Teachers of Good Things

The ladies and I at church are studying Titus 2:3-5. It says,

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. "

We are reading through Francie Taylor's book "Teachers of Good Things".

Last month we went through chapter one. I wrote down a few highlights to share.

(the italicized words are taken from the book)

The Fundamental Importance of Being “Sober”

~ Begin at the beginning.

~ Keep the instructions simple.

~Before we can teach, we need to learn. We simply cannot give what we do not have.

Definition of Sober- “to make of sound mind; to discipline or correct.”

~ We must be wise in the Lord before we can teach.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

~Stick with the Word. Don’t add to or take away when teaching.

And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:19

~Make sure your “mind soil” hasn’t gotten hard.

Here are the signs:

A critical spirit , An uncontrolled tongue, Misplaced priorities (leaving the scraps of your time for God), A shallow spiritual life (lack of daily Bible reading, failing to pray, skipping church for trivial reasons), Being overly emotional without a reasonable cause, Wrestling with biblical modesty and other standards, An extreme focus on physical beauty or appearance

If you find any of these “weeds”are part of your life, ask God to work in you!

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

~Don’t settle for poverty.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; Colossians 3:16a

Read, study and memorize God’s Word.

“By feeding on the Word instead of fasting on the Word, we allow God to train us to be sober, sound and fruitful.”

“Daily Bible reading is Vital to Spiritual Health.”

~Keep your toolbox handy.

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

Good Godly friends can keep us sharp.

Good Godly friends share enduring love.

A friend loveth at all times…. Proverbs 17:17

“Do our friendships challenge us to walk with God

or away from God?”

~We must be ready to give sound counsel based on the sound foundation of the Word of God.

If it’s against God’s Word do not council someone to do it.

We do not know better than God!

The Lord has graciously provided us with biblical solutions to any of life’s problems, and all we have to do is read and apply them properly.

It is vital that we know the Word of God and that we become skillful in applying it with wisdom, clarity and prayer.

~We must let afflictions strengthen us.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. Psalm 119:71

Affliction is part of God’s plan for our lives.

I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.

Psalm 119:75

Affliction draws us closer to the Lord.

We have to allow God to keep us in the “fiery furnace” until His work is complete.

When afflicted pray.

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. James 5:13a

Start with Psalm 119:153, Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.

Remember though… the timing of this help belongs to the Lord.

Lastly,

BIBLE FIRST…BOOKS LATER!

What Joy it can be to teach the younger the things of the Lord! I'm excited to go through this book and study out Titus 2:3-5. We must get ourselves right in preparation to be great teachers for the King of Kings!

You can order the book here: Keep the Heart - Teacher of Good Things

You can print this devotion out here: Teachers of Good Things (Chapter 1 highlights)