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Daily Devotions

Titus

Titus 
Day 
Day 20

"The older women likewise..."

Text: Titus 2:3

MINISTRY TO OLDER WOMEN

The apostle Paul had a very wide and extensive ministry over many years. In wisdom he wrote to Titus to give attention to the ministry of older folks. They were an important part of ministry. In the following text Paul highlighted the ministry to older women.

“The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behaviour,
not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.”
Titus 2:3

1. “Likewise”

a) This word suggests that there is a parallel ministry.
b) If there is to be a ministry to older men (Titus 2:1-2).
c) Then there ought to be a ministry to older women too.

2. “The older women”

a) A similar word was employed.
b) It is the feminine noun of the word “presbyter” (“older person”).

3. Concerned about behaviour

a) This concern was expressed earlier with reference to the older men.
b) Older women should also be concerned about how they behave.
c) The word “behaviour” was actually employed in this text.
d) It was implied in Titus 2:1-2.

4. A short list of recommended behaviour

The apostle Paul highlighted some of the things that older women should take note of especially.

a) “Reverent”
The root of this word is associated with the behaviour of “priests”. The focus is indeed on “reverence”. (A good example of one who showed reverence was Anna who devoted her life to serving the Lord in the temple after the death of her husband in Luke 2:36-38.)
b) “Not slanderers”
This was a very strong word. Translated literally, it means “diabolical”. The work of the Devil is indeed one of slandering people. There must be even more carefulness with reference to “speech”.
c) “Not given to much wine”
Even in the ancient days, drinking posed a threat. Excessive drinking was not a problem confined to men. Women can be caught up with drinking too much. A word of caution is given here. The danger highlighted here is that of being “enslaved” by wine. This word warns against being addicted to drinking.
d) “Teachers of good things”
Older women may also have had vast experience in the faith. The challenge is to teach others the lessons learned in life.