Titus 2

Sundry directions to aged men, 1,2. To aged women, 3. To young women, 4,5. To young men, 6. Directions to Titus, relative to his own conduct, 7,8. Directions to servants, 9,10. What the gospel of God teaches all men, 11,12. The glorious prospect held out by it; salvation from all sin, and final glory, 13-15.

Titus 2:1

But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: — This is a continuation of the thought brought forth in 1:14. Paul instructs Titus to not only avoid Jewish fables but to continue to teach wholesome doctrine. Titus is directed in his teaching by distinguishing between the different sexes and various age groups. Each group that he instructs is to learn the value of a peaceable and fruitful life.

Titus 2:2

That the aged men— It is believed by some that aged men refers to those over fifty. Paul list six lessons for Titus to focus on among this group.

(1) be sober, —The older Christian man has a special responsibility to the congregation. He is to remain faithful and vigilant in the faith. He is to be a living example to the younger Christian and a source for counsel. He is not to use his age as a crutch to lean upon throughout his remaining days.

(2) grave, — He is to be dignified and worthy of respect by all. His speech, actions, and dress should all reflect the serious attention he pays to maintaining reverence to his Lord and Savior.

(3) temperate, —This means moderate and prudent. It speaks of one who controls his passions and affections, so as not to be controlled by them. Older Christian men should have a firm grasp on the true value of life and be keenly aware that the cost of self-indulgence far exceeds its worth.

(4) sound in faith, — Sound is a medical term meaning healthy. Thus he is to have a healthy faith. A healthy faith is one that continues to grow. Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, a conviction of things not seen . A man who is content to sit back and quietly ride out his remaining years on the back pew is not exhibiting healthy faith. This man should be vigilant in his study so that his faith remains strong unto death.

(5) sound in charity, — Charity is translated from the Greek word agapē, meaning benevolence, affection, or love. Therefore he is to have a healthy love for others. His love for his fellowman should grow every year. This should be a giving love. He should be giving of his time, experience and advice.

(6) sound in patience. — This is one who has serenity of spirit. He is steadfast in the faith and persistent in the truth of God’s word. The trials and tribulations of this life, if properly handled, can serve to make us stronger. The older Christian, by virtue of his growth, should be able to bear more and more. As the physical body diminishes, the faith in the older Christian should continue to grow. 2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward [man] is renewed day by day.

Titus 2:3

The aged women likewise, —Paul now shifts the focus of Titus toward the elderly women. He lists five areas of study for them.

(1) that [they be] in behaviour as becometh holiness, —They are to live Christian lives in such a way as to be a positive and encouraging example to the younger women.

(2) not false accusers, —They are not to be slanderers or gossipers. Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

(3) not given to much wine, — they are to abstain from strong drink. The bible speaks plainly about the evils of intoxicating wine: Proverbs 23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: Proverbs 23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe [a man] with rags. Proverbs 23:29 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? Proverbs 23:30 They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. Proverbs 23:31 Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, [when] it moveth itself aright. Proverbs 23:32 At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. Proverbs 23:33 Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things. Proverbs 23:34 Yea, thou shalt be as he that lieth down in the midst of the sea, or as he that lieth upon the top of a mast. Proverbs 23:35 They have stricken me, [shalt thou say, and] I was not sick; they have beaten me, [and] I felt [it] not: when shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.

(4) teachers of good things; — They are to instruct others to live lives that likewise reflect the teachings of Christ.

Titus 2:4

(5) That they may teach the young women—The Older women are to teach the younger women both in word and in example. Paul now directs Titus in the way that older women are to instruct younger women:

to be sober, —To consider the seriousness of the task ahead of them. Younger women, and in particular, young wives have the responsibility of being the heart of the home. to love their husbands, —She has made a vow in the sight of God to be committed to her husband. She is to love him and to keep his best interest in mind at all times. to love their children, —One of her most important tasks is to love their children. While it is the father’s responsibility to be the spiritual guide to the family, the mother typically has a more one on one relationship with their children and is therefore a powerful influence on their lives.

