What Does God Expect from Lay Members?

Anyone who has witnessed the ordination of a minister recognizes the ceremony. At the end of announcements during Sabbath services, the man speaking will say, “Turn in your Bibles to I Timothy 3.”

That chapter contains what are known as the qualifications of an elder. Verses 1-4 say he must be “blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity.”

These are the attributes that the man who will be ordained or raised in rank has already shown. Verses 8-13 show the qualities required to be installed as a deacon.

Before a man is ordained as an elder, which is done when a minister or ministers lay hands on the person and pray for God to do that, we review these passages. Often, we will also turn to Titus 1—which offers another look at the qualifications of an elder.

Verses 7-9 state: “If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”

Blameless. Not self-willed. Not greedy. Hospitable. Sober. Temperate. Someone who holds fast.

We can all want to—and should!—strive to have all of these qualities. Yet this is the apostle Paul showing what ministers should be doing, what their character should be.

Why does the average Church member seem to be left out? In two places, God’s Word lays out the exact qualities ministers should exhibit. What about lay members?

Well, we read about ministers in Titus 1. To learn what lay members should be doing we just have to keep reading! God lays out in exquisite detail what He expects from every person in the Church.

Let’s turn to Titus 2…

Instructions for You

The second chapter in Titus begins with one final instruction for the ministry: “But speak you the things which become sound doctrine” (vs. 1).

What follows breaks out the behavior and conduct the elders should be teaching to lay members. This passage shows every Church member what God expects—the specific areas on which to focus.

The New English Translation renders the verse this way: “But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching.”

For the rest of the chapter, the apostle Paul shows exactly what each of us should be doing in the Church. Where we fit. What is expected.

This chapter details the conduct that goes along with sound doctrine and sound teaching. The word “sound” here can also be translated “healthy”—as in healthy instructions or teachings. It shows us the actions that keep us spiritually healthy. To avoid getting spiritually sick, pay close attention to what is being said by Paul to Titus.

In summary, this chapter is a detailed job description for every category of brethren in the Church: senior men, senior women, young women, young men—and some points for everyone.

Be Sober!

Titus 2:2 talks to the older Christians: “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” Those who are older in age, and those older in the faith, listen up!

Look at all the specific instructions in each word found in this verse.

First, there is to “be sober.” The Greek word here can simply mean to be sober (e.g., sober from alcohol), but can also mean circumspect. Looking a little closer at the English word for circumspect will help you to understand this instruction. Merriam-Webster defines circumspect as “careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences.”

Take both meanings to heart. God wants senior men to be careful of not drinking too much. But He also wants them to be aware of their circumstances. As we age, the mind loses its sharpness and with it our memory may begin to slip too. Therefore, God wants aged men with all their experience, who are often asked for guidance or counsel by younger brethren, to remain mentally and emotionally sharp.

This means remaining active and taking care of your health. But it also can mean to not rest on your laurels. Just because you may have served for many years does not mean you can quit once others come into the picture. Even if you are slowing down physically, be circumspect. Help those younger than you to see and consider the potential consequences of their actions. Encourage and teach them to be successful.

The next instruction is to be “grave.” This word can also mean to be venerable and honorable. Remember that God commands everyone to honor the senior men and women in the Church (Lev. 19:32). But Proverbs 16:31 adds, “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.”

This is a serious warning. Older men can dishonor themselves by not doing righteousness. Since all God’s commandments are righteousness (Psa. 119:172), we must continue keeping all God’s commandments to remain just.

Men who are older, be sure you are a stalwart example!

Next comes the word “temperate,” which means sound-mindedness and or self-controlled. Senior men should not get into funny ideas and conspiracy theories. They must exercise extra restraint to resist the strange and the bizarre. This especially applies to doctrine and great care must be done to remain doctrinally sound.

Be careful of sharing any strong opinions you may have. You have a lot more power to sway the thinking of those younger than you may realize!

The last three words in this single scripture can read “sound in faith,” “sound in love” and “sound in patience.” The word “sound” here again can mean “healthy.” This implies that senior men should pay extra attention to be healthy in faith.

