Text: Titus 2:1-5 NIV.
The word perseverance comes from the greek word “hopemone”
which means steadfastness. It is the ability to “actively” endure situations under pressure. Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV. says this,
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. And so, what is Paul saying, is that when we run the race with perseverance. We can’t have things in our lives that will way us down/ we must throw them off…We must throw off everything & the sin that hidden us…
But then he says, let us run the race with perseverance the race marked out for us. underline this! You see, every race in Christ is uniquely designed for a reason…Just like in the Olympics there are several races…and each race is uniquely designed for a reason. For example, a sprint race is uniquely different from a relay race and a relay race is uniquely different from a marathon race but all of these races comes under the same umbrella of the Olympic. And so, in Christ there are unique races that are marked out for us. Now while, the ultimate goal & purpose in this Christian race is to become more like Jesus, it is important to understand that each and every believer has a path, a pace, and obstacles that differ for everyone & every race. And so, there is a race that is marked out for us as it relates to how we teach model and live out God’s truth to our children…What does this race look like? Titus 2:1-5NIV says this, You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance/perseveance.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
And so, Today as we celebrate Mother’s day, let us not be oblivious to war that the enemy is waging against us & against our children.
And so, watch! Paul instructed Titus to teach 3 things….
1). To teach inter generational Biblical & Spiritual truth. He says in Titus 2:2-5 NIV; Hoshea 4:6 NIV
2). To Model inter generational Biblical and spiritual truth. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; KJV), Titus 2:4-5 NIV
3). God expects my children to live in accordance with inter generational Biblical and spiritual truth. Titus 2:4-5 NIV; James 1: 2-4 NIV.