Study Notes

Titus 2:2-3:8

Review

Paul has instructed Titus to be a teacher of the Word:

Titus 2:1 ...speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.

What are those things? He's about to list many of the practical teachings that sound doctrine holds for people in every walk of life.

We're going to go through these quickly, so we can see the thread which runs through the whole section: Titus is to teach people to do good deeds, which are against their fleshly nature.

2:2 Older Men

Many men as they age become "grumpy old men." There is the caricature of the angry old man shuffling around, mumbling angry words and acting somewhat delusional. Genuine medical problems aside, many times that is simply the choice they're making. It's easier to be angry and not care, just to give up. But Titus is to tell the older guys to be temperate, dignified, sensible (we learned in an earlier study that this is to be "whole-minded"), sound in faith, love, and perseverance.

2:3 Older Women

Older women are also not to become the typical caricatures. Older women are often generalized in the scene of hanging up laundry on the line and passing the latest gossip to their neighbor across the fence. Those women might say, "We're not MALICIOUSLY gossiping," but the fact is that it's only one word in Greek - gossip is malicious. You may also be interested to know what that Greek word is: "Dee-AB-ol-os," the word for "devil." When you're accusing someone falsely, you're doing the devil's job. Instead, you're to be reverent - a "proper temple."

They are also not to be in bondage to alcohol, which can be a real temptation in later years when life slows down.

Also, we see that they are to be teaching. There are those that say, "Women are never allowed to teach!" True, the Bible says in 1Timothy that they are not to teach or exercise authority over a man (1Tim. 2:12). However, they are not forbidden from teaching the younger women. For some reason, many older Christian women in this generation feel the need to be secluded, and not participate in the discipleship of younger ladies. That does damage to the body, and is clearly sin. You may ask, "What am I to teach them?" But Paul answers the question.

2:4-5 Young Women

Young women need to be taught to love their husbands and children. Don't they already? Even in the church, they hardly ever do - at least using a Biblical definition of love.

Are young wives loving their husband, as 1Corinthians 13 says, by being patient and kind? By not being provoked? By not taking into account a wrong suffered?

Are young moms loving their children, as Proverbs 10:12 says, by covering a multitude of sins, rather than complaining to their friends and family about their misbehavior?

They are also to be taught to be sensible, pure, workers at home. Is it any coincidence that as humanity gets more and more sinful, fewer and fewer women see the value of being a homemaker? That job description might not earn a paycheck, but it's being an office manager, teacher, doctor, chef, counselor, and a thousand other things. I have the utmost respect for any woman who has the godly desire to be a homemaker.

They are also to be taught to be kind and subject to their own husbands. Let's face it - the flesh says, "No." He doesn't deserve your kindness, and certainly hasn't earned the right to lead. But notice that if you fail to do so, then your testimony is meaningless, for you dishonor the Word of God by your behavior.

2:6-8 Young Men

Young men need a lot of teaching as well. Teach them to be sensible - we learned that means "whole-minded." That can seem an impossible task, but the teaching of sound doctrine imparts sound minds.

They also must be taught to be an example of good deeds in all things. Young men, in everything you do, what kind of example are you setting?

Also, they must be taught to have purity in doctrine. Young Christian men often have a fire to talk about the Lord, but don't have the discipline to get into study and learn sound doctrine. Thus, many young men are like Paul's description of the Jews:

Rom. 10:2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.

Being dignified is necessary as well. Of course, being dignified isn't "cool" to many teenage and twenty-something guys. But the root of that word means "to worship." Guys, worship God with your behavior.

Speech which is beyond reproach means that you're not giving anyone any ammunition to say something bad about you. Is your speech such that no one can bring accusation or say anything bad about what you have spoken?

2:9-10 Bondslaves

While slavery has been outlawed in the United States, we certainly have a parallel in employment. To those who are employed: be subject to your employers in everything. Stop arguing with them and instead seek to be well-pleasing to them. Demonstrate your faith by wearing it in your life. Don't steal anything at work - neither the supplies nor the time for which you're being paid.

Why is Titus to teach all of these concepts to all of these people in the church?

2:11-14 Grace Instructs Us To Do Good

The grace of God tells us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires.

Older ladies, it's hard not to gossip. Younger ladies, it's hard to be subject to your husband. Guys, it's difficult to be above reproach in everything you say. And yet God's grace is teaching us to overcome the temptations to do such things.

Here's the secret: watch for Jesus. Look for His appearing. He died to purify us, and is very soon coming back for us!

Are you being purified? Are you dedicated to good deeds? As I read these verses, put yourself in the position of being instructed by Titus...

2:15-3:2 Remind Them

Are you subject and obedient to your rulers and authorities? Are you always ready for every good deed? Do you malign people, or pursue peace with them gently? Do you show every consideration for everybody, or is it "one strike and you're out"?

3:3 We Also Once Were

Before coming to Christ, we were fools. We were deceived, disobedient, and dying for anything that felt good. We freely hated and maligned people.

3:4-7 God's Kindness And Love Saved Us

Do you love those that hate you? Jesus did. Do you show grace to people that don't deserve it? Jesus did. His grace is the purifier as well as the example.

3:8 These Things Are Profitable For You

"Titus, I want you to speak all of these things confidently, because it's necessary, it's good, it's profitable." Every person who claims to be a Christian needs to be careful to engage in good deeds. Saints, I exhort you to go back over this list again and again. Discover what's lacking and add it to your life. Discover what needs to be removed and get rid of it. Be zealous for good deeds.

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