Obligations of the Older

Introduction

Let me go on record saying I have always loved older people. I was very close to my grandparents, especially my Dad’s parents. I would go to their house and my grandmother and I would spend lots of time playing Scrabble. My brother and I would also spend time with my mother’s parents at their trailer close by Pates Ford Marina at Center Hill Lake. Whether it’s grandparents or elderly people you associate with at church, work, etc. there are qualities about them which endear us to them. One time there was a movie released with the title Grumpy Old Men. These are not the type of older people we enjoy being around.

I’ve had the privilege of being around several who are older in the church whom I became close to. Ocena Thurston took me under her wing at Harding University. I learned about senior adult ministry from Jim Putman who said you can’t move old folks like you move cattle; you have to move them slow and deliberate. I used to visit Mattyvee Lewis quite frequently after her husband died and pick up some groceries from Harris Foodland. I ate several cheeseburgers with Tim Anderson at the ByPass Deli as he served as a mentor for me in ministry. There is great value in being around those who are older, especially when we consider that one day we will be in their shoes.

Paul wrote a letter to his young preaching friend, Titus, who he referred to as “my true child in a common faith” (Tit. 1:4). Titus was preaching on the island of Crete, and he was responsible for appointing elders in every city per the instructions of Paul (Tit. 1:5). As he opens up the second chapter, Paul tells him “speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Tit. 2:1). As he elaborates on this, he gives Titus the responsibilities of older men and older women. Tonight we’ll look at what he relates to Titus in 2:2-4 as we notice the obligations of the older.

Older men are to be:

Temperate

This is also translated as sober or sober-minded. This is definitely pointing to the abstinence of alcohol, but it will be more encompassing than that. This is one of the requirements of an elder (1 Tim. 3:2). Tied with avoiding drunkenness, there will be an aspect of self-control in general. Several years ago while on a senior adult group trip, we stopped off at a Ryan’s to eat supper. While inside there was a family who had moved on to the dessert portion of their meal, and it floored all of us to see the amounts of ice cream mounded up on plates which they were consuming. One word came to mind: self-control. Older men need to show this in their lives.

Dignified

The idea here is being men of dignity or honorable character, but also reverent and holy. Paul uses the same word in Phil. 4:8 when he says “whatever is honorable.” This word is also a requirement for a deacon and his wife (1 Tim. 3:8,11). Webster’s Dictionary defines it not only as nobility of character, but also as “bearing, conduct, or speech indicative of self-respect or appreciation ofthe formality or gravity of an occasion or situation” (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/dignity?s=t).

Sensible

Also translated as prudent, it means of sound mind. Sometimes we talk about people having common sense. Older men are to exhibit this sensibility. It is required of an elder (1 Tim. 3:2). Wisdom comes with old age (Job 12:12). Older men are better equipped to be sensible than those who are younger.

Sound

The word translated as sound means healthy and well (http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/hugiaino.html). Paul tells Titus that the older men are to be healthy or well “in  faith, in love, in perseverance” (2). While the physical health of older men eventually begins to fade, they should be sound in their spiritual health.

Older women are to be:

Reverent in their behavior

The Greek scholar A.T. Robertson says “like people engaged in sacred duties” (http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/robertsons-word-pictures/titus/titus-2-3.html). The same idea is conveyed in 1 Tim. 2:10 where Paul says women are to be clothed with good works “as befits a women making a claim to godliness.” Older women who want to be godly will be reverent in their behavior.

Not malicious gossips

This word is used 37 times in the NT: 3 times it’s translated as malicious gossips; 34 times it’s translated as devil (http://www.biblestudytools.com/lexicons/greek/nas/diabolos.html). The idea conveyed here is someone who slanders or falsely accuses. You’ve heard the song by Marty Robbins Devil Woman; as Paul is pointing this out to Titus he is basically saying a woman who is a malicious gossip is a devil woman; she’s doing the desires of the devil. Many people’s character have been slandered by malicious gossip. Gossip is of course hearsay; it's something that is not true about somebody else. You could be one of three types of people when it comes to gossip: you can start it, you can spread it, or you can stop it!  Men are guilty of this too, but it seems more prevalent with women. Older women should know better than to do this.

