Titus 2:1-15
Thursday, 2 December 2021
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age...” -Titus 2:11-12
The Epistle written to Titus was Paul’s instructions to him how to strengthen the Church he was sent to. In fact Paul refers to Titus as “my partner and fellow worker” in the second letter to the Corinthians (2Cor.8:23). That Titus was sent as Pau’s envoy to several places, shows Paul’s confidence in him.
In Titus Chapter-2, we see a series of instructions given by Paul to be taught to all sections of people in the Church. When we read through them all, we are drawn to two key aspects every believer must take care- whether they belong to the older, younger generation or the type of profession they have:
THE WAY THEY WALK
Our walk pertains to the way we live. Paul instructs Titus: “promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.” To the older women: live in a way that honors God (v.3) To the younger women: live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good,… (v.5) To young men: live wisely. (v.6) To slaves: show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good (vs.10). So we see the emphasis to live out the faith according to the doctrine given.
Phil.1:27 exhorts the same: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” If our lives do not match what we profess, people will not be drawn to Christ.
THE WAY THEY TALK
Older women are instructed not to slander other (v.3) but use their tongue wisely to teach younger women what is good! Young men are to exhibit soundness of speech so that those who oppose them cannot find fault (v.8). Slaves must not talk back to their master but obey them (vs.9,10). Titus is instructed to encourage- that is a good use of the tongue!
James 1:26 says, “If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.” We can cause ourselves to be a bad testimony to others if we do not watch our words!
Why should we be diligent to live this way? Titus 2:14 speaks of what Jesus our Master did for us: “He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.” In giving Himself for us and living an exemplary life while He lived on the earth, Christ Jesus has set us a pattern to follow in His footsteps!
Brethren, can we “walk the talk?” Ephesians 5:8[NLT] tells us: “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!”
THINK ON: “The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day…” (Romans 13:12,13)