Instructions for Every Age and Sex
April 25, 2022
Commentary
Paul tells Titus that he must instruct the members with sound doctrine (v. 1). This is in contrast to the myths and man‑made prescriptions the false teachers were giving. Paul probably starts with the older men because they should set a godly example to the next generations. Four characteristics of change are insisted upon (v. 2):
1. “Sober minded” ‑ The older men should help the congregation keep steady.
2. “Grave” ‑ That which invites respect and reverence.
3. “Temperate”‑ To be fully rational in thought, word, and action.
4. “Sound in faith, in love, in patience” ‑ To be healthy in these areas.
Then there are instructions for older women (vv. 3‑5). In Cretan culture women were regarded as servants or slaves of their men. But New Testament advice for women has been used to elevate the standards of women around the world. Paul told Titus to educate the older ladies in their duties, for often they carry great weight for good among the saints. Seven characteristics are given:
1. To “love their husband” (v. 4) 2. To “love their children” (v. 4)
3. To be “sober” (v. 4) 4. To be “discreet” (v. 5)
5. To be “chaste” (v. 5) 6. To be “keepers at home” (v. 5)
7. “Being obedient to their own husbands” (v. 5)
Paul urges the younger men to be self-restrained in every area of life (v. 6), to be a good example and model of good deeds, holding tight to the truth with pure motives (v. 7). Be sincere and serious when you teach. Do this, and your enemies will be too ashamed to say anything against you (v. 8). And let your instruction be wise, wholesome, vigorous and irrefutable, so that your opponents may be put to shame, finding nothing discrediting or evil to say about you.
Then Paul warns Christian slaves of three common sins they must avoid:
1. Disobedience (v. 9) ‑ They were to obey their masters and seek to please them.
2. Talking back (v. 9) – They were not to argue with their master.
3. Stealing (v.10) – Don’t take any items from your master (ex. Philemon – Philippines 1:8).
Application
How does my life compare to the instruction Paul gives my sex and age group in this passage? How do I rate myself on a scale of 1‑10 as being a godly example to others?
Titus 2:1– 10 (NET)
1 But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. 3 Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good. 4 In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited. 6 Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, 7 showing yourself to be an example of good works in every way. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us. 9 Slaves are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to do what is wanted and not talk back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything.