Word of Salvation - September 2017

 

Aging into a Sage

By Rev. Craig Van Echten

On Titus 2:3-5

Textual Theme: In the face of false teachers Titus encourages the older women to lead godly lives and in their godliness guide the next generation of women which in turn will adorn the gospel to the watching world.

Purpose Statement: To adorn the gospel before the next generation and the watching world.

Proposition: Encouraging women to age into a sage.

Songs for after sermon: Bow 210, 215

 

Brothers and sisters,

Jean Williams tells the story, “My friend and I were visiting another friend’s church, enduring that uncomfortable time after the service when you stand around, a cup of lukewarm tea in one hand and an Arnott’s biscuit in the other, feeling like you have the word ‘visitor’ tattooed across your forehead and waiting for someone to approach you to make awkward conversation.

But the woman who approached us quickly put us at ease. She was white-haired, bright-eyed and vivacious, and she asked us, “Is this your first time here?” with sincerity and warmth, as if she really wanted to know the answer. We basked in her interest.

As we chatted, it became apparent that here was an older woman who hadn’t lost interest in younger women. She told us that she went to the young people’s evening service as well as the morning service just so she could spend time with young women and encourage them in their faith.

As my friend and I reflected on the conversation later, we realized the same thought had run through both our minds: “She is the woman I want to become”.

The passage we are looking at this morning is about aging into a Sage. Sage is not a term we use often. I’m not talking about the Sage the herb! But, a Sage is a wise person. And Titus 2 puts forth this wonderful calling where the Older women become Sages to the Younger. As John Piper puts it ‘Aging into a Sage.’

Now before we unpack further what it means to be a Sage, let me begin with some context.

1. The first point in relation to the context is the Gospel. Teaching about Biblical womanhood is often strong on practice and weak on principle. As a result woman can feel over burdened, and unnecessarily guilty. The lists of things to do can be endless. True? For example, kiss your husband when he comes in the door, have regular dates with your children and keep the cupboards organized, and whatever else Dr. google says. So then you feel like you have to do one hundred things to be a true woman.

But what do you have to do to be accepted before God? Nothing. God loves you because of what His Son has achieved. Not what you are trying to achieve.

So we must remember again this morning, the power to do comes from what He has done. The wider context of chapter 2 brings us back to gospel power. The grace of God is helping us to renounce ungodliness(Titus 2:11). Jesus is purifying us (Titus 2:14).

Don’t go away burdened this morning. Go away with the power of the gospel. “Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us that we should be called the children of God. And that is what we are.”

Out of that secure relationship you’ll find the motivation to serve Him as a women.

1. The second point in relation to context is: Equality and yet distinction.

Underlying the teaching of this passage is a theology of Gender. This is a huge topic today.  The gender bending began in the 1970’s. Now the chickens are coming home to roost. People are confused with respect to Gender. And gender roles.

The Bible’s theology of Gender begins in Genesis 1:27 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Notice, God designed and created only two genders. Notice too, that they were both made in His image. They are equally human. And if they are believers, they are one in Christ. And equal under Christ (Gal. 3:28).

But equality doesn’t mean sameness does it? Equality doesn’t mean sameness.

The Bible’s theology of Gender shows the beauty of distinctive callings. Men and women have different roles to play. Adam was the provider. Eve was the nurturer. And one role is not superior to another. They simply are different and distinctive. And they are beautiful, especially when they complement each other.

We see this in the Triune nature of God. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equally God. However, they have different roles in the economy of redemption. Cultures often fail to put those two things together. Equality and yet distinction.

So our theology of gender flows out of the very nature of God. And it’s this theology of gender that our text reflects.

So now the main point of this morning is to age into a Sage. As I mentioned, the Sage has nothing to do with cooking or your next lamb roast. A sage is a wise person. In a way, Sage captures what verse 3 describes as “reverent behaviour.”

And it’s not just the ladies that are called to be Sages. The men in verse 2 are also to be Sage like in their doctrine and conduct. But’s it’s the women we are focusing on this morning.

Now let’s put some more meat on the bones. How does this passage describe, what I’m calling, the Sage? There are two particular challenges in the Cretan context. And of course they are challenges today. Slander and Alcohol abuse.

1. “not slanderers.” Words are of course powerful aren’t they? Many of our news stories are about what Trump said or didn’t say. Words can be used powerfully for good. But they can also do a lot of damage. One of the things you don’t want to do with those words is slander. Or gossip in a negative way about others. Damage their reputation. That’s the first negative. (applies to men too!)

1. The other negative is with respect to alcohol. Jean Kilbourne has studied alcohol advertising since the 70’s. She says older women are increasingly targeted today. One ad shows two older women linking arms in a jovial mood. The caption reads: we go together like drunk and disorderly. Probably not unlike the advertising that went on in first century Crete. But, those who are drunk and tipsy do not make good Sages. (applies to men too!)

Now there’s a whole lot more that could be said about the Sage. These two are enough to highlight the importance of godly living. That’s the key. Wise living. It’s about being a Sage.

Now Why? It is so that the older women can be a blessing to the younger. Particularly, so that they can be conduits of teaching womenhood to the younger.

Jean Williams says, When I was a young woman, I longed for the encouragement of an older woman. As I grow older, I hope to become the kind of woman I longed for. I hope to fill this gap in the lives of young women around me.

