STRONG FAITH.
In many churches, the pastor has zero authority.
In the New Testament church, the pastor has been put in a position of authority.
· Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
DESPISE: to contemn, to despise; to look down on with contempt
This is the same thing Paul told Timothy!
· 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,
I want to close with an extremely sobering thought.
The Bible tells us in two other places that there is one person that despises the pattern that God has put in their life.
It is APOSTATES.
· 2 Peter 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
· Jude 1:8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.
NOTE: Same Greek word for “government” and “dominion”.
It basically means power and authority.
For a detailed list of what God has for those that despise his statutes, read Leviticus 26:15 and following.
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