Not enslaved to much wine

It is a mistake for an older woman to point to this passage to say she can drink alcohol as long as she does not get drunk. Remember that even if wine in the first century was alcoholic in content, it would not even resemble the strong drinks of our day and age. Remember that older women are supposed to be setting good examples for the younger women, which is where Paul goes next in the text.

Teaching what is good to the young women

Somewhere we’ve gotten away from this. The older women are to be teaching the younger women. What happens in congregational settings many times? The older women either taught for many years and handed the reigns over to those who were younger or they never taught to begin with and they sat in on the auditorium class. Granted James says not everyone should be teachers (Jas. 3:1), but older women have much to offer to young women by teaching them. I would like to see more of our older women teaching the younger ones.

Conclusion

Every congregation of the Lord’s people is made up of older and younger. Where would we be here at North View without those who are older among our number? We wouldn’t be anywhere! I hope tonight that those men and women who are older will recognize the type of people the Lord wants them to be, and if you don’t meet these obligations, take action and fix it now. Those who are older have obligations placed on them from Scripture, and those of us who are younger can benefit from them greatly if we see this example.

Noticing Nicodemus

Introduction

Many things have been done under the cloak of darkness. Most of the time those things are done with the intent of not getting caught. One time I remember my brother, Chris sneaking out of the house to join up with a friend of his as they had a plan to roll the yard of another friend of theirs. My brother left the house and set out on his bicycle, but his friend never showed up. While the intent was to roll the yard without being caught by their friend or her parents, what my brother didn’t count on was getting busted at home. Dad had heard Chris sneak down the stairs, and when he walked out the door my dad locked it behind him. Ah, the things that are done at night as it is supposed to be a time of secrecy. However, not everything done at night is bad.

There is an individual in John’s gospel we are introduced to who showed up under the cloak of darkness for a good purpose. His name was Nicodemus. Three times we see him in the New Testament, all in the gospel of John. Every time we see him it is something pertaining to Jesus. His first appearance was a nightly visit to the Master Teacher, and when we get to know a little bit about him we understand why he waited until dark to talk with Christ. Have you ever noticed certain things about Nicodemus? This morning I want us to notice aspects of Nicodemus from the three places we see him in John’s gospel. Upon noticing these three things, I want us to notice our lives and see if we can learn some things from this man.

First, notice that Nicodemus came to Jesus.

Who was this man named Nicodemus? In John 3 we have our first introduction of him. He was a Pharisee who came to Jesus by night (Jn. 3:1). The Pharisees were the Jewish rulers and authorities of the day who were legalistic hypocrites. They strictly held to the Law, while at the same time as Jesus said “…neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness…” (Mt. 23:23). Nicodemus is the only active Pharisee who has a positive take on Jesus.

He comes to Jesus by night because of the position that he held, for he would be ridiculed or worse for approaching Jesus if the others found out. Unlike the other Pharisees, he believed in Jesus. He said “Rabbi, we know that you have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (Jn. 3:2). Jesus begins a discussion about the new birth that is confusing to Nicodemus, which is probably the thing that people remember most about this encounter.

Here is what I want you to remember: he came to Jesus. Regardless of who he was, he came to Jesus. Regardless of when it was, he came to Jesus. The man came to Jesus, and that is important! There are a lot of people in this world who need to come to Jesus. It doesn’t matter what their religious background is, what their social status is, or when it is; people need to come to Jesus. Sometimes we use that phrase: “we’re gonna have a come to Jesus meeting!” There are many people who need a come to Jesus meeting.

