Titus 2

Intro:

Kick-Off Reflection (2 Minutes)

I’d like to start us off with a quick question to get us thinking: When you hear the phrase ‘godly living,’ what comes to mind? Feel free to share a word, a thought, or maybe an example of someone who’s inspired you in this way."

(Pause for participants to share briefly. If the group is quiet, you can follow up:)

I think we’ve all seen or experienced moments where godly living stands out—whether through someone’s kindness, integrity, or the way they handle challenges. Let’s keep these ideas in mind as we move forward.

Connecting the Context (3 Minutes)

Let’s set the scene. Titus 2 is part of a letter written by Paul to Titus—a young leader tasked with guiding churches in Crete. Crete wasn’t exactly known for high moral standards; in fact, it was a tough environment filled with challenges to the faith.

Paul doesn’t just tell Titus to preach; he gives him practical advice on how believers should live. And what’s interesting is how relevant these teachings are today. This chapter isn’t about abstract theology—it’s about real, day-to-day life. It’s about character, relationships, and how God’s grace shapes the way we interact with the world.

As we read through this chapter, I encourage you to think about this: How do these teachings challenge me personally? What areas of my life can I align more closely with God’s call for godly living?"

Encouraging Participation (1 Minute)

Lastly, let’s approach this as a discussion, not just a lesson. This isn’t about me talking for an hour—it’s about us learning and growing together. If something stands out to you, share it. If you have a question, ask it. If you see a connection to your own life, let’s talk about it.

Body:

Point 1: Titus 2:1-5

Sound Doctrine:

The term “sound” (hugiaino, ὑγιαίνω) means “healthy” or “wholesome.”

“Doctrine” (didaskalia, διδαχαλία) refers to teaching or instruction.

Together, this implies teaching that promotes spiritual health and aligns with God’s truth.

Sound doctrine is a firm foundation that shapes our thinking and living.

While the world encourages us to bend truth to fit personal desires, God calls us to anchor ourselves in His unchanging Word.

The world says, “Do what feels right,” but Proverbs 14:12 warns that there is a way that seems right to man, but its end leads to destruction.

When we prioritize sound doctrine, some friends or family may not understand why we hold to convictions that go against societal norms.

They might say, “Why do you make life harder for yourself by sticking to those outdated beliefs?”

Yet, our commitment to the truth can plant seeds in their hearts.

What are some ways we can remain grounded in sound doctrine, even when others view it as rigid or unnecessary?

Older Men

Greek Characteristics:

Temperate (nephalios, νηφάλιος): Clear-minded, free from indulgence.

Dignified (semnos, σεμνός): Worthy of respect, honorable.

Sensible (sophron, σώφρων): Self-controlled, disciplined in thought and behavior.

Sound in faith, love, perseverance: Wholesome and steadfast in these virtues.

Temperance, dignity, self-control, faith, love, and perseverance are markers of godly maturity.

The culture often sees aging as a reason to “take it easy,” promoting a lifestyle of indulgence and entitlement.

But scripture says the opposite—older men are to be mentors, guiding others with wisdom and steadfastness.

Some might say, “You’ve earned the right to stop trying so hard,” yet Paul’s call reminds us that the journey of faith is lifelong.

Perseverance is countercultural in a world of instant gratification—older men can lead by example, showing that true strength is found in enduring faith through life’s storms.

How can older men step into this role as spiritual guides, even when it feels like the world has dismissed the value of their wisdom?

Older Women

Greek Characteristics:

Reverent in behavior (hieroprepes, ἱεροπρεπής): Reflecting holiness and honor.

Not malicious gossips (diabolos, διάβολος): Avoiding slander or false accusations.

Not enslaved to much wine: Practicing self-control and moderation.

Teaching what is good (kalodidaskalos, καλοδιδάσκαλος): Instructing others in virtuous living.

Reverent conduct, avoiding slander, practicing moderation, and teaching what is good.

In today’s world, older women are often overlooked or pressured to compete with younger generations, focusing on external beauty or social status.

But Paul elevates their role, showing that their wisdom is a treasure the church cannot afford to lose.

