Advice for Older People

2. Advice for Older People Speaking with the “ignored” generation

3. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”(Ephesians 6:1-3 ESV) To the young still at home? Obey, honor, learn

4. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.(1 Timothy 4:12 ESV) To the middle aged? Be an example in speech, conduct, love faith, and purity

5. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,(Titus 2:2-4 ESV) To older Christians? A group often overlooked, belongs the future of the church

6. Consider, Older Men… Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.(Titus 2:2 ESV) • Sober-minded/sober/temperate • i.e. not excessive • Old age tends to magnify character traits • Older men need to learn to balance their personality

7. Consider, Older Men… Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.(Titus 2:2 ESV) • Sober-minded/sober/temperate • Dignified/grave/worthy of respect • i.e. serious (not sullen, grouchy,crotchety) • Not taking one’s self or one’s pride too seriously

8. Consider, Older Men… Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.(Titus 2:2 ESV) • Sober-minded/sober/temperate • Dignified/grave/worthy of respect • Sensible/self-controlled • i.e. keeping one’s passions in check • Learning from examples of Noah, David, and Solomon

9. Consider, Older Men… Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.(Titus 2:2 ESV) • Above attitudes should be balanced with “sound” or healthy actions • Trusting God • Serving others • Waiting patiently

10. Consider, Older Women, Likewise… Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,(Titus 2:3-4 ESV) • Reverent in behavior • Corresponding being holy • Allowing Christ’s presence to be seen in behavior

11. Consider, Older Women, Likewise… Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,(Titus 2:3-4 ESV) • Reverent in behavior • Avoiding two particular negative qualities • Not slanderers/malicious gossips, or • Enslaved to much wine

12. Consider, Older Women, Likewise… Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,(Titus 2:3-4 ESV) • Reverent in behavior • Avoiding two particular negative qualities • Teaching and training (mentoring) • Not so much “telling” as modeling

13. BOTH older men and older women should model what the next generation is to become. What a great opportunity!

14. Three Cultural Considerations • Retirement • Roles/abilities change but no spiritual retirement • Use your time serve, help, stay involved

15. Three Cultural Considerations • Retirement • Travel • Consider your regular contribution • Schedule your work so that you can participate

16. Three Cultural Considerations • Retirement • Travel • Family • Open up your circle to allow others to share in your knowledge and experiences

17. If you are still above ground, and above room temperature, get yourself involved.