Teaching Health — Titus 2:1-8

Introduction

I gained 50 pounds the first six months after I was married. And, I know you’re thinking that with my big frame that I probably carried it well. But, I didn’t. You see, I had lived at home with my parents until we were married, and my mom had really regulated the food and snacks that were in our house. But then, I moved into my own house with this young bride who was a great cook, and when it was time to self-regulate, I just didn’t. For lunch, I would eat two sandwiches, a bowl of soup, a plate of chips, and then chase it with 32 ounces of gatorade. Not exactly a recipe for a chiseled physique. And so, one day, after my mom hadn’t seen me for several months, she was in shock to see me so much heavier, and she sounded the alarm for me.

But, here’s what’s interesting: I knew better. I knew that ordering a triple whopper and a large fry wasn’t the way to health. The problem wasn’t that I didn’t know better. It was doing nothing with what I knew.

God’s Word

(verse on slide) And that’s exactly the dynamic Paul addresses in Titus 2. In verse 1, he tells Titus, “Teach what accords with sound doctrine.” The word translated “sound” in our Bibles can also be rendered “healthy.” So Paul isn’t just talking about information that’s theologically correct—he’s talking about truth that nourishes lives, that leads to transformation.

There’s a difference between knowing what’s healthy and living a healthy life. Paul wants Titus—and us—to make sure that the truth we proclaim leads to the life we live. So, he’s writing to explain not just how to teach “sound doctrine” but “How to Teach Health.” (Headline)

And, if you’re going to teach health, you have to..

“Show” it.

Titus 2:2–5 “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”

Titus 2:7–8 “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”

I ran track most of high school. In 10th grade, we got a new coach. Here’s the strange part: he hated—hated—running. He’d tell us how, when he played football, he’d try anything to avoid it. So during practice, he’d sit on the bleachers while we ran. And he was hard on us. I was a distance runner—not exactly built for speed—and I ran five miles or more every practice, passing him each lap as he snacked and sipped a Coke. And, if I’m not proud to say it, but every lap I passed him built more and more resentment toward my coach.

Teachers should be “examples.”

You can’t lead people to love something you clearly don’t value. That’s part of what Paul has in mind in Titus 2. In verse 7, he tells Titus “to be a model of good works,” and to show “integrity, dignity, and (healthy) speech that cannot be condemned.” The same is true for the “older men” and “older women,” who are assumed to be the teachers.

A major theme in Titus is that behavior must follow belief—or belief is useless. A healthy church isn’t just built on sound teaching, but on sound teaching lived out. If doctrine is going to be truly “healthy,” it must begin with those who teach and influence. That’s what gives the message credibility. That’s why Paul insists that teachers must lead in living and applying the message in their own lives. That’s the point of the character traits he lists.

“Healthy doctrine” requires fruit that proves the teacher believes what they teach. A ‘do as I say, not as I do’ culture can’t produce healthy doctrine or a healthy church. No one wants to be told to run by a coach who hates running. No one trusts a dentist with bad teeth or a financial advisor drowning in debt. When we look for teachers, we often prioritize charisma—is this someone I want to hear?—but Paul urges us to prioritize character—is this someone I should hear?

If we’re going to learn “healthy doctrine”—the kind that makes us better spouses, parents, and neighbors—Paul assumes we must be taught by people who model it. Great teaching doesn’t end with instruction. It takes root through demonstration.

That’s why Paul outlines the qualities of “older men” and “older women.” As assumed teachers, they must also be models. He’s describing what ought to be seen in mature believers who’ve walked with Jesus over time: dignified, reverent, self-controlled, not gossipy. Known by their love, the soundness of their faith, and the goodness of their lives. Healthy doctrine takes more than sound content—it takes teachers with visible faith and proven character. That’s what makes a church not just informed—but healthy.

Teachers should be “proven.”

Paul emphasizes teachers who have proven the health of their doctrine over time. That’s why he highlights older men and women—pointing to traits like “steadfastness” and “reverent behavior.” Healthy doctrine is best passed down by those who are wise, grounded, and tested. But when we prize charisma over character, we often promote people too soon—before their character can carry the weight of their influence. That’s how churches end up in scandal: with leaders the people like to hear, but who lack the depth to live what they teach.

