Titus 2:1-10
Every Age in the House
Read the passage
1But as for you, speak the things that are consistent with sound doctrine.
2Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and perseverance.
3Older women, likewise, are to be reverent in their behavior, not slanderers or addicted to much wine, but teachers of good.
4In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children,
5to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.
6In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
7In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
8and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
9Slaves are to submit to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,
10not stealing from them, but showing all good faith, so that in every respect they will adorn the teaching about God our Savior.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Titus must teach conduct that agrees with sound doctrine. Paul addresses different groups in the church because the same faith must become visible in their different responsibilities.
Older men should show self-control, dignity, faith, love and perseverance. Older women should be reverent, free from slander and addiction, and teachers of what is good. Their example and instruction help younger women love their husbands and children, live purely and wisely, care for their households, practice kindness and submit to their own husbands. Paul wants God's word honored in these relationships.
Younger men also need self-control. Titus himself must be an example of good works, teaching with integrity, dignity and sound speech. He should leave opponents without a truthful charge against his conduct.
Paul also addresses enslaved believers, asking for submission, honesty and good faith toward their masters so that their conduct honors the teaching about God our Savior. He speaks within slavery, not an ordinary employment arrangement. These commands do not make human ownership good or authorize abuse.
The passage gives each group meaningful responsibility before God. Doctrine is not confined to what Titus says publicly; it is reflected in the daily lives of the people who confess the Savior.
Questions
1 What should mark the lives of older men?
AnswerThey should be temperate, dignified and self-controlled, with sound faith, love and perseverance that younger believers can learn from.
2 What are older women to teach younger women?
AnswerThey are to teach good conduct, including love for family, purity, kindness, care for the household and submission to their husbands.
3 How should Titus support his own teaching?
AnswerHe should set an example through good works and teach with integrity, dignity and sound speech that gives opponents no valid accusation.
4 Why does Paul call enslaved believers to honesty and good faith?
AnswerTheir conduct can honor the teaching about God their Savior, even within an unjust condition that the instruction does not make good.
What This Means for Us
Seek advice from an older believer whose daily life supports what they teach. Ask about a responsibility you are finding difficult, and be willing to learn from their experience.
If someone younger learns from you, let them see the practice as well as hear the instruction. The care, honesty and self-control you demonstrate can help them understand what faithfulness looks like.
Prayer
God our Savior, teach every generation to honor You in daily responsibilities. Give us wise examples, humble hearts that learn and integrity between the truth we teach and the lives we live. Amen.