Session Devotional Titus 2:6-8

A. Instructions to Younger Men (6).

Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

Paul continues to single out the different social groups in the church according to age and sex. Here he addresses “younger men” and simply says that they are “Likewise” to be urged. Urged here is not just merely speaking words but includes the idea of walking along side of someone.

The use of “self controlled” being emphasized repeatedly denotes the idea that they are to act in such a way that has previously been instructed for the “older men” (2) and implied for the “older women” (3) and instructed for the “young women” (5). The younger men are not excluded from being “self-controlled” in their actions. This is all inclusive of all the other moral character mentioned.

“Self-controlled”- refers to being able to think in a sound manner; reasonable, sensible, serious, keep one’s head (BAGD). Paul simply list “self-controlled” as the instruction for younger men. This is not because the younger men had less issues to deal with but probably because as Paul addresses Titus personally (7-8) and considers him to be a younger man.

Are most of our sins tied directly to a lack of self-control?

B. Instructions to Titus (7-8)

7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Titus is to model good works (7a).

This is more than just moral behavior but Titus is to model before that which honors God in all of His actions. His actions are to be reflective of his Christian faith.

Titus is to show integrity and dignity in his teaching (7b).

This chapter starts out with Paul instructing Titus to “teach what accords with sound doctrine.” The teaching that Titus displays should be reflective of what is sound in order to show integrity. The term “dignity” refers to a manner or mode of behavior that indicates one is above what is ordinary and therefore worthy of special respect (BAGD).

Titus is to use sound speech that can’t be condemned (8a).

This denotes speech without corruption or speech that is healthy (BAGD).

Titus is informed regarding the practical purpose (8b).

It is to put opponents to shame and silence their evil speech. The character and practice of the minister of the Christian is critical to deterring the opposition. As a Christian we should never give anyone the legitimate opportunity to speak evil of us.

Does this always work?