“Practical Instructions”
Chapter 2: 2-10
Introduction:
What we believe will ultimately affect what we say and do. As New Covenant believers and members of the Body of Messiah it is vital to our spiritual health to sit under godly Biblically sound apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers so that we might be equipped and instructed for works of ministry and service for the Messiah our Lord Jesus who has given these gifted believers for their office of spiritual oversight and ministry to the wider Body of Messiah (Ephesians 4:11-13). Of course these offices of ministry also include the elders of local assemblies whom the Spirit has made them overseers or shepherds of those assemblies (Acts 20:28).
When Paul left Crete he instructed Titus to complete the work of ordaining elders that Paul had started to do on the island. Paul also knew about the Judaizers in the towns on Crete that were introducing false unbiblical doctrines that were perpetrating another gospel among the assembly members by insisting that believers needed to keep Jewish ceremonies, traditions, dietary laws and customs and a works based righteousness that was not according to the righteousness of God bestowed by faith alone without the addition of good works. Many Judaizers also emphasised the need for Gentile New Covenant believers to be physically circumcised if they were to be considered as truly saved.
After a word of encouragement for Titus, Paul encourages and reminds Titus of the real message of the gospel and its spiritual benefits received by faith (1:1-4). Paul then gives specific instructions for the ordaining of elders or overseers for the assemblies in the towns on Crete. Paul sets out the spiritual qualifications for an elder and then instructs Titus to strongly silence the false teachers who were teaching things that ought not to be taught and by their teaching disrupting whole households as well as exposing their true character (1:5-16). Paul then emphatically commands Titus to teach what is in accord with sound doctrine free from doctrinal error (2:1). As he did in all of his letters Paul gives practical instructions for the assembly members in their various stations in life over which the LORD had given him apostolic authority and spiritual oversight. He now instructs Titus what to teach the various groups in the local assemblies on Crete.
Chapter 2: 2-10
(Vs.2-10) “Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 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. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 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. Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive.”
Exposition:
“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.”
These were not elders in the official sense, but men of physical age and maturity who were to be examples of godly living to others in the assemblies. One of the sad trends in many ‘modern’ assemblies today is that older mature believers are often marginalised, pushed aside or neglected by young pastors and leaders who want to appeal to the youth and do not consider the spiritual maturity of the older members who have weathered the spiritual and even physical ‘storms’ of life and have prevailed, and through these have gained wisdom in spiritual matters.
It does need to be said that no matter how advanced in spiritual matters, whether one is older or younger in age, there is always more to learn and much room for spiritual growth. Titus was to teach the older men how to deepen their walk with the LORD even though he was much younger than many older men in the assemblies. What was Titus commanded to teach the older men? Let’s look at this…
“Teach the older men to be temperate;”
The word “temperate” describes “one of a sober temperament” who actually “abstains from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use.” The word also implies “a vessel or an offering to God.” Sobriety in spiritual matters is also implied, and this is important for those younger in age and in their faith to observe in the men who were physically older and hopefully mature in spiritual matters. These men were to be well balanced and discreet. Titus valued these older men as did Paul. Those younger pastors and leaders who do not value the older and more experienced men in their assemblies will miss out on the spiritual wisdom that comes with those who have walked with the LORD for many years and proven His faithfulness by standing on His Word in all the changing circumstances and challenges of life.
“…worthy of respect” The words describe; “One worthy of honour, to be revered, to be venerated for his character, an honourable person in words and deeds.” These older men should be dignified in their demeanour but most certainly not gloomy or given over to mood swings. Balance of temperament was to be the mark of these older men in the assemblies.
“…self-controlled” Self-control or a sound way of thinking is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The word “self-controlled” describes “One of a sound mind, not given to extremes, sane in one’s senses, curbing one’s desires and impulses, temperate in all matters.” This is vitally important for older believers in the assembly as often their words and actions will be observed by younger believers or those who are still young in the faith and open to being easily led astray if they are not spiritually circumspect.
“…and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” Three things are mentioned here in the text.
“Sound in faith” Once again this soundness is “to be free from any mixture or error of unsound doctrine or mixing truth and doctrinal error.” This “faith” is “a deep seated conviction of the truth.” It is not some shallow state of spiritual euphoria or just a mere emotional experience without any spiritual depth to it, but a deep conviction and trust in our Triune God in whom He claims to be and rewards those who diligently seek Him by faith (Hebrews 11:1, 6), and that salvation is found in no one else other than the Eternal Son of God, the Messiah our Lord Jesus (John 14:6) (Acts 4:12). One who walks moment by moment by faith in our Triune God and knows His Word will be kept from doctrinal error by the blessed Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth and not error, and the one who leads us into all truth as we have it revealed in the Word of God (John 15:26; 16:13-15). This faith also describes fidelity or faithfulness to God. The word “faith” in both Testaments combines one’s faith or belief with their actions. They are not separate from each other. While we are not saved by works we will have works if we are saved along the lines of the faith we profess to have (James 2:14-26).