Jesus tells us one of the reasons people need to come to Him is for rest and relief. ‘”Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I and gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light’” (Mt. 11:28-30). When we have problems in this world, Jesus wants us to come to Him. Jesus also wants us to come to Him for salvation. In Jn. 4 Jesus says that He gives living water which leads to eternal life (10, 14). Jesus also says there is a proper fashion for coming to Him. We need to receive the kingdom as a little child (Mk. 10:14) for humility and dependence must accompany our coming to Jesus.

Second, notice that Nicodemus contended for Jesus.

The next account of him we have is during a session where the chief priests and Pharisees were discussing Jesus in John 7:45-53. Notice that when the Pharisees remark that none of them have believed in Jesus, Nicodemus contends for Jesus by speaking up on His behalf. He said ‘”Our Law does not judge a man, unless it first hears from him and knows what he is doing, does it?’” (Jn. 7:51). This was a fair question, but the chief priests and Pharisees were not interested in the truth of the matter. They wanted no part of Jesus, unlike Nicodemus who had already come to Jesus acknowledging who He is.

Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and they start saying something that’s not true about someone you are close to? How do you respond to that? Do you laugh and ignore what they are talking about? No, you stand up for them and defend them. You contend for them.

That’s what Nicodemus did for Jesus. Are you doing that for Jesus? Are you contending for Him to others around you? We as Christians are supposed to be contending for the faith (Jude 3). If we don’t stand up for the truth, we are not being contenders of the faith. On one occasion Peter was given three chances to stand up for Jesus, but he denied him all three times. Paul said “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them” (2 Tim. 4:16). When we’re given the opportunity to stand up for what is right and support the right cause, what will we do? Sometimes we sing the song Stand up for Jesus. Are you doing that?

Third and finally, notice that Nicodemus cared for Jesus.

It is said the average cost of a funeral in the USA is between $7,000 and $10,000 (http://www.parting.com/blog/funeral-costs-how-much-does-an-average-funeral-cost/). Funeral directors do a great job with taking care of everything pertaining to this process. I have been in an embalming room before for part of this process, and let me say that I appreciate the job they do. This is commonplace today, but did you realize in Bible times this wasn’t as commonplace? Embalming has its origins with the Egyptians, and even through the first century embalming was performed only for the wealthy.

Read Jn. 19:38-41. Jesus was the carpenter’s son, and He was not someone who had access to embalming services upon His death. However, Isaiah 53:9 talks about how He was with a rich man in His death. Joseph of Arimathea got the body of Jesus from Pilate, and he was assisted by none other than Nicodemus. They took care of the body of Jesus at his death by preparing it with a mixture of myrrh and aloes, wrapping it with linen wrappings, and burying it in Joseph’s own new tomb in the garden (Mt. 27:60; Jn. 19:38-41).

This is the third and final time we see Nicodemus as he cares for the body of Jesus by helping Joseph. You can’t care for Jesus in His death from the sense of assisting with the body, for He rose from the grave never to die again (Rom. 6:9). You can care for Jesus in His death by preaching Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 1:23). You can care for Jesus in His death by taking up your cross daily (Lk. 9:23). You can care for Jesus in His death by showing others that Jesus was lifted up from the earth for the purpose of eternal life (Jn. 3:14-15).

Conclusion

This morning we have noticed some things about Nicodemus: he came to Jesus, he contended for Jesus, he cared for Jesus. It helps to notice things from Scripture, but what about where the rubber meets the road? What about you? What are you noticing about yourself this morning? Do you need to come to Jesus? Jesus came to you so that you can come to Him. There’s a great invitation in the last chapter of the Bible. It says “And the Spirit and the bride say, “’Come.’” And let the one who hears say, “’Come.’” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost” (Rev. 22:17). The water of life is without cost because Jesus already paid the cost; He gave it all! Have you noticed?

