Family Shepherding | Titus 1:5-9 | Voddie Baucham | A.D. March 26, 2023

Family Shepherding in Titus 1:5-9

Introduction to the Text

• The speaker invites attendees to turn to Titus Chapter 1, verses 5 through 9, emphasizing its significance for understanding family shepherding.

• The reading of the scripture begins, highlighting qualifications for elders and their importance in church leadership.

Key Themes from Titus

• The speaker introduces the theme of family shepherding within the context of elder qualifications, asserting that this is a fitting discussion point.

• Paul’s introduction in Titus emphasizes knowledge of truth aligned with godliness as central to the book's message.

Knowledge and Godliness

• A distinction is made between those who know the truth (and are godly) versus those who do not (and are ungodly).

• The knowledge referred to is not merely informational but relates directly to the Gospel message.

Practical Application of Doctrine

• The concept of "adorning" doctrine suggests living out sound teachings visibly in daily life.

• Salvation brings transformation, urging believers towards self-control and good works as evidence of faith.

Family Dynamics and Authenticity

• Emphasis on how redemption leads believers to be zealous for good works, particularly within family settings.

• The home serves as a critical environment for demonstrating true beliefs; authenticity is crucial since family members can detect hypocrisy easily.

Challenges in Family Life

• Raising teenagers presents unique challenges; they often act as "hypocrisy detectors," revealing inconsistencies between professed beliefs and actual behavior.

• Real-life scenarios illustrate how outward appearances can mask internal struggles, especially during conflicts before public gatherings like church services.

Understanding Godly Shepherds

The Importance of Authenticity at Home

• The speaker emphasizes that one's true self is revealed at home, where masks cannot be maintained for long. This sets the stage for discussing the qualities needed in godly shepherds.

Knowledge and Teaching in Chapter Two

• In Chapter Two, the importance of knowledge of truth that aligns with godliness is highlighted, particularly how older women are to teach younger women reverent behavior and good practices.

• The teaching from older women includes training younger women to love their families and maintain self-control, which reflects the application of sound doctrine within family dynamics.

Lack of Lists for Younger Men

• The absence of a specific list for younger men in Chapter Two raises questions about expectations; this lack suggests a need to refer back to Chapter One's list.

• Verse Seven calls for young men to model good works and integrity, indicating that elders should exemplify behaviors worth emulating rather than merely performing duties without purpose.

Standards for Raising Godly Sons

• The speaker argues that everything on the list from Chapter One is essential for raising godly sons; there should be no exceptions or dismissals regarding these standards.

• Young men are encouraged to pursue these qualities as they prepare to become godly husbands and fathers, contrasting societal definitions of manhood based on wealth, athleticism, and sexual conquests.

Societal Definitions vs. Biblical Standards

• A critique is made against societal standards defining manhood through material success (the billfold), sports achievements (the ball field), and sexual experiences (the bedroom).

• If biblical standards are not presented as alternatives, young men will default to worldly measures of success. Thus, it’s crucial to provide a clear biblical framework for masculinity.

Shepherding Future Generations

• Emphasis is placed on shepherding future leaders by instilling biblical values in both young men and women who aspire to fulfill roles as spouses and parents.

• Young ladies are encouraged to align their desires with biblical teachings about being wives and mothers; if their aspirations differ from these teachings, they should seek repentance and realignment with God's standards.

Overview of Key Movements in Text

• The text outlines three main movements:

• The Shepherd and His Family

• The Shepherd and His Character

• The Shepherd in His Teaching

This structure indicates a comprehensive approach toward understanding the role of shepherding within familial contexts.

Understanding the Concept of Being Above Reproach

The Meaning of Being Above Reproach

• The term "above reproach" refers to being exemplary rather than perfect; it implies that no valid accusations can be made against a person in certain areas.

• Specifically, the phrase "husband of one wife" indicates a commitment to monogamy, emphasizing that an elder should not be a polygamist but rather a devoted partner.

Character and Commitment

• The focus is on character as it manifests in personal relationships; being a "one-woman man" means having integrity and loyalty towards one's spouse.

• A committed husband models love for his wife, which is crucial for raising children and exemplifying godliness within the family structure.

