Titus 2
-Paul desires for this young church leader to teach what is
suitable, sound, and healthy doctrine. He presents time honored expectations
for older men and women as well as for young (Titus 2:1-8). Older men are to be
sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love and
steadfastness (not quitters). Older women are to display reverent behavior, not
slander people (talk bad about people), not drink too much, teach what is good,
and mentor younger women to love their husbands and children, be
self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their husbands
so that the Word of God would not be reviled. The young men are to also be
self-controlled among the other fruits of the Holy Spirit. Paul urges Titus to
present himself with these qualities in all respects as a model of good works,
and in his teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be
condemned so that every opponent may be put to shame with nothing evil to say
about him or any believer. There are also some brief instructions for
bondservants in their submission (the act of being subordinate, placing things
in proper order) and good faith before their masters in everything as well
pleasing, and not argumentative, and not stealing. In short, they were to model
the likeness of Christ Jesus (Titus 2:9-10). *Application* Wouldn’t it be nice
if the church today would follow out these Scriptural commands. What harmony
and peace we would experience if we would simply follow the Word of God. Teach
these things and be diligent in them for the sake of goodness.
-God’s grace has appeared and brings the potential for
salvation to ALL people. Christ’s work on the cross gives us the opportunity to
be trained in the renunciation of ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live
differently with self-control (a key theme in this passage), uprightness, and
Godly lives in the present age (Titus 2:11-12). We are waiting still for our
blessed hope at the appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who GAVE
Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and purifies us for Himself as
a possession who are zealous (eager) for good works (fruits of the Holy Spirit,
righteousness). These things are to be declared (speak out) by the men (and
women) of God with exhortation (encouragement, beseeching, urging) and rebuke
(bringing to light, exposing, setting forth truth) with all authority by the
Lord who rules (Matthew 28:18). Let no one disregard this biblical teaching by
the man of God (pastor, authority). *Application* Paul’s directives are just as
strong in application for us today. We must rely on the work of Christ and His
Spirit within us to crucify our worldly passions and urges for ungodliness to
live the lives He wants from us. We have the authority O believers, simply take
hold of what you have in Christ and live sanctified being set free!
Verses to Memorize-
Titus 2:1, 11-15
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