Lost Bible

Several years ago I was getting ready to leave the West 7^th church building. I momentarily placed my Thompson Chain-Reference Bible on top of my car while I did something with a car seat in the back seat, and then away I drove. At some point that day I realized when I drove off, my Bible was still on top of my car. It was heartbreaking for me because it was my favorite Bible. However, I made the remark to someone that maybe whoever found it when it fell off the top of my car was in more need of it than I was. Is it possible a lost Bible could do more good than one that never disappears?

My good friend Richard Riehn from EEM told a story a while back about a member of the church from Budapest, Hungary named Ivan Martos who was on a train bound for Vienna. As the train neared the Austrian border, an official asked him to unpack his bag. The first item removed from the bag was his personal Bible. The officer became enraged that man in the position of Ivan had a Bible, so he flung it out the window of the moving train. Ivan knew he’d never see his Bible again.

Fast forward two years later. Ivan received a package with a name and return address he didn’t recognize. Inside the package was his Bible and a note of apology. It turns out the letter was from an individual who said some of the kids from their village had found his Bible while they were playing by the railroad tracks. They took it back to the village and one of their grandmothers realized what it was. The people from the village took time to make copies of the Bible, and this took about two years. About thirty of the people obeyed the gospel, baptizing each other. Now they were a secret group of believers who met for worship and followed Jesus. They had found Ivan’s information inside the Bible, so the person writing him mailed it back to him after that lengthy period of time they took to make copies.

Wow! What a story about God’s Word teaching us that there are people out there who are hungry for the Truth. There are people here in Columbia, TN who are hungry, and we need to find them. I’m not suggesting that we need to lose our Bibles, but I am suggesting we need to find the people who need the Truth. The Bible alone is powerful. Remember what Paul said: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:16).

Brotherly,

Jeremy T. Butt

Be Mine

Introduction

Valentine’s Day is one of the most commercial holidays in the U.S.A. Last year, it is projected there were 18.9 billion dollars in sales for the holiday (http://www.business2community.com/trends-news/valentines-day-spending-statistics-2015-01153592#oGlX1kkKuOg41shk.97). All you have to do is swing by the grocery store, the jewelry store or the flower shop to see that Valentine’s Day is big business. While we understand what Valentine’s Day is today, what about how it originated?

The exact origin has some sketchy details, but we do know there was a pagan holiday called Lupercalia which was a Roman fertility festival. It was later attempted to be Christianized to get away from the pagan origins. But just who is the fellow we refer to as St. Valentine? There have been several recommendations. One would be the priest who was continuing to marry people even after the emperor Claudius II banned weddings. Claudius thought single men made better soldiers. He sentenced Valentine to death. Another legend has Valentine helping Christians escape prison, and he was killed. Yet a third legend has an imprisoned Valentine sending a note to his young girlfriend saying “from your Valentine.” Whichever Valentine became the inspiration for this day, we know it changed from what it used to be.

Pope Gelasius declared the 14^th day of February as a day to honor the soft-hearted Valentine. It wasn’t until the 1300’s it became associated with love and romance. People thought the middle of February was mating season for birds. In the 1400’s people began exchanging valentine greetings. In the 1900’s cards replaced the written notes. It is estimated that around 1 billion valentine cards are sent (http://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day). Regardless of whether you see Valentine’s Day as a big day for your relationship with your significant other, I submit to you this morning there are some principles from this big day that will help you to become a better Christian.

This morning let’s examine the fact that the Lord has sent you a Valentine message that says “be mine,” so let’s apply some principles from God’s Word to show how a day of love toward your sweetheart is not as important as a life of love for the Lord.

Express Your Love

I’m sure we’ve all heard about the husband who wouldn’t say I love you. When his wife asked him why he never tells her he loves her anymore, he replies: “Honey, I said I love you when we got married. I told you if that ever changed, I would let you know.” We men know that wives like to hear I love you, and they like to hear it often.