The Role of Faithful Children

Understanding 'Faithful Children'

• The Greek word translated as "believers" is better understood as "faithful children," indicating the character of the father rather than the spiritual state of his children.

• This translation emphasizes that while a father's character can be exemplary, it does not guarantee salvation for his children.

Implications for Elders

• If elders were required to have converted children, they would face disqualification with each new birth since children are not born believers.

• The context suggests that an elder's parenting reflects their character; they should raise their children in ways that prevent charges of debauchery or insubordination.

Exemplary Parenting and Marriage

Navigating Challenges

• Exemplary does not mean free from struggles; it involves how one navigates difficulties in marriage and parenting.

• Parents are tasked with modeling effective discipline, correction, mentoring, and restoration despite challenges faced within family dynamics.

Characteristics to Seek in Partners

• Young women should seek men who desire commitment and family life rather than casual relationships; this aligns with God's command to be fruitful and multiply.

• Cultural attitudes toward children may conflict with biblical teachings about family growth; societal disdain for large families is challenged by personal experiences shared by parents.

The Blessing of Children and Godly Character

The Value of Family and Generational Blessings

• The speaker expresses a vision for the future where, if given more time, they would be surrounded by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, emphasizing that society will recognize this as a blessing rather than questioning their choices.

• There is a call to adopt an attitude that views children as blessings and inheritances from the Lord, countering cultural narratives that discourage having children.

• Many young people are influenced by societal pressures leading them to delay parenthood, only to later realize the challenges in conceiving when they decide they want children.

Character Requirements for Leadership

• The discussion shifts to the character traits required for an overseer or leader within a family context. Key negative traits include arrogance, quick temper, drunkenness, violence, and greed.

• Parents are encouraged to correct negative behaviors in their sons early on through discipline and prayer, highlighting the importance of nurturing godly character in future leaders.

Repentance and Accountability

• Individuals struggling with negative traits such as arrogance or greed are urged to repent and seek restoration through Christ while finding mentors for accountability.

• Young women are advised to look for men who embody self-control, holiness, and discipline—qualities essential for leading families well.

The Role of Sound Doctrine

• Emphasis is placed on the necessity of holding firm to sound doctrine in order to effectively teach others; this is crucial for both personal growth and family leadership.

• Fathers have a responsibility not only to avoid provoking their children but also to bring them up according to biblical teachings—this requires adherence to sound doctrine.

Choosing a Godly Partner

• A strong warning is issued against marrying someone whose character does not align with godliness; physical attributes should not outweigh spiritual qualifications in choosing a partner.

• Personal testimonies from Christian women highlight regrets over marrying unqualified partners; they stress the importance of prioritizing godliness over superficial qualities when selecting a spouse.

Generational Faithfulness

• The speaker concludes by linking knowledge of truth with godliness; generational faithfulness requires commitment from current generations towards instilling these values in future ones.

• It’s emphasized that while outcomes cannot be guaranteed due to God's sovereignty, there must be intentional efforts toward faithfulness within families.

Understanding Godly Shepherds and Family Dynamics

Introduction to Personal Background

• The speaker reflects on their limited time, expressing a sense of urgency in sharing insights.

• They mention receiving inquiries from wives about their husbands' lack of exposure to certain spiritual truths.

Overcoming Adversity

• The speaker shares their upbringing by a single teenage Buddhist mother in South Central Los Angeles, emphasizing that one does not need a traditional background to recognize biblical truths.

• They address concerns from individuals who feel abandoned or unsupported due to the absence of a husband, encouraging trust in God as a father figure.

The Three-Legged Stool Concept

• Introduces the metaphor of a "three-legged stool" representing essential components for spiritual growth:

• Godly shepherds in families,

• Godly shepherds in churches,

• Mature believers mentoring others.

Importance of Community and Mentorship

• Stresses the necessity for children to be exposed to godly elders within the church if such figures are absent at home.

• Highlights that most individuals come to know the Lord through family and home environments, underscoring the historical significance of this dynamic.

Prayer for Transformation and Guidance

• Concludes with a prayer asking for transformation through the Gospel and for raising godly homes and leaders among youth.

• Expresses hope for equipping young men and women to bear fruit across generations, aligning with divine will.