Living a life of reverence and mentoring others might seem strange to friends who prioritize status or leisure.

They might say, “Why do you spend so much time helping others when you could be enjoying yourself?”

But Proverbs 31:30 reminds us that charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, while a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

How can older women create a legacy of faith and mentorship in a world that values superficial achievements?

Turn Proverbs 4:5-18

This passage teaches the importance of pursuing wisdom and understanding, avoiding the path of the wicked, and walking in righteousness.

It mirrors the characteristics in Titus 2 by emphasizing sensible living, the value of instruction, and the protection wisdom offers.

For older men: Proverbs speaks to steadfastness, dignity, and persevering on the path of wisdom, which matches Titus 2:2.

Older men can reflect how wisdom leads to a strong and faithful life despite challenges.

For older women: The idea of reverence and teaching good things parallels the instruction to pass wisdom on to others—older women teaching younger women to live wisely.

Point 2: Titus 2:6-10

Younger Women

Greek Characteristics:

Love their husbands and children (philandros and philoteknos, φίλανδρος and φιλότεκνος): Devoted to family.

Sensible (sophron, σώφρων): Disciplined and wise.

Pure (hagnos, ἁγνός): Morally and spiritually clean.

Workers at home (oikourgos, οἰκουρός): Managing household responsibilities.

Kind (agathos, ἀγαθός): Demonstrating virtue and goodness.

Subject to husbands (hupotasso, ὑποτάσσω): Supporting and respecting in partnership.

Proverbs 31:26: “She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.”

Self-control, purity, kindness, family focus, and biblical submission.

Today’s culture often pushes young women toward independence at all costs, saying, “You don’t need anyone,” or “Focus only on yourself.”

But scripture offers a richer vision of strength—one rooted in humility, love, and service.

Choosing to prioritize family, live with integrity, and embrace biblical submission may cause friends to question these choices.

They might say, “Why do you let someone else have a say in your life?”

But submission, when understood biblically, is a reflection of Christ’s humility and love for the church.

Young Men

Greek Characteristics:

Sensible (sophron, σώφρων): Exercising sound judgment and restraint.

Self-control is the hallmark of maturity, a trait that separates godly men from the impulsiveness of youth.

The world says, “You only live once—do whatever makes you happy,” but scripture calls young men to higher standards.

Galatians 5:22-23 reminds us that self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, cultivated through surrender to God.

Young men who live with integrity and self-control may find themselves ridiculed by peers who glorify recklessness.

They might hear, “You’re boring,” or “Why don’t you just let loose for once?”

Yet, their steadfastness can be a powerful testimony to the transformative power of Christ.

How can young men navigate situations where their faith and values set them apart from their friends or community?

Workers (Slaves in Context)

Greek Characteristics:

Subject to masters (hupotasso, ὑποτάσσω): Respectful submission.

Not argumentative (antilogeo, ἀντιλογέω): Avoiding disputes and defiance.

Not pilfering (nosphizomai, νοσφίζομαι): Practicing honesty.

Showing all good faith (pistis, πίστις): Demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness.

While Paul speaks to slaves, his message resonates with modern workers.

The world often says, “Do the bare minimum, take what you can, and prioritize your own success.”

But scripture calls us to work with integrity, viewing our labor as service to the Lord.

When we refuse to cut corners or compromise our values, colleagues or bosses might view us as difficult or “too rigid.”

They might say, “Why do you care so much? Just do what’s easy.”

But Colossians 3:23 reminds us that our ultimate audience is God, not man.

How can our work ethic and integrity serve as a testimony in environments that may not value honesty or faith?

Turn Daniel 6:1-10 (NASB 1995)

Daniel’s example shows diligence, faithfulness, and commitment to honoring God in his work.

He maintained integrity and trustworthiness while serving under foreign rulers and faced opposition with unwavering devotion.

For young men: Daniel demonstrates self-control and wise judgment, resisting defilement and remaining disciplined in his spiritual practices, even when faced with temptation and pressure (Daniel 1:8 and Daniel 6:10).