What about God? Have you ever been like that husband who expressed his love for his wife that one time and that’s it? Have you kept God waiting on an expression of your love for Him? After Moses reminds the Israelites of the Ten Commandments, he tells them to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deut. 6:5). Jesus later refers to this as the greatest commandment (Mt. 22:38). If we are supposed to love God this much, don’t you think we ought to tell Him?

We do need to tell Him, but how do we do that? We can pray. As our primary vehicle for communicating to God, we need to utilize this to the fullest. Pray fervently; pray often; pray with reverence and humility. Whatever we do, let’s make sure we communicate to God that we love Him. Though it is not a prayer, there is a Psalm that conveys this sentiment. The Psalmist says: “’I Love Thee, O Lord, my strength.’ The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies” (Ps. 18:1-2).

We can also sing, which is another aspect of our communication with Him. We sing hymns when we gather for worship such as I Love You Lord, I Love the Lord, and Father, I Adore You. In these we are singing to God by praising Him with the fruit of our lips (Heb. 13:15). Let’s make sure we remember how important it is to include the expressions of our love for God in song when we gather for worship.

Rod Stewart sang the song Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? When is the last time you told God how much you love Him in prayer and in song?

The Gift Matters

We’ve all seen the commercials from Jared, the Galleria of Jewelry. Much emphasis is put on the man who went to Jared to buy his wife something from that store. I have never felt the need to go to Jared. However, guess what this guy did this year for Valentine’s Day? He went to Jared! Granted, we know deep down it’s the thought that matters and it doesn’t matter what you really get her, right guys?

What about God? Is it just the thought that matters? We know from the Bible there are some things that God expects of us as His children. By way of practical observation: don’t go to the grocery store at the last minute; don’t think you can shop conveniently online for God’s gift; don’t try to get a deal on what you will give to Him.

What does God want from us? I’m reminded of Micah 6:8 which says: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Wrapped up in a nutshell, those are the requirements that God expects of us. We also know it’s a sacrificial life which Paul sums up in Romans 12. Jesus even told His apostles that it is a daily denial of self as we seek to be cross-bearers (Lk. 9:23). We know if we love the Lord, we will keep His commandments (Jn. 14:15). Earlier I mentioned the greatest commandment, but Jesus also elaborated on this by saying we also need to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mk. 12:31).  This is not an exhaustive list, but I think we can see that what we give to God matters. I’m not even talking about our financial gifts to God, but we know that’s important too! We should give cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7), liberally (2 Cor. 9:11), according to our ability (2 Cor. 8:3), as we’ve purposed in our hearts (2 Cor. 9:7) and giving ourselves first to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5).

Let’s give God the gifts He desires from us as we want to please Him (2 Cor. 5:9). The gifts that we give Him do matter. Don’t go to Jared; God has already equipped you with the gifts He wants you to offer.

We Need Reminders

Sometimes you see calendars with certain days marked, highlighted, circled, etc. as reminders. Some men might need help remembering Valentine’s Day. Sometimes it slips up on you, so any extra reminder can rescue you from being in the doghouse with your wife.

What about God? Do you think He saw fit to make sure we have built-in reminders of gifts for Him? You better believe it! Remember after Moses reminds Israel of the Ten Commandments, in Deuteronomy 6 he talks about the importance of keeping God’s Law before the people. These were to be visual reminders (especially the visual reminders: hands, foreheads, doorposts) “…lest you forget the Lord…” (Deut. 6:12). Moses wanted God’s people to remember, so he gave them built-in reminders of these things. Remember when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper? He said “…do this in remembrance of Me” (Lk. 22:19). This is a weekly reminder of what He did for us. That’s important for we do this every first day of the week. Also, Peter said it was important to be reminded of things, so he would “…stir you up by way of reminder” (2 Pet. 1:13).

