Be Sober…

Titus 2:2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 

‘That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.’ Six commands to aged men: [1] Be sober [Greek, nephaleos] drinking no wine or alcohol; be sober. Translated vigilant (1Tim. 3:2); and sober (1Tim. 3:11; Tit. 2:2). [2] Grave [Greek, semnos] grave (2:2,4) and honest (Php. 4:8). [3] Temperate [Greek, sophron] of sound mind; prudent; moderate; self-controlled. Translated sober (2:8; 1Tim. 3:2); temperate (2:2); discreet (2:5). [4] Sound in faith [Greek: pistis] confidence, faithfulness, trust, pledge of good faith. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). [5] Sound in love – there are nine ingredients of divine love: (1) Patience – love passive: no hurry; suffers long; bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things with the exclusion of allowing other’s sin (1Cor. 13:4, 7). (2) Kindness – love in action: never acts rashly or insolently; not inconsistent, puffed up, or proud (1Cor. 13:4). (3) Generosity – love in competition: not envious or jealous (1Cor. 13:4). (4) Humility – love in hiding: no parade; no airs; works then retires (1Cor. 13:4). (5) Courtesy – love in society: does not behave unseemly; always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous (1Cor. 13:5). (6) Unselfishness – love in essence: never selfish, sour, or bitter; seeks only good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge (1Cor. 13:5). (7) Good temper – love in disposition: never irritated; never resentful (1Cor. 13:5). (8) Righteousness – love in conduct: hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful, always enduring (1Cor. 13:6-7). (9) Sincerity – love in profession: never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful, and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust; always present. [6] Sound in patience – Set yourself to expect God to answer (Ps. 37:7).