For workers: Daniel models submission, service, and reliability, proving that even under difficult conditions, work can glorify God.

His actions fulfill Titus 2:9-10 by showing fidelity and avoiding dishonesty or rebellion.

Point 3: Titus 2:11-15 Grace and Salvation

Greek Characteristics:

Grace (charis, χάρις): God’s unmerited favor and power.

Deny ungodliness (asebeia, ἀσέβεια): Rejecting irreverence and sin.

Live sensibly, righteously, and godly (sophronos, σώφρονος; dikaios, δίκαιος; eusebos, εὐσεβῶς): Living with self-control, justice, and devotion to God.

What are some examples that shows grace?

Forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply, displaying the grace you’ve received from Christ.

Resisting temptations to conform to worldly desires and choosing to pursue righteousness.

God’s Grace:

Grace is not just the unmerited favor of God—it’s His active power that transforms us from the inside out. It teaches us to renounce ungodliness, not as a burdensome duty but as a joyful act of surrender to His love. While the world views grace as permissiveness—“Do whatever you want because you’ll be forgiven”—biblical grace empowers us to live with purpose and integrity.

Today’s culture often encourages indulgence without consequences, tempting us to rationalize sin with excuses like, “Nobody’s perfect,” or, “At least I’m not as bad as them.” These attitudes cheapen the transformative work of grace, reducing it to mere leniency rather than a call to holiness.

Think about areas in your life where grace has challenged you to grow. Maybe it’s letting go of a destructive habit, forgiving someone who hurt you deeply, or choosing to live with honesty even when dishonesty might bring quick gains. God’s grace meets us in these moments and nudges us toward greater obedience.

Living in Hope:

Biblical hope is deeply rooted in certainty, not wishful thinking. It’s an unwavering confidence in God’s promises, providing an anchor for the soul (Hebrews 6:19). This hope redefines our priorities, prompting us to focus on eternal values rather than fleeting pleasures.

The world often sees hope as unrealistic, branding believers who cling to God’s promises as naïve or overly optimistic. When faced with hardship, people might question your faith, saying, “How can you trust God when your circumstances look so bad?” Yet hope enables us to endure with peace, knowing that God’s timeline surpasses our own.

Think about times when you’ve had to cling to hope in the midst of adversity—a financial struggle, a health scare, or a strained relationship. Living in hope might mean rejecting despair and choosing gratitude for what God has already done, even when the outcome remains uncertain.

Zealous for Good Works:

Paul’s call to be zealous for good works is a reminder that our salvation is not passive—it’s active and vibrant, a response to God’s grace that drives us to glorify Him through action. The world often says, “Do good if it benefits you,” but scripture calls us to serve selflessly and persistently, reflecting the character of Christ.

Being zealous for good works might look like stepping into uncomfortable situations to serve others—helping a neighbor with financial troubles, volunteering time to mentor someone younger, or being a listening ear to a colleague going through personal struggles. It’s about going out of your way even when it’s inconvenient or unappreciated.

Choosing good works can sometimes provoke misunderstanding or resistance from others. Friends or family may question why we “try so hard” when it seems easier to mind our own business. They might say, “Why do you care so much about people who aren’t even grateful?” But zealous works are not driven by earthly rewards—they flow from our love for God.

Isaiah 6:1–8 (NASB 1995)

In this passage, Isaiah receives a vision of God’s holiness and responds with humility and repentance, saying, “Woe is me, for I am ruined!” This encounter with God’s grace transforms him, cleanses his guilt, and commissions him to serve. The themes of grace, salvation, and being zealous for good works align beautifully with Titus 2:11–15.

Grace and Salvation: Isaiah’s confession and cleansing (verse 7) reflect the power of God’s grace to redeem and renew, teaching us to live in reverence to His holiness.

Living Righteously: Isaiah’s transformation leads him to willingly offer himself in service, saying, “Here am I. Send me!” (verse 8). This mirrors the call in Titus 2:14 to be zealous for good works.

Hope and Purpose: The vision of God’s majesty inspires Isaiah to live with purpose, a reminder of the “blessed hope” described in Titus 2:13.