“Sound in love” The word for “love” (agape) is not a human type of love as defined by the world but that supernatural love from God Himself shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), that empowers that man of women to Love Him with all of their entire being and to love their neighbour as they would love and care for themselves, and this love of God, an expression of His own character and divine nature, being the royal law of heaven upon which all of the law of God hangs (Deuteronomy 6:5) (Matthew 22:37-40) (Mark 12:30-31).
This supernatural love will also be “free from any mixture or error of a false love.” “Agape” primarily is an action of the will and not the emotions. The world’s definition of ‘love’ is if it feels good it must be right, which is not the Bible’s definition of love. Our faith is a faith that operates by God’s supernatural love or is expressed through that love (Galatians 5:6). Our Lord Jesus said very clearly that “if you love Me you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). And again He said; “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him” (John 14:21). And again He said; “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:23).
These statements put the emphasis on faithfulness, not the emotions. He or she who seeks to walk by faith and love and in step with the desires of the Holy Spirit, primarily as an action of their spiritually regenerated heart, will have the Triune God for their friend! As the Lord Jesus also stated; “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:12-14). Once again His emphasis is placed on the action of the will, not the emotions! King Solomon expressed it in this way when he wrote; “He who loves a pure heart and gracious lips will have the king for a friend” (Proverbs 22:11).
“Sound in endurance” The word “endurance” describes “steadfastness, constancy in it and endurance or as one remaining under pressure, one who is not swerved from his deliberate set purpose and his loyalty to his faith and accompanying piety or by even the greatest trials and sufferings.” He will be one who will be exercising “with a patient steadfast expectancy” of the answer to come “that will sustain him and enable him to remain under pressure.” Being sound in faith and in love will produce in that man of woman of faith the supernatural power of God to endure and that, to the very end of the age if needs be! This “endurance” in the Greek text can also include a cheerful or hopeful endurance as well. With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible to Him or to her who believes and keeps on believing and makes the decision never to give up! (Galatians 6:9).One thing we always need to keep in mind is that God will never allow us to be tested beyond what we can endure but with that test provide a way of escape to enable us to endure it or to bear up under it (1 Corinthians 10:13). His deliverance is never too late or too early but always on time! Now Paul address the older women in the assemblies
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live,” They are to have a reverence for the LORD or to revere and honour Him and His Word and that by the way they conduct their daily lives and this, as we will see, will affect the younger women in the assembly. A reverent wife will always make a good wife of noble character and one approved by the LORD (Proverbs 31:10-31).
“…not to be slanderers” the word “slanderer” describes one “who is prone to, or has a disposition to be a false accuser and to make slanderous accusations of another that are not true or factual.” The late Derek Prince used to say that “gossip was the Church going sin. “ Gossip can very easily turn into slander if not checked and younger women can be affected by this in older women when they get together over morning tea in a social setting or even in a church prayer meeting or Bible study for women. One of the things God hates is “A false witness who gives false testimony, and one who stirs up discord among brothers. Sisters can also be implied being fellow members of the Body of Messiah (Proverbs 6:19).
“…or addicted to much wine” The word “addicted” describes one who “is made a slave to something, to be reduced to bondage, to give oneself over to something.” In this case the addiction is to wine. Many a woman has succumb to becoming inebriated through wine when under severe pressure of circumstances such as a strained relationship or just drinking socially. Wine in itself is not a bad thing taken in moderation, however, when taken in excess it becomes a hindrance to one’s spiritual health and physical well-being.
…but to teach what is good,” or we could say “a teacher of goodness,” that goodness that God approves of that flows out from a spiritually regenerated heart and life expressed in the fruit of the Spirit. We must never underestimate the value women within the Body of Messiah have to offer. We find that women were involved in the ministry of the Lord Jesus and the disciples, and we see the apostle Paul also recognizing the great spiritual contribution that godly women made to the assemblies where they lived. While God has placed His ordained function for men and women in the Body of Messiah, the gifts of the Spirit are not limited to men only (Acts 2:18).