Our faith in God becomes of paramount importance as we grow older. When our physical bodies become frail and our strength wanes, our spiritual strength must increase further. Faith is the essence of this spiritual growth.

Love (charity), which is the Greek word agape, specifically refers to the love of God. That is outflowing concern for others. Practice this in everything you do!

Finally, older men, you must exercise patience. This is critical for seniors because it can be easy to grow impatient while waiting for the Kingdom.

Put this all together. Older men should be the examples and anchors of their congregations. They should strive to be unmoved by setbacks and trials. They should be the ones younger Christians look up to.

Teach Good Things!

Titus 2 next outlines instructions for more mature women in the Church. Verse 3 states, “The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things.”

Notice, the first instruction to the senior ladies is “likewise,” which means aged women should also heed the instructions in verse 2.

In addition, verse 3 adds “in behavior as becomes holiness.” Said another way, this is demeanor becoming of holiness. Your conduct, how you hold yourself, how you dress, how you use your voice, should all befit holiness.

To be holy means to be set apart. Strive to find all the ways to be set apart from this world—to be an example of godly feminine character. But there is also internal holiness, God’s holy, righteous character.

Next in verse 3 is to avoid false accusations. Be careful of gossiping and adding tales to stories.

Women tend to be more verbal. Make sure what comes out of your mouths is godly and positive. If this is a pitfall for you, find ways to talk less. During conversations, ask questions and eagerly listen to the responses. Make sure you are known to be trustworthy—that others can rely on you to be a confidant.

Proverbs 10:19 drives this point home: “In the multitude of words there wants not sin: but he that refrains his lips is wise.”

Next is “not given to much wine,” which is a weakness some senior ladies can fall into, especially if they are lonely. If you are drinking too much, you will not be able to fulfill the next quality on the list, which is to be “teachers of good things.”

What should you teach? Titus 2:4-5 gives the answer: “That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”

You have spent the early part of your life mastering these points. Now it is time to take the younger ladies under your wings and show them how it is done! Be kind and gentle. Where appropriate, share mistakes you have made in the past so that they can avoid them.

Guard the Home!

Younger ladies, you must be willing to be taught by senior ladies in the Church. Without this, fulfilling the rest of the responsibilities God has given you will be impossible.

If married, push yourself to develop and grow an enduring love for your husband—despite his mistakes and imperfections. Much can be learned from a wife who has succeeded at it for many years. Use every opportunity to learn from senior ladies.

Next is to “love their children.” You would think this should be easy, because all mothers love their children, right? One of the areas mothers must work hard on is proper discipline.

We must follow God’s example: “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Heb. 12:6).

Proverbs 13:24 shows the flip side of this principle: “Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children” (New Living Translation).

So we must discipline our sons and daughters, but it must be balanced and consistent. Most of us will naturally either be too harsh or too lenient. We must recognize the ditch we tend toward and find ways to avoid these extremes.

Next is to be “discreet.” This is the same Greek word used in verse 2 for “temperate” that also applies to the senior men. Women must learn to control their emotions. Younger ladies can have a tendency to rely on emotional reasoning. The results are usually unrealistic or illogical decisions. Young men can have the opposite problem where they can make decisions without any emotional input and unwittingly hurt the other party.

Husbands and wives must rely on one another to make decisions! If you are a single lady, seek counsel from older women, your minister or a man whom you trust like your father.

Young ladies must be “chaste.” Women should never flirt—and be extra careful to even seem to flirt, especially if they are married. The Greek word here can also mean to be “pure, clean, modest and innocent.” In society today, women who are longing to be married are often encouraged to be the exact opposite of what God commands.

Now follows probably one of the most important commands, which is being “keepers at home.” The Greek can also mean “a guard.” She truly guards the home! This is an immensely important aspect of a woman’s role that every wife (and husband!) must recognize.

