Titus 2:1-15

Responsibilities of the Older and the Younger

Titus 2 NASB95

But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance. Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored. Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

MAIN IDEA: Paul always maintained a great concern for the reputation of the church within society. In writing to Titus, he outlined an orderly approach for establishing godliness among the members of each congregation, thereby reinforcing the positive character and work of the church. In this way, people progress in righteousness, and the church attracts unbelievers to investigate the message of God. -Larson, Knute. 2000. I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Vol. 9. Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

I. Characteristics to strive toward as Older Men.

Temperate

2. Dignified

3. Sensible

4. Sound in faith, love, and perseverance.

First, we come to the older men—not elders in the official sense, but men of physical age and maturity. They should be sober. Primarily this means moderate in the use of wine, but extends to mean careful in all areas of conduct. They should be reverent and dignified, yes, but please—not gloomy! Others have enough troubles of their own. The older men should be temperate, that is, balanced and discreet. They should be sound in faith. Age makes some people callous, bitter, and cynical. Those who are healthy in faith are thankful, optimistic, and good company. They should be sound in love. Love is not self-centered; it thinks of others and manifests itself in giving. And they should be vigorous in patience. Age has its infirmities and disabilities, often hard to take. Those who are sound in endurance bear up under their trials graciously and with fortitude. -