(slide for life stages) This need for tested character echoes a deeper pattern woven by God into human life. Christian counselor John Eldredge teaches that if we want healthy churches, leaders, and doctrine, we must embrace the God-given order built into life. He outlines six stages in a man’s journey (a woman’s journey would be very similar), each shaping him into who God intends him to become:

Beloved Son (1–10): The boy’s core need is to know he is delighted in by his father. Without this, he spends life searching for “dad replacements”—and leaves wounded relationships behind.

Ranger (11–20): A season of risk, discovery, and courage-building. Without it, he grows insecure and unsure of his masculinity.

Warrior (20–40): The man learns discipline, sacrifice, and what causes are worth fighting for. His character is forged through training, love, and suffering. Without it, he lacks the resilience needed for leadership.

King (40–60): He’s entrusted with real responsibility because he’s proven he can lead himself. His focus shifts from building his name to blessing others. He becomes a lead pastor, a CEO, a “king” in whatever realm he’s called to steward.

Sage (60+): Once revered, now often ignored. The sage has wisdom to offer the next generation—especially the kings. His role is to give away what he’s learned.

And here’s what I think Paul is teaching us: if we ignore this God-given design, we won’t have healthier churches, healthier people, or healthier doctrine. Recognize where you are in this journey—and ask, What do I need to learn now to be ready for what’s next? And if you missed a stage—or were wounded in it—go back and deal with it. Spiritual maturity isn’t automatic. But it is essential.

A “healthy doctrine” requires people to SHOW IT to us over time as they teach it to us today. And then, they…

“Share” it.

Titus 2:4–6 “and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.”

By “share it,” I mean those with character and experience actually teach others what they know. They share the wisdom, knowledge, and life that God has given them so the next generation is better for it.

And it’s important to notice what Paul says—and what he doesn’t. The older men and women in Titus 2 aren’t teaching systematic theology. We associate “sound doctrine” with anthropology, soteriology, and eschatology. But Paul focuses on marriage, home-making, and self-control. Quite a difference That’s not because theology doesn’t matter—it does. But Paul’s concern is that he know Crete won’t be won by well-informed Christians with indistinguishable lives. Crete will be won by Christians with a “healthy doctrine” that transforms their homes so that they look completely transformed to the culture around them.

Teach like a “family.”

This kind of teaching doesn’t happen by merely sharing a classroom. It happens by sharing life. Not by teachers standing on a stage—but by teachers sitting at your table. “Healthy doctrine” is meant to be taught the way families teach, not gurus or influencers.

Think about it. In a classroom, instruction is formal and distant. In a family, it’s up close and relational. Classroom learning is about knowledge and skills; family learning is about character and identity. You don’t just care what they can do—you care who they’re becoming. Classrooms meet for a term. Families stay for the long haul. In a classroom, you know your students’ names. In a family, you know their fears, wounds, and tendencies. You’re in each other’s business. That’s how it’s meant to be in the local church.

The “older men” and “older women” are called to step into the lives of the younger generation with “dignity, reverence, and love” “to teach what is good.” They’re not just offering instruction—they’re offering presence. And the goal isn’t just doctrinal precision, but life transformation. Discipleship isn’t only about Bible study methods or theological accuracy—though those matter A LOT. It’s about showing how the truth of God transforms all of life. That’s Paul’s concern here.

Teach “hands-on.”

A church with truly healthy doctrine doesn’t just have great teachers. It has godly men and women living close enough for others to watch their lives. It’s where younger believers can see how faith holds steady through suffering, how grace shapes a marriage, and how wisdom guides decisions. The teaching ministry of the church is really a family apprenticeship, where truth is passed down through lives shared, not just lessons taught. It’s “hand-on” teaching that happens up close.

(Draw Pattern) Mike Breen says if we want to make disciples like Jesus, then we have to learn to teach like Jesus. His method was simple—and ironically, it’s probably how you already know you learn best: “I do; you watch. I do; you help. You do; I help. You do; I watch.” That’s the disciple-making rhythm of Jesus.

That’s exactly how I learned to preach. My youth pastor let me read his sermons and ask questions. He’d explain how he arrived at certain insights. Eventually, he’d bounce ideas off me—letting me offer illustrations or applications. Sometimes he used them, sometimes he didn’t. But I was learning.

Then one day, he let me preach. I lasted seven minutes—said everything I knew and sat down. But he was kind, encouraging, and constructive. And I kept going. Now, he watches me preach. And I know—whatever the Lord allows me to do—he’s part of it too. Because he didn’t just teach me; he invested in me. That’s what Jesus did. That’s what Paul did. That’s how it’s supposed to work in the church.

