Small Group Discussion: Being Sensible

You don’t have to look very far in today’s world to find young women who lack good sense. What we often refer to as ‘having good sense’ the Bible calls “being sensible” (Titus 2:5). The Scriptures say “to be sensible” means ‘sound mind, prudent, and self-controlled.’ Just the words ‘self-controlled’ can produce a collective groan in us as it conjures up words like drudgery, discipline, discouragement and even despair. We often think of these words as the antithesis of everything we enjoy in life! Many of us feel that we have attempted self-control many, many times in our lives often with limited or no success. And while self-control isn’t a popular topic in today’s world, it is a popular topic in the Bible and a fruit of the Spirit that God wants to grow in our lives.

In ancient times a city without walls was inconceivable. The walls were a main defense and without them a city was easy prey to its enemies. Proverbs 25:28 states that: “Like a city that is broken into and without walls, is a man who has no control over his spirit.” Self-control is a wall of defense against the enemies of our soul. Scripture warns us that the world hates us (John 15:19), the enemy seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8), and our sinful desires wage war against our souls (1 Peter 2:11). These desires are deceitful (Eph. 4:22) and they drag us away and entice us into sin (James 1:14). We are in a fierce battle – confronting sin from within and temptations from without.

Self-control requires our effort in cooperation with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord is always present to help us in our time of need and is glorified by enabling us to overcome patterns of sin. Self-control is what we need in order to say no to sinful desires, and what we need to follow through on godly desires.

We are all aware of many areas where we need to change and it’s a temptation to manufacture self-control “all by your self.” Mustering up resolve and trying again…only harder this time. Instead turn your attention back to God and His abundant grace for change. He is eager to help us and has promised to complete the work that He initiated in our lives (Phil. 1:6). But we must choose to be wholly and completely dependent on Him – relying on His better strength!

Take a moment to consider some ways to apply self-control to your life. Look at how it relates to your appetites (sleeping and eating, for example), your thoughts and feelings (because of sin are these contrary to what Scripture commands?), and your behavior (your speech, finances, time, work, meeting with God, etc.)

By exercising self-control you can make wise commitments by adhering to biblical priorities. You can stay within your budget — being content with what you have. You can face the reality of your life with hope in God that is grounded in the Scriptures. Because the Bible is true and we can trust what it says about God and our circumstances, we can find hope instead of despair.

Acknowledgements to sources utilized in this handout:

The MacArthur New Testament Commentary – Titus

Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother,
Carolyn Mahaney

Becoming a Titus 2 Woman, Martha Peace

From the home of Ginger Jackson

Geneva’s Breakfast Dish
2 lbs. Frozen Potatoes
2 cans Cream of Mushroom soup
8 oz. grated cheddar cheese
sprinkle with Parmesan cheese

1. Mix everything together in a casserole dish.
2. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

Items purchased: Cost Each: Total Cost:
Soup .69 1.38
Cheese 5.29 5.29
Potatoes 3.50 7.00

Total: $13.67
Serves 8: $ 1.70 per person cost

Eggplant with Penne
2 medium eggplants, cut into 3/4in. cubes
1/4 c. hoisin sauce
1/4 c. fresh lemon juice
12 oz. penne pasta
2 Tbl. dark sesame oil
2 Tbl. Vegetable oil
4 medium garlic, minced

1. Toss eggplant with 2 teas. salt and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix hoisin sauce, lemon juice and 1/4 c. water. Set aside.
3. Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil. Add garlic and cook 30 sec. Add eggplant in batches squeezing out as much liquid as possible. Add hoisin mixture.
4. Cover and cook till eggplant is tender.
5. Serve over penne pasta

Freezes well.
Variation: Add 2 c. tomatoes, sauteed

Summer Squash Casserole
3 Tbl. butter
1/3 c. green onions
3/4 c. celery, diced
3 c. crook neck squash, sliced
1 1/2 c. cherry tomatoes
1 tsp. fresh basil, chopped or 1/4 t. dry basil, crushed
pepper to taste

1. Saute onions and celery in butter until soft.
2. Add squash and blend. Pour into shallow casserole. Cover with layer of tomatoes.
3. Sprinkle with pepper and basil.
4. Cover and bake at 300 degrees for 30 minutes.