While the New Testament does not endorse women elders having spiritual oversight of local assemblies, it does endorse women ministering to other women, and in certain cases in conjunction with their husbands ministering to both men and women as a married couple sharing in ministry together such as we see in the ministry of Priscilla and Aquila in the Book of Acts. Older women have great value in that they have experienced life and can guide the younger women in the assembly. And so Paul continues…
“Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,” The phrase “to urge” describes “one who restores another to their senses, to moderate, control, to curb and to disciple, to hold one to their duty, to admonish, to earnestly exhort or encourage with persistence.” They do this in order that the younger women learn how to love their husbands and children. As an example a wife loves her husband by acknowledging his headship in the home, by making no major decisions without consulting him or apart from him, by keeping an orderly home, by paying attention to her personal appearance, by living within their means, by confessing promptly, by forgiving graciously, by keeping the lines of communication between her and her husband always open, by refraining from criticising or contradicting her husband in front of others, and by being supportive when things go wrong.
The younger women should also be taught by the older women in the fellowship how to love their children by reading the Bible with them and praying with them and being there for them when they come home from school. Even if a mother is working and she cannot be there when the children come home the working mum can still make the time for their children before they go to bed. Of course in Biblical time the women stayed at home and were homemakers while their husbands worked.
Younger women need also to be taught “to be self-controlled and pure,” the word “self-controlled” is to be of “a sound mind or way of thinking, to be sane , not extreme, to remain balanced in ones senses, to curb one’s desires and impulses and to bring them into subjection.” These qualities make for a stable and settled home life. If the older women are not disciplined and set a good and godly example in dress and demeanour and in the way they love their husbands and children then the younger women will be more easily turned aside from their God-ordained roll within the assemblies. Moderation in all things for the older women and living a disciplined and well-ordered life is of great value to the younger women in setting them an example to be followed.
The older women are also to teach the younger women to be “pure.” The word describes “one who is free from carnality, one who is chaste, discreet, and modest and not flaunting herself, pure from every kind of fault, immaculate in dress and demeanour and clean in appearance and in her thought life.” Many younger women both married and single today in many assemblies need to learn these spiritual qualities and be modest in dress and demeanour when around men, qualities that mark a godly woman whether she is single or married. As Paul also wrote to Timothy concerning this matter, “Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God” (1 Timothy 2:9-10). There is nothing wrong with a believing woman who likes to dress nicely and to make herself attractive and to wear makeup. The problem comes when these things become an obsession or are taken to the extreme. In Biblical times women who wore their hair loose and wore heavy makeup and jewellery and dressed provocatively marked the prostitutes, and for women who profess godliness to dress in this manner was inappropriate in those times and more so today.
Younger women should be taught by the older women to be faithful to their husbands and to avoid impurity in thoughts, words and in actions towards other men in the fellowship. Even when attractions occur among married couples outside of their marriage, especially those who are having marital difficulties of one sort or another, and they do happen in fellowships, there must be a boundary line which must not be crossed. The older women who are Spirit-led and Biblically sound can be of immense help and encouragement by imparting their wisdom in these matters to the younger women, especially in these last days in which we live when you have the internet in the home and the influence of the media, movies and dramas and the carnality of modern day society bombarding the senses of young people both men and women.
The younger women should also be taught “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.”
Being busy is commendable while being a busybody isn’t. Young women in a fellowship can fall into the practice of gossiping even if it is well-intentioned. The word “busy” describes “one who cares for her household, who works at home, the keeper of the house, staying at home and taking care of the household and domestic affairs.” She is to be one who is kind. The word “kind” describes, “one of a good constitution or nature, useful, salutary, good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright and honourable.” They are also to “be subject to their husbands” the word “subject” describes “to arrange things under, to be subordinate or to subject to another, to obey, to submit to one’s control, to yield to one’s admonition or advice.” It is also interesting to note that this word was a Greek military term meaning “to arrange (troop divisions) in a military fashion under the command of a leader”. In non-military use, it was “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”.
Having said this it is also necessary to mention that in the case where a wife is bullied or physically or emotionally abused by her husband, that she should not be subject to this abuse and in certain cases of a severe nature where she is in danger of physical abuse she should live separately from him. If her husband is seeking to love her as Messiah loved the Church, then this would not be happening. These directions are given in the light of a Christian marriage that is functional and under the authority of the Lord Jesus. Things will not be perfect and at times very difficult and there will be disagreements between a believing husband and wife, even at the best of times, and New Covenant married believers are not exempt from troubles in this present life See (Romans Chapter 7).