Conclusion

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day with the one we love, let us remember that God has already sent us the ultimate valentine: He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins (Jn. 3:16). We know how much God loves us, but does God know how much we love Him? We need to express that love. We need to understand that it does matter what we give to God. We need reminders at times so we can love God like we’re supposed to. God says “Be Mine.” If you haven’t obeyed the gospel, the time is now to enter that covenant relationship with God. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:37) and confess Him before men (Mt. 10:32). Be convicted of your sins (Acts 2:37) and repent (2 Cor. 6:10). Put on your Lord in baptism washing away your sins (Acts 22:16). God is waiting on you to tell Him, “Be Mine!”

Do You Want God's Word?

There has been a lot of hype about the week of the Super Bowl, but now that has come and gone. This week is a big week for a different reason. It is the 80^th annual Bible lectureship at Freed-Hardeman University. I love this week for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is the extra time I get to spend hearing lessons from God’s Word. Granted even spending one day at the lectureships makes you tired, but it’s worth it to be involved in a day of Bible study with such great speakers.

Our group from the North View Church of Christ will be traveling on Tuesday, but I will be going to speak on Wednesday. By the time you read this article, the lectureship will almost be over. Let me encourage you to take advantage of opportunities such as this to help you grow as a Christian. Aside from studying the Word, you also get to spend more time with our people from North View, as well as the fact that you get to see several other saints you might not have seen in many years. People come from all over to gather at the lectureship to soak in the benefits of this week.

I am reminded of what the Psalmist said: “O how I love Thy law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97). We will not always spend that much time in God’s Word in one day or one week, but let’s take advantage of these moments when they come. Do you love being in God’s Word? Do you crave the Bible as you do some of the super bowl food you consumed over the weekend? One of the verses I read Sunday morning shows what happens when someone wants the Truth: “Thy words were found, and I ate them…” (Jer. 15:17).

God provides ample opportunities for us to let His Word sink into our hearts and minds. The choice is up to us as to whether we do it. Do you want God’s Word?

Brotherly,

Jeremy T. Butt

A Common Goal

We’ve all seen them at some point when we’re driving down the road: roadkill! Here in Middle Tennessee we regularly see the remains of skunks, rabbits, cats, dogs, possums, armadillos, turkeys and deer after they have a fatal encounter with a vehicle. What was very interesting on Sunday morning was what the boys and I saw gathered around the remains of a deer. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so what you see in this picture tells the whole story. I don’t recall in my 37 years of life seeing something quite like this dog and these buzzards sharing this same deer carcass. I turned the car around and went back just so I could take some pictures. Who knew they could get along well enough to do this?

What about the church? There are times people who are supposed to be family can’t stand to be around each other. Brethren, it ought not be this way. We should love one another (Rom. 12:10); have the same care for one another (1 Cor. 12:25); look not to our own interests, but the interests of others (Phil. 2:4). We need to be getting along and working together in the church. We should be coming together to accomplish a common goal. If this dog and these buzzards can do this, why can’t we?

Brotherly,

Jeremy T. Butt

The New Birth

Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews who came to Jesus by night. The Apostle John records for us the evening interaction that took place between these two. During this conversation, Jesus brings up the concept of the new birth as he says “‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’” (Jn. 3:3). Nicodemus doesn’t understand what Jesus is talking about, as he is focused on the physical birth. He knows that a man cannot enter his mother’s womb to be born a second time. Jesus was not talking about the physical birth, but the spiritual birth. He explains this birth is “…of water and the Spirit…” (Jn. 3:5).

This past Sunday our oldest son, Conner experienced the new birth that Jesus was talking about with Nicodemus. His physical birthday is July 13, 2005. His spiritual birthday is September 27, 2015. I am grateful that he will be brought up in a congregation of the Lord’s people who will encourage him, help him and mentor him in his Christian walk. North View is a special place, and I have every confidence that he will thrive spiritually in this church. What a blessing it is to be able to baptize your child into Christ. I can now say I was there on both days that he was born and born again.