Titus 2:5

[To be] discreet, — She is to be sober-minded and sensible. She is to have her mind set on the goal of heaven, always ready to grow and learn.

chaste, —She is to be pure. She is to be faithful to her husband and to her children. She must fill her heart with the love of God to avoid immoral thoughts or deeds.

keepers at home, —She has the responsibility and the privilege of being the heart of the home. This is not to say she can not work outside of the home but she must keep her priorities in order. She is responsible to God first. She must be a good wife and a good mother and not let outside works interfere with her commitment to her home. good, —The ASV renders this word- kind. She must take care of her many duties in a kind manner.

obedient to their own husbands, —But as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything (Ephesians 5:24). The godly woman willingly puts herself under the subjection of her husband. The godly man never abuses his position over the wife–Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it ;

that the word of God be not blasphemed. —When a Christian woman does not walk orderly she brings reproach upon herself, her family and the Lord.

Titus 2:6

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. — The instructions are now to be given to the young men to be sober minded. This is a recurring theme throughout this dissertation. The emphasis is placed on keeping in mind the seriousness of the task at hand. That task is following God’s command and keeping oneself separate from the world.

Titus 2:7

In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: —Titus and the young men are to be examples of Christianity in the community and among brethren. They are to live what they preach. Titus was to provide an example himself.

in doctrine [shewing] uncorruptness, —He was to live his life and teach in such as way as to show others that his motives are good.

gravity, —This means with dignity

sincerity, —With a pure heart

Titus 2:8

Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; — Pure in speech so that others can not find fault in their words.

that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. —Christians are to rise above the level of those in the world who would use words to cause harm to others. Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee (1 Timothy 4:16). By maintaining the proper attitude and disposition in the face of adversity, you will not only prevent others from having occasion to speak badly of you, you may also be able to draw them to Christ.

Titus 2:9

[Exhort] servants to be obedient unto their own masters, —In the 1st Century, indentured servitude was common place. Generally speaking, these were servants for a specified amount of time in order to pay off debts. When in servitude to others it was important to remember that there was a debt to be paid and it was to be paid in a Christian manner.

Titus 2:10

Not purloining, —Purloining is stealing. The servant was not to steal from his master but to be faithful in all things.

but shewing all good fidelity; —He was to be loyal to his master. He was to exhibit a dependability throughout his term of service.

that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. —Even in bondage the servant was to exhibit the Christian life in all his deeds.

Titus 2:11

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, —For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). The grace of God is for everybody in the world who will accept it. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness; but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). This acceptance requires obedience to all of His commands.

Titus 2:12

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness —Ungodliness is living ones life as if God does not exist.

and worldly lusts, — Worldly lusts are those things which keep us connected to the world and separated from God. And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind (Matthew 22:37). Paul explains that God’s grace teaches one to avoid living like the heathens who either deny the existence of God or make idols out of any and everything.

we should live soberly, —once again the emphasis is to remember the seriousness if the Christian life.

righteously, —Meaning he is to live right in the sight of God. Jesus said:, If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments (John 14:15). The righteous man will be eager to seek the will of the Father and to submit himself to the service of his Savoir.

and godly, in this present world; —This means to give God His due. The Christian has an obligation to live righteously and to love his fellow man. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34).

Titus 2:13

Looking for that blessed hope, —This blessed hope is the driving force behind the God fearing Christian.

and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;—By living the type of life that Paul describes to Titus, one can have the hope of eternal life in heaven with the Father and the Savior. The faithful Christian can look forward to the coming day when Christ will return and translate the saints to their heavenly homes.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, —Christ came to this earth and lived a perfect and sinless life. He made himself the perfect lamb without blemish. Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father (Galatians 1:4).

that he might redeem us from all iniquity, —Only by living the perfect life was Christ qualified to be the sacrifice for the sins of this world. He freely gave himself to die in our stead for our transgressions against God.

and purify unto himself a peculiar people, —But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light(1 Peter 2:9): This word peculiar carries with it a sense of being possessed or owned. Therefore the Christian is a possession of God.

Titus 2:15

These things speak, — Titus was to teach all these things, both positive and negative, to the church in Crete.

and exhort, — He was to encourage the brethren. It is important to encourage others while teaching them the doctrines of Christ.

and rebuke with all authority. —Titus was given authority to teach these things but he is encouraged here to teach in such a way so that his audience will receive the lessons and be moved by them.

Let no man despise thee. —This word despise appears no where else in the New Testament. It means to think beyond or depreciate. Titus is thus told to conduct himself in such a way that men do not hate him or think little of him. He is to preach to word in truth and love.