Having said this, an obedient believing wife is a helpmate to her believing husband especially if he is engaged in ministry for the LORD. For example the husband may be at the steering wheel of the boat of their life as they sail through the sea of life together which like the weather at sea life is changeable. His responsibility is to watch the compass of God’s Word to steer him through a safe passage to their intended destiny being the Millennial Messianic Kingdom on earth and ultimately the New Jerusalem. Being a helpmate she is at the back of the vessel standing near the rudder and sometimes she will ‘gently nudge the rudder’ if she sees the ship staring to veer off course. She does not take the steering wheel as she knows that the husband is the one who is the head of the marriage and that the compass of the Word of God is designed to keep him on course. Both the husband and wife will follow the compass and the rudder of God’s Word to keep them on course spiritually.
We are told in scripture that “a prudent wife is from the LORD.” The word “prudent” describes one “who is circumspect, who has a wise understanding, who gives attention to or considers something and to have insight, to comprehend, to teach and to act wisely, to prosper, to have success in what she says and does.” Such is the younger women to be to their husbands. A man who is married to a wife of this noble character is a very foolish man not to honour her and listen to her and to weigh carefully what she says to him. A prudent wife from the LORD is one of noble character (Proverbs 31:10-31).
“…so that no one will malign the word of God.” The word “malign” describes one “who speaks reproachfully, who rails and reviles another, to blasphemes, and that speaks evil of the Word of God.” We are told in scripture “The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes” (Psalm 19:7-8). When a married couple allow strife and friction to have its way in their relationship it will affect others with whom they come in contact with especially those who are unsaved and even more problems if they have children. The problem is not with the Word of God, but with the couple, and for the sake of their testimony as a believing couple they need to let the blessed Holy Spirit deal with the situation for the honour of God, so that the problem will not bring about disparaging comments by the unsaved on the Word of God that the couple have professed to believe and to obey.
Now Paul addresses the young men as to how they should conduct themselves. As a pastor Titus should set them an example. In any army the officers need to set the example if the soldiers under their command are to follow them. This is the responsibility of any apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher and elder especially where the younger men are concerned in the local assembly. Young men are not seasoned veterans in spiritual matters or in engaging is spiritual warfare. They know how to overcome Satan and may be skilled in the Word of God; however, they will not have life’s experiences that the older men have had who have walked with the LORD for many years. This is why an elder must not be a recent convert because youth and inexperience in spiritual matters and warfare can be exploited by Satan (1Timothy 3:6). And so we read…
“Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.” The word “encourage” describes “to call to one’s side, to summon them, to address them and to call upon them to hear comfort and instruction to admonish, exhort, to beg, to entreat, to beseech, to strengthen, to instruct and to teach.” It is a very strong word, a command if you will to take action and to seek to motivate and stimulate another in spiritual matters. The young men are to be “self-controlled;” or to exercise “sobriety of thinking” in spiritual matters. The word “self-control” describes “one who is sound of mind, to be in one’s right mind, to exercise sober thinking, to put a moderate estimate upon oneself and to think of oneself with sobriety in thinking and to curb ones passions.” Young men are living in the prime of their life, brimming with zeal, restless energy and burning drives and passions. In every area of their lives they are to strive after, and to learn self-restraint, especially abstinence from sexual intercourse if they are not married and to avoid situations that would excite their fleshly desires to act inappropriately as God’s children and to be balanced in this and in other matters.
Today with the internet and with ‘Babylonian’ culture everywhere it is extremely difficult for unmarried young Christian men or women for that matter to maintain their fleshly passions. Of course sexual desires are normal and God has made sexual relations to be exciting but has ordained marriage in order to regulate these normal desires that they might be expressed appropriately as befits men and women of God. As Paul also writes; “Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion” (1 Corinthians 7:8-9). And then we read
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” As a pastor Titus should set them an example. In any army the officers need to set the example if the soldiers under their command are to follow them. This is the responsibility of any apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher and elder, especially where the younger men are concerned in the local assembly. Young men are not seasoned veterans in spiritual matters or in engaging is spiritual warfare. They know how to overcome Satan and may be skilled in the Word of God; however, they will not have life’s experiences that the older men have had who have walked with the LORD for many years. This is why an elder must not be a recent convert because youth and inexperience in spiritual matters and warfare can be exploited by Satan (1Timothy 3:6). In everything Titus thought, said and did he was to be an example in the way he conducted himself before the assembly members but also to outsiders who were not saved.
The word “example” describes “a pattern laid down that is to be followed, to show conformity to a pattern of living that can be mimicked.” This was a pattern that demonstrated “good” those things and matters that are “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable, genuine, approved (by God), precious, of noble character, beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and hence praiseworthy and morally upright, honourable, beautiful to look at, shapely, magnificent, excellent in its nature and characteristics, and therefore well adapted to its ends.” This kind of goodness is only possible by the supernatural power of the blood of Messiah and the Holy Spirit and is one of the fruits of the Spirit-filled life. How was Titus to show this goodness? How was it to be expressed in his ministry? As a pastor and teacher and a fellow elder Titus’ teaching was vitally important for the spiritual welfare of those over whom the Holy Spirit had made him an overseer and shepherd, and for the work Paul had given him the apostolic authority to carry out in his ministry and service for the Lord Jesus. What did Paul tell Titus to do?
