Our Doctrine, Our Duty
A Maturity (God’s Word) (the Mind)
Titus is seen working in difficult and sensitive situations within the troubled Corinthian church. His duties with regard to that church included delivering Paul’s “severe letter” (2 Cor 7:6–7) and taking the leadership role in encouraging and administering the church’s contribution to the collection for the Jerusalem church (2 Cor 8:6–24). We can reasonably infer from 2 Corinthians that Titus possessed considerable people skills (naturally acquired or Holy Spirit given) and that he was a man of unquestioned integrity, especially with regard to financial resources.
2:1. If Paul had been talking with Titus in person, he would have looked him straight in the eye to emphasize his strong directive: You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine.
Titus, and all believers, must stand in stark contrast to the false teachers. Correct belief produces health and wholeness, while erroneous teachings result in disobedience and worthlessness (Titus 1:16). Paul was not advocating the “health and wealth” doctrine of modern triumphalists but a spiritual health which proceeds from faith in God. Doctrine which remains undistorted, free from the infections of human opinion or philosophies, will bring healing to the soul and stability to life.
A Model (Lifestyle) (the Movement)
1. Older men (2:2)
In the Greco-Roman world in which Paul lived, only two age categories were recognized: young and old
Older men, by virtue of their age, were called on to model certain qualities of godliness.
Older men, by virtue of their age, were called on to model certain qualities of godliness. Note that these characteristics were not for them alone, leaving the young free to ignore the instruction. However, the older men were recognized as examples for younger men. These men were to live carefully, manifesting a respectable lifestyle. They were to be:
Temperate. The older men were to exercise sound judgment in every area of life. They were to be known as clearheaded and self-possessed.
Worthy of respect. Their lives were to evoke respect and honor. This deference by others was not to be gained by age alone, but by the grace, goodness, and purity of their lives.
Self-controlled. An older man must be in charge of himself. He will subject his body, mind, and will to the higher order of godliness. This covers a wide range of thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors.
These three qualities were admired by the unbelieving citizens of Paul’s day and they were considered a positive attribute in any man
Faith. This forms one of the pillars of Christianity, representing an individual’s relationship with God. Health, in our interactions with and obedience to our Lord, is foundational to soundness in any other endeavor. Faith encompasses correct doctrine, correct relationship, correct living.
Love. This is the other pillar of Christian faith, without which all else crumbles. It envisions a harmonious relationship with God which issues in self-giving to other people. Love seeks the welfare of others, even at personal loss.
Endurance. A person who models steadfastness in life and godliness commands respect, and it deserves to be heard, to be followed. Those who falter over time, who cave in to apathy or human philosophies, or simply follow their own petty desires, have wandered from the faith. “Sticking with it” remains a requisite of Christian belief. This is the very definition of faith.
2:6. Titus was to encourage the young men to be self-controlled Paul still had the evangelistic mission and reputation of the church in view. He wanted the young Christian men to exercise sober judgment in everything. This refers to sexual purity and restraint, to discretion in personal relationships so that anger does not replace grace, to self-mastery regarding alcohol and food. Self-control was a manifestation of God’s Spirit which touched many aspects of daily living.
2:7–8. Paul turned directly to Titus and wrote, In everything set them an example by doing what is good. Just as Paul’s instructions to older and younger women blended together, so his instructions to younger men mingled with this charge to Titus. While Titus must lead the way in his behavior, the clear implication is that all the younger men should be characterized by acts of goodness. Once again Paul had in mind outward, observable actions. Followers of Christ are to demonstrate a changed lifestyle marked by goodness in everything they do. This stands in contrast to the false teachers, who were “disobedient and unfit for doing anything good” (Titus 1:16).
Paul emphasized two fundamental structures of true Christianity—behavior and belief.
A Motivation (Grace)
2:11. Paul did not leave the Christian with a list of duties to perform. He called us to a noble purpose, a higher life. He showed us that it is God’s grace—past, present, future—which strengthens and motivates us to live beyond the call of society, embracing obedience to God.
Paul followed up his instructions by proclaiming that the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Grace has appeared, “epiphanied.” It is the same word used in 2 Timothy 1:10 when Paul wrote of the “appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus.” The word connects us to Christ’s incarnation, his unveiling. The grace of God did not evolve in history; it came forth from concealment, became visible, made its appearance.
