Good morning,
“FEW portions of the New Testament excel this chapter. It may well form the creed, system of ethics, and text book of every Christian preacher. Does any man inquire what is the duty of a Gospel minister? Send him to the second chapter of the Epistle to Titus for a complete answer.” (Adam Clarke)
This week we will look at Titus’ command to teach sound doctrine, what to teach and to whom, and the place of grace in the Christian life.
Paul exhorted Titus to teach the word to several groups of people. Paul stressed that each group was to be taught differently.
Aged Men (2:2)
“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.”
Aged Women (2:3-5)
“The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
Young Men (2:6)
“Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.”
Titus and his practical example to the young men (2:7-8)
“In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
Servants (2:9-10)
“Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”
Titus needed to understand the needs of the people of Crete. Specifically, the believers. Each group needed different emphasis and encouragement.
The aged women seem to receive the most teaching and bear the greatest responsibility. These verses are similar to Proverbs 31.
Today our Pastors need to incorporate these principles in their teaching and preaching.
This leads to sound doctrine.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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