The Expectation of Sobriety

Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.
3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

Sobriety is not some special and unique requirement expected from an elite group of believers, but rather it serves as the expectation of the Lord for all who have called upon His name in salvation. Certainly God expects sobriety from the leaders in the New Testament church (1 Timothy 3:2, 11; Titus 1:8), but He also expects it from the women (1 Timothy 2:9), the aged men (Titus 2:2), the young women (Titus 2:4), and the young men (Titus 2:6). No group is exempt! If this were not enough, the apostle Paul made an open appeal for sobriety to all believers collectively (1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8; Titus 2:12). Simon Peter seemed a bit more adamant when he demanded sobriety from his audience (1 Peter 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

(For children):In their youth, the thought lives of Samuel and Timothy were focused upon the Lord (1 Samuel 2:11b, 18, 26; 2 Timothy 3:15). As a boy, Jesus thought soberly (Luke 2:49). How can you be sober at home, at church, and even at the store?

(For everyone):Why is sobriety important for young men? Why would it be important for young women? Why is sobriety crucial for the aged men? What about the older ladies?

(For everyone):What specific issues are you currently facing that would be greatly enhanced by your possession of sobriety? What troubles could come if you fail to be sober in mind and in deed?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

Ask God to impress upon your heart that He requires sobriety.

Ask the Lord to show you the benefits of sobriety.

SONG

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