Some Characteristics of a Godly Man, Part 5

“But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance” – Titus 2:1-2

Okay, okay, I know its been nearly a month since I posted.  I’m really sorry about that, but to borrow a phrase from Dolly Parton, “I’ve been busier than a one-armed paper hanger” (no offense to one-armed paper hangers, or paper hangers in general, intended).  I will try to do a better job of keeping up with this responsibility, assuming that there are those who still wish to read my blogs.

This week I would like to address the next portion of Paul’s message to Titus in particular his instruction that older men are to be sensible.  To be sensible means having control over sensual desires, or curbing one’s desires and impulses, self-controlled.  It’s general importance is demonstrated in the fact that this is not limited to the “older” men, but it is reiterated to both the young women in verse 4 and the young men in verse 6.  Also, as I asserted in my last blog concerning dignity among the men of God, this too seems to be greatly lacking in the Lord’s Church today.

As I’ve studied this text it seems to me that both temperance and dignity are inward characteristics whereas being sensible reflects the outward side of the other two.  If that is not one hundred percent on target it is at least in the ball park.  As with every inward characteristic there must be some outward show. Sensibility best describes the outward expression of one who is inwardly temperate (restrained, clear-headed and reflected in clarity of mind and sound judgment) and dignified (worthy of honor and exhibited in the reflection of Christ in us).  The sensible man exercises sound judgment (temperance) and because of that restrained, clear-headed judgment, is worthy of honor (dignified).  In accomplishing this (which is really a work of the Holy Spirit, see Eph. 2:20 & Phil. 3:13) we reflect the life of Christ in us and become an attractive flame to those seeking the light.

It is incumbent upon us as men of God to act sensibly in a culture that has lost all proper sensibilities.  Rarely does a day pass without a story of some teacher, politician, pastor, or some other leader who has lost his/her senses and committed some heinous act of a sensual nature.  Since Church leaders bear the high calling of leading others to follow Christ and grow in His word the lack of sensible men in the pulpit and leadership of the Church has wreaked havoc on that mission.

Men of God, I realize how hard it is to maintain your sensibility in this mad, mad, mad, mad world.  But we have the Spirit of God to empower us and the mind of Christ to inform us.  Peter told his readers that “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Pet. 1:3).  I urge you to take advantage of the benefits of the divine blessings found in His word, and lean on Him for strength to be sensible men of God.

I pray this helps.