What about the older women here this morning? Are you becoming a Sage? Please don’t think you have to be perfect. Please don’t think you have to be a super saint. A Sage is an ordinary Christian women. You have the fruit of experience, affliction, and knowledge of God’s Word.

And so you are called in verse 3 to teach what is good. And you have so much to share! For example:

You can encourage younger women that their acceptance is in Christ

You can remind those who are single that they don’t need to be married to be happy

You can remind those who fret that their children are in God’s hands

You can just be there to listen or shed a tear

Age into a Sage.

Now you may not be convinced so far. So finally, I’m going to highlight five reasons in this text as to why Sages are so important.

 

1. Firstly, mums need to be encouraged to love their husbands and children. Verse 4. The nurture of children is simply hard work isn’t it? How many times do mums wish they were somewhere else? If you think about it, the home is one of the hardest work places. Those under your care don’t follow orders, the pay is lousy, there’s no shutting down for maintenance, and to top it off health and safety is atrocious. Thankfully, there are no forms to fill out! In this workplace depression, burnout and injury are never far away. True?

So, at first it seems a bit stupid to encourage a mum to love their husbands and children. But in light of the intensity of family life it makes sense. This seems to be a weakness in the Cretan character. But it’s not too much different today is it? In extreme cases, careers are put before the welfare of one’s own children. In more subtle ways, the rigors of family life are cause for bitterness, resentment, and grumpiness.

So I encourage all the mums here. Keep up the good and necessary work you are doing. Continue to love your husbands and children. May the Lord put Sages on your path to encourage you.

2. Secondly, Sages are needed to prevent household idolatry. This passage in Titus 2 is not suggesting all a women can do in life, is get married and have children. Singleness is not the waiting room for marriage. Like the Apostle Paul, singleness can give opportunities for kingdom work that marriage can’t (see 1Cor. 7). While, most women will be married in the Lord’s timing. The single women is just as much a women. And has just as much opportunity to do kingdom good. And she needs that encouragement from her Sage.

3. Thirdly, Sages are needed to help prioritize home over work. Home and work is a bad way to put it of course. As if mums don’t do anything in the home. To say it differently, to prioritize work in the home over work outside of it. You may think that a passage like this excludes work outside the home? But, it doesn’t. In light of Proverbs 31 a woman might take on additional activities that benefit the family.

What this passage does emphasize is that the home is the most important calling. The sphere of the home is the priority (you see this in Proverbs 31 too). Why should children miss out on nurture that only a mum can give? Nurture is a mother’s calling. So we read that young women need to be working at home.

But, again their sphere of work may not be limited to the home. But these choices get very difficult. Should I get involved in that ministry in the Church? Should I volunteer in that way? Should I do some paid work? A wise sage will help navigate these waters. A wise sage will ask, ‘will it benefit your husband,’ ‘will it benefit your children,’ ‘will it benefit your family’ and ultimately will it be in keeping with God’s calling on your to be a mum. Choices have to be made. No one can have it all.

4. Fourthly, Sages help younger women adorn the gospel. Obviously the core of the gospel is the death and resurrection of Jesus. And we need to keep the main thing, the main thing don’t we? However, it may surprise you, that Biblical womenhood is also part of the gospel. Not central to it. But part of it’s expression. Verse 5 says, “that the word of God may not be reviled.” The way we live can either adorn the gospel. Or it can muddy it. A women’s self control, purity, devotion to her family and husband all say something about the gospel. So sages help younger women adorn the gospel.

5. Fifthly, Sages help keep the focus on Spiritual KPI’s. KPI = Key performance indicators. Usually in the vision of a mother are nappies, food on the floor, and little seagulls squawking for attention. She doesn’t always remember why she does what she does. What is the big picture of parenting? It is to raise the next generation for the Lord. Malachi 2 asks the question: Why did God bring husband and wife together? What is the purpose of marriage? One purpose is to raise “godly offspring” unless God withholds it. Please don’t misunderstand. It’s not the only purpose to marriage. But, it is crucial to our definition of marriage. It’s also crucial to building the church of tomorrow. How significant is that! Those sorts of KPI’s have eternal implications. Motherhood amongst other things is missional.

 

Conclusion

So wrapping it up this morning, we see this call to be a Sage. It’s not a call to be perfect. But to be wise and godly so that the young women can stream to you.

Along the way, I hope the younger women have also caught the vision to aspire to being a Sage. But before that season, that you will be receptive to someone speaking into your life.

And men, I hope you’ve been listening too. You are your wife’s greatest supporter. To Age into a Sage, to be receptive to a Sage, she needs your support.

And please don’t go away being overburdened. Don’t forget the gospel. Where you have fallen short, doesn’t change your standing with God. As verse 11 said, “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation.”

Out of that salvation the Holy Spirit will make us more Sage like over time. Like every other part of the Christian life this is something we grow into over time. And we accomplish not out of our strength, but by power and strength of Christ in us.

And I suspect putting this into practice will be like turning around an ocean liner. It’s not done quickly. The last thing you want to do is tack this on. And then overburden yourself and burn out. Maybe you can do this with some small changes. For others it may require large structural changes. Something of a lesser priority has to give way.  

Let’s age to be a Sage.

Amen (2350 words)