Titus 2: In contrast to the false teachers Paul instructs Titus to teach “sound (healthy) doctrine” to various groups of individuals within local churches (1): “Older men” were to be taught how to manifest spiritual (“reverent…sound in faith, in love”) and emotional (“sober...temperate…patience”) maturity (2). “Older women” were to behave respectfully (“reverent”), avoiding gossip (“not slanderers”) and drunkenness (“not given to much wine”) as they focus on teaching younger “women” how to love their families and live godly lives so “the word of God may not be blasphemed” or dishonored (3-5). “Young men” were to be encouraged (“exhorted”) to be self-controlled (6). Since Titus was a “young” man, Paul instructed him to keep his “doctrine” (teaching) and personal life pure so that those opposed to the Christian faith would have nothing “evil” or slanderous to say about him (7-8). Titus was to “exhort bondservants” (slaves) to obey “their own masters,” work hard to please them “in all things,” avoid talking back to them, refrain from stealing from them, and be completely trustworthy (“showing all good fidelity”), “that they may adorn (enhance) the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” so that non-Christians will be attracted to the Savior (9-10). Christians are to live this way because “the grace of God that brings salvation (deliverance from Hell) has appeared to all men” or is available to all people (11). God’s grace teaches Christians to say “No” to sin and “YES” to godly living as they anticipate (“looking”) the soon return “of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us (on the Cross) so that we may be rescued from sin and purified, eager to do “good works” (12-14). Paul commanded Titus to teach “these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority,” not letting anyone intimidate (“despise”) him from speaking God’s truth (15). Application: 1. Regardless of age, gender, occupation, or social status, Christians are to protect and practice “sound (healthy) doctrine” so that “God our Savior” is attractive to a declining world that desperately needs Jesus’ saving grace (1-9). 2. The reasons Christians are to live this way are because… a. “The grace of God” has been made available to all people to save them from eternity in Hell if they would believe in Jesus for everlasting life (11). Godly living will give Christians more opportunities to introduce non-Christians to Jesus’ matchless grace. b. The more Christians understand and appreciate God’s grace the more they will want to say “NO” to sin and “YES” to God’s way of thinking and living (12). c. Jesus, “our great God and Savior” (notice that JESUS is GOD) could return at any moment to evaluate how Christians have lived since believing in Jesus in order to determine what if any rewards they will receive (13; cf. I Cor. 3:8-15; 2 Cor. 5:10). d. Jesus died on the Cross to rescue us from sin and wickedness not only so we would belong to Him, but so we could act and think like we belong to Him (14). Titus and all pastors/teachers are to teach “these things” from God’s Word without being intimated because God’s truth is above him, he and his opponents are not above God’s truth (15).
Posted on: Fri, 01 Nov 2013 12:59:04 +0000
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