Titus 2
Titus 2 is about Paul urging Titus to teach the proper attitudes and actions that should characterize church members of all kinds. It connects the virtues each person should practice within the faith community with the truths of the gospel that provide the foundation for those virtues, explaining them together.
1verseBut say the things which fit sound doctrine,
2versethat older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance,
3verseand that older women likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good,
4versethat they may train the young wives to love their husbands, to love their children,
5verseto be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that God’s word may not be blasphemed.
6verseLikewise, exhort the younger men to be sober minded.
7verseIn all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,
8verseand soundness of speech that can’t be condemned, that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us.
9verseExhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters and to be well-pleasing in all things, not contradicting,
10versenot stealing, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.
11verseFor the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men,
12verseinstructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age;
13verselooking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
14versewho gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.
15verseSay these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you.
Verses 1-10: Exhortations for Every Social Group
- older men and women: They are encouraged to be examples of dignity, self-control, faith, and love. Emphasis is placed on the role of older believers to pass on the legacy of faith to the next generation based on their experience.
- younger men and women: They are urged to learn virtues such as self-control, purity, love, and sound judgment, and to practice faithful integrity in everyday life. In particular, young women receive guidance to remain faithful to their responsibilities in the home.
- servants (slaves): They are encouraged to make their entire lives a testimony to God by acting faithfully and obediently, grounded in trust in their masters. Here, Paul highlights the importance of conduct as Christians regardless of social status or relationships.
Verses 11-14: God’s Grace and a New Life in Christ
At the center of Titus 2 is the message that the grace of God has appeared to all people. This grace does not only save us; it leads us into a godly and righteous life. In verse 14, it says that Christ gave himself so that we would become ‘a people eager to do what is good.’ In this section, the grace of the gospel is connected to our lives in practice as the motive for living.
Verse 15: The Importance of Sound Exhortation
In the final passage, Paul advises Titus to teach and exhort all these things boldly, and to ensure that no one looks down on him. This emphasizes how important it is for God’s truth to be proclaimed and lived out within the community.
Points for Reflection
- Let’s think about what example we are showing in the community, in the home, and in daily life that we belong to.
- Let’s reflect on how the grace of Christ is changing my life.
- We can also consider how the truths of faith should be revealed in practical everyday living.
Try Applying It to Me
- In the role I’ve been given (in the home, at work, in the community, and so on), what changes can I try today to demonstrate proper conduct and an example of faith?
- Let’s check whether God’s grace is becoming the motivation that transforms me, and let’s resolve to work even harder for good deeds within grace.