This morning, there are two groups in this room: Some of you need to open your lives and start sharing what God has given you. Others need to humble your hearts and start learning from those who’ve walked farther than you. If we want a church marked by healthy doctrine, we need both: willing teachers and teachable learners.

And here’s the good news: There’s more joy on the other side of this than most of us have yet tasted. Don’t you want more confidence in your faith? Don’t you want to grow stronger at home, at work, in life? You need the investment of those who’ve been where you’re going. Not just your peers—but the wisdom of those who’ve made it to the other side.

And to those with experience—hasn’t your deepest joy come not from your own success, but from helping someone else succeed? Your church family needs you. We need you—your life, your stories, your scars, your table, your time—if we’re going to have “healthy doctrine.”

“Simplify” it.

Titus 2:2–6 “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.”

The best teachers I know are those who can take something complex and make it simple. NOT simplistic, but simple. Megan is a kindergarten teacher, and she’s absolutely brilliant at this. Our kids will ask a question, and I’ll try to answer it—and they’re more confused than when they started. Then Megan steps in, says one sentence, and the kids are like: “Ohhhhh! That makes sense.” That’s a gift. And that’s what we need when we’re trying to learn, isn’t it? We need someone who knows it so well that they can explain complicated concepts simply.

If we’re going to have a “healthy doctrine,” we need teachers who can — and work to — simplify the truth so we can actually apply it. I think that’s in Paul’s mind here. It’s why he wants teachers to model it. It’s why he wants them to share their lives. It’s why he keeps repeating himself.

Remember “cause” and “effect.”

There are two repeats I want you to notice so you can see how simple this message really is. The first is a bit hidden in English but clear in Greek. It’s the “so” in verse 4, the “that” in verse 5, and the “so that” in verse 8. All of these are the same Greek word: hina, which means “in order that.” It shows cause and effect.

One of the primary differences between those who are wise and those who are foolish is their understanding of cause and effect. The wise understand the connectedness of life—that what I do today impacts what I experience tomorrow. The foolish assume today’s decisions won’t affect tomorrow’s outcome. The wise know that how I eat in my twenties and thirties will determine my healthy in my forties and fifties. The foolish believe they’ll be the exception to the rule. They live in denial of cause and effect.

Paul wants older believers to realize that their experiences are for a purpose—“in order that” they can strengthen and prepare the next generation for God’s call. He wants the younger generation to see that how they live shapes how the world sees Jesus. Their lives will either affirm the beauty of God’s Word or cause it “to be reviled.” And he wants Titus to see that the “health” of his doctrine will either put “his opponent to shame” or validate Satan’s accusations.

So, because life is connected—and choices have consequences—Paul wants to make sure they all…

Focus on “self-control.”

That’s the other repeat. Self-control is the only characteristic mentioned for every group in Titus 2. You’ll see it in verse 2 for the “older men,” verse 5 for “younger/older women,” and verse 6 for “younger men.” And I love that it’s the only thing Paul emphasizes for young men. It’s like he’s saying: “Let me make this really simple—just be self-controlled if you can’t remember the rest.”

Self-control is living in light of cause and effect. It knows that what I eat, drink, and learn today will matter tomorrow—and even more ten years from now. Self-control is having the maturity to take responsibility for yourself because of your love for others. It’s living “sober-minded.” (v.2) It’s refusing to be “slaves to much wine.” (v.3) It’s a commitment to “purity” and “submission.” (v.5) It’s self-denial for the good of others. (v.6)

Most of the counseling issues we face boil down to better self-leadership and self-control. Most marriage issues. Most habits. Most health struggles. So often they stem from neglecting cause and effect.

So Paul lifts up self-control and says: All of this can be simplified into self-control. Self-control to teach when you’re tired. Self-control to receive instruction when you’re frustrated. Self-control to apply the word when you’d rather not.

Self-control simplifies the message because self-control is about greater love. It says: “I’ll guard what I eat because I want to be here for you tomorrow. I’ll guard what I say because I never want to harm you. I’ll guard what I do because I want to serve you. I’ll guard how I act because I want Jesus’ witness to be pure.”

Self-control is living under the control of the Spirit who said, “Not my will, but your will be done,” because of love. And that’s the starting line for a “healthy doctrine.”