“In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech”
In his teaching Titus was to show “integrity” that is to show “incorruptibility, soundness of mind and clear thinking” that form of teaching that conforms to the faith once delivered to the saints that is in line with apostolic doctrine which we have today in the complete Canon of scripture, “the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Messiah Jesus, all of Scripture that is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
In his teaching Titus was to show “seriousness” that is to show “reverence, respect, a sense of dignity, majesty, sanctity, purity and honour” rightly dividing or handling the Word of Truth. Added to a demeanour of seriousness Titus was to show “soundness of speech” which describes “incorruptibility, that which will not deviate from the truth, cannot be diverted from the truth” It also speaks of one who is sound in body, not primarily a physical condition, but one who in his outward demeanour shows reverence, respect, that he is aligned with the truth of God’s Word and will not deviate from it and in that he manifests spiritual health and soundness of mind and a life conformed to scripture.
“…that cannot be condemned,” that which is free from anything to which exception might be taken. It should be free from side-issues, from deviations from sound scriptural doctrine, from fads, from crudities, and from whatever else is not in accord with sound doctrine. This type of ministry that cannot be condemned is irresistible to those who are genuinely searching for the truth.
“…so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” Those who oppose sound scriptural teaching will be put to shame because they cannot find any “chink in the believer’s armour.” There is no valid argument as effective as a life totally set apart to God for His exclusive use and moulded by the Word of God! If we seek to walk moment by moment in step with the Holy Spirit allowing Him to conform our character to be more like the Lord Jesus and to speak through us in word and deed, then those observing our walk will have nothing bad to say against us, and if they do say bad things, then there will be no cause for it except jealousy or contempt for the truth itself, or because the light we walk in exposes the spiritual darkness within them. This is not only true with the unsaved in the world, but also with those who are spiritually backslidden in the Church. What else was Titus to teach?
“Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted,”
Slavery was common in the first century throughout the ancient world and also in the Roman Empire. The Bible acknowledges slavery but does not approve of it in the way it was practiced in the pagan world. We know that in the Old Testament that the Jews did have slaves who were indentured for seven years but after that were to be set free according to the law of God in the Torah and if it did not happen then God was not pleased (Jeremiah 34:13-14). Slavery in Israel between fellow Jews was monitored by God’s laws and not a situation where one would abuse his slave. Many within the Body of Messiah, especially at Rome, would have been slaves, and I dare say some with cruel and even vindictive masters, something that would have been extremely hard to bear for a believer in Messiah. When it came to standing for the truth then a slave would have had to bear the consequences of taking that stand, something that would be very hard to do especially if that slave had a family also under the master’s authority. God’s grace would have been amply supplied to a believer in this kind of situation. It is hard to imagine what it must have been like for slaves in the first century who were believers in Messiah.
Paul also spoke further about this matter of slavery in his first letter to the Corinthian assembly when he wrote; “Each one should remain in the situation he was in when he was called. Were you a slave when you were called? Do not let it concern you— but if you can gain your freedom, take the opportunity. For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman. Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave” (1 Corinthians 7:20-22).
In its context Paul had in mind those believers who did have believing slaves and that in Messiah the salves were free men from God’s perspective and that those masters who were free men were to recon themselves as slaves of Messiah. Slaves were to try to please their masters in everything they said and did and not to talk back to them when censured by their masters. Slaves were not to steal from their master, which was a common problem with slaves, but to show their masters that they could be completely trusted to manage the day to day affairs of their household well.
“…so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive.”
We see this in the life of Joseph in Egypt who was a slave for a time in the household of Potiphar and was so influential by his life and actions that he was put in charge of the whole household because Potiphar trusted him completely (Genesis 39:1-6). Even when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, and this was a great temptation and trial for him, he refused her persistent advances and fled from her as the temptation was very strong. Even though there were consequences for Joseph because he refused to give in to the temptation and was falsely accused the LORD was with him and took care of him and never abandoned him. A slave was to seek to be like the Lord Jesus, and in cultivating this quality of life would have made knowing the LORD attractive to the master of the house and his family as well. In our next study we will look at the Grace of God, how it was revealed by God and its results in the life of a New Covenant believer in Messiah.
