Doctrine for Aged Women Part 1 Titus 2:3 - Equipped for Battle

We left our study yesterday with Paul giving instruction to Titus to teach aged men sound doctrine, and today Paul begins to address the aged women. Paul's doctrine for aged women takes three verses to complete so we will begin with the first one in chapter two and verse three where Paul wrote:

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

As Paul addresses the idea of doctrine for “aged” women, he is directing his thoughts primarily to those women who are along in years. Titus is to address women who have experienced life, matured, and have known both experientially and intellectually how life affects a person. Paul uses the word “likewise” which is in reference to his instruction to Titus says this doctrine must be a part of Titus' regiment. Titus must include the teaching of women in his indoctrination of the church. Women comprise the largest part of church attenders today, so there is much to be learned from Paul's instruction.

Let's notice too that Paul's direction for Titus is to consider the aged women's “behavior”. Many times a person's actions speak so loudly that people cannot hear a word they are saying. Aged women who behave badly have a direct affect upon a large portion of the church which includes not only men, but also children.

Paul gives a list of the qualities that must be taught to aged women. They are as follows: “behavior as becomes holiness” which means that they are befitting and reverent in places, actions or in sacred things of God. Again the idea of purity prevails as the first characteristic that is important in aged women.

Next Paul writes that they are not to be “false accusers.” The Greek word used for false accusers is “diabolos” from which our English word “diabolical” is derived. A woman who is prone to slander, falsely accusing, a calumniator is said to act the part of the devil or to side with him. There is nothing more diabolical in the church than busy-bodied women who continually fabricate stories about others just so they can feel good about themselves. Titus is to know that there is a propensity for this behavior to arise, and he is to teach against it in aged women.

Paul adds “not given to much wine.” Once again Paul gives Titus instruction about “much wine.” Paul knows the affect that wine can have upon a person's judgment. Whenever mind altering chemicals are involved, sound thought can be put to the side and reckless behavior is the result. There is little worse than an aged woman and her influence when she is “under the influence”, especially within the church.

Finally Paul ends this verse with this instruction for the aged women, that they be “teachers of good things.” The matriarchal affect within a church should never be underestimated. Many “aged women” who were teachers of “good things” were one of the most powerful agents employed by the church. Aged women who are Sunday school teachers are some of the most widely used people by God to tell children about Jesus Christ. Deaconesses, choir members, office staff, and other important positions within the church often depend upon “aged women” to be teachers of good things. Paul knows the involvement of women within the church, and his instruction to Titus is to not only recognize their presence but guide it toward the entire church's benefit.

We shall end our study with these thoughts today, but there is more to be shared by Paul for aged women in tomorrow's words to Titus, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore