DAY #315: Titus 2:1-15

Paul admonished Titus to teach sound doctrine. It was Titus's job to promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching. Knowledge and acceptance of “right teaching” should lead to righteous living. Behavior should match belief.

The older men, though technically not “elders,” were the senior members of the community, and should be examples of maturity. They were the “pool” from which elders were to be appointed. Because they were mature members of the community and examples to younger men, Titus should teach the older men to exercise self-control, meaning that their lives should show moderation and clearheadedness, with an absence of extravagance.

Paul’s directive for Titus to teach women was in itself a startling departure from the way women were usually treated. The inequalities found in society were not to be brought into church relationships. We honor older people when we consider them capable of still being nurtured.
The older women must also be taught—their lifestyles should be appropriate—dignified, worthy of honor, Christlike. Older Christian women should have a respectful attitude toward all aspects of life and toward people of all ages.

They were not to go around speaking evil of others (gossips), nor should they be heavy drinkers. Instead, these older women should teach others what is good. This meant not necessarily public sharing, but sharing their wisdom, knowledge, and faith with their circles of family and friends. No woman should regard her life as less valuable when children have left or after retirement from a career. Nor should they capitulate to despair or loneliness. We need their wisdom, prayers, and examples.

Specifically, the older women could train the younger women in the church by word and by example. Paul wanted the older women to teach “what is good”, and here he explained that in detail. First, they could encourage the young women in the church to love their husbands and their children. This seems obvious, but Paul may have included this because of special problems in Crete, or even because of the influence of the false teachers to disregard these responsibilities

Paul urged Titus to encourage the young men to live wisely in all they do. Young men today, as much as in ancient times, may lack this quality. If young men exercise self-restraint, balance, and common sense, they can save themselves much trouble in all areas of life.


From speaking of Titus’s actions, Paul turned to Titus’s public ministry of teaching. His life should reflect the integrity and seriousness of what he taught and would contrast him with the false teachers, who taught lies. This quality of integrity would come from careful Bible study and prayer. This would be especially important as Titus taught or confronted others about spiritual or moral issues. If he acted impulsively or unreasonably, he would more likely start arguments than convince people of the truth. Seriousness indicates teaching with reverence so that Titus’s words would be respected and taken seriously. Paul counseled Titus to be above criticism in how he taught.

All of Paul’s instructions can be summed up in these two phrases. Believers must turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We live in an evil world where many totally reject God’s influence in any area of life. Christians must renounce that attitude. Sinful pleasures are desires for the pleasures and activities of this world. Believers must replace those desires with positive characteristics: self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God.

The motivation for righteous living is looking forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. We can look forward to Christ’s wonderful return with eager expectation and hope. Our hope makes us live each day ready morally and ethically to serve him.




SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

We have to live the Word. This passage build on what we read yesterday - we have to be in the process of letting God use our lives to build, disciple, encourage, inspire, mentor and shape others. If you're a follower of Christ, this is not an option - it is a requirement.

Older men, Older women, younger men or younger women, we must be involved in the lives of others, helping them become the people that God has purpose and planned for them to be.

Remember 2 Timothy 2:2 (MB) - Paul's commands Timothy to "Pass on what you heard from me—the whole congregation saying Amen!—to reliable leaders who are competent to teach others."

Pass it on. So let me ask you today - who's your man? Who's your woman? Who are you investing your life in? Are they (those you are investing in) making a difference in the lives of others? Pass it on. Don't wait. Start today. Call someone. Pray with someone. Encourage someone - NOW.