To be “good” is the next role. Contention can easily and quickly set into a marriage often because of small irritations, especially after the honeymoon period is over. This is where the “rubber meets the road” for outgoing concern for each other, when both wives and husbands continue to do “good” things in their marriage.

Good can also mean “benefit, well.” Do not get tired and “weary in well doing” (Gal. 6:9). Remember God sees all our good works, big and small.

Finally, there is being “obedient to their own husbands.” Ladies, do not forget that God made marriage roles so that everyone can learn the importance of God’s government. If you are still single, strive to be obedient to everyone who has authority over you: your employer, minister, parents and so on.

Known for Good Works!

Now for the young men: “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (Titus 2:6-8).

Young males must be “sober minded,” but this is not the same Greek word used earlier—it is even stronger. It means “to be in the right mind, sane, sound mind, moderate, soberly.”

Why is Paul exhorting you to be sane and of the right mind? Because you will have a crucial role when you get married: “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church” (Eph. 5:23).

Just as Christ leads the Church, men must love and guide their wives.

Ask yourself, how many times has Christ intervened on your behalf to the Father as you asked forgiveness for mistakes and sins? How gentle is God with you? Has He ever forced you to submit and obey Him? Has Christ ever screamed or shouted at you? Did Christ and the Father ever say They do not want to listen to your complaints in your prayers? Can you truly say that you exhibit the same care, love and concern to your wife as Christ does for you? Are you willing to give your life like Christ did for you? Ponder these questions. Again, the standard is immense!

These are all qualities single men should learn and married men should grow in.

The next responsibility is to exhibit “a pattern of good works.” You should be known for your doings. Strive to make “helpful” the first word people think of when they hear your name. Use your physical strength to help ladies and the elderly any time you are able.

But you should also show “uncorruptness” in doctrine. Young men, you must know the truths of God! Strive to understand what God needs and do them!

But you should also have “gravity,” which means to be honest. And be sincere, which means genuine and not two-faced.

Finally, one more monumental command. You should have “sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

In short, all men have the potential to grow in speaking responsibilities. That is why all baptized men are strongly encouraged to participate in Spokesman Club. You will find many places to use your “sound speech”—at Church activities, at family gatherings, and even at work.

Make God’s Way Attractive!

Realize that all four categories above have a lot of overlap and can apply to everyone. But Paul closes out the list with instructions that generally apply. These speak of how we should act when interacting with those in the world—specifically to those of us who are employees.

Titus 2:9-10: “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”

We must be obedient to our employers. Look to be trustworthy and reliable. This applies to both big things and in small. When asked to do something, do not talk back or exhibit a bad attitude. Rather, dive in headlong.

Colossians 3 adds extra importance to the carefulness with which we should obey our bosses: “Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (vs. 22-23).

When you receive an instruction from your manager or employer, do it with the same carefulness and attention to detail that you would if God Himself asked you to do it.

Stop and ponder what you just read!

This obedience should be in both big and small matters. Notice that Titus 2 mentions to avoid purloin­ing. This is stealing small things for yourself. This can be abusing the perks that your employer has given you. But it is most easily done by stealing the time you are on the clock—not doing your very best in all things.

Do everything as you are doing it for God!

Being diligent in every inter­ac­­t­­­­­­­ion with others has a purpose. In fact, it is one of the ways you can directly do God’s Work. Read the end of verse 10 again: “That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”

If you are a stellar example of God’s Way, you can adorn the doc­­trines of God. The New Liv­ing Translation makes this even clearer. If you do these things, you “will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.”

You can make God’s Way attractive to others through your example. This is one of the ultimate jobs of a lay member!

Take everything in Titus 2 to heart. Dig into and apply the instructions laid out there. These exhortations and qualifications will guide you and give you purpose as you wait for God’s Kingdom to come.

Paul summarizes your qualifications in the next verses: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (vs. 11-12).

Brethren, let’s all do these things as we fulfill verses 13-14: “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

We are that people redeemed from all iniquity whom God is purifying. We all have our marching orders as laid out in Titus 2. So let’s zealously move forward and fulfill our qualifications!