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TITUS

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123

Titus 2:1-5

1 “But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good,4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.”


Verse 1: Paul instructs Titus to teach what aligns with sound doctrine: The New Covenant.  Sound doctrine is the finished work of Christ. It is Jesus from start to finish, not rules and regulations.

Verse 2: Paul instructs Titus to teach older men to exhibit qualities such as temperance, respectability, self-control, and a firm foundation in faith, love, and endurance. These qualities flow from the transformation that occurs in believers through their union with Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Verse 3: Paul instructs Titus to teach older women to live in a reverent manner, avoiding slander and excessive indulgence in wine. Instead, they are encouraged to teach what is good. All believers are called to live in a manner that reflects their new identity in Christ and to share the goodness of the gospel with others. We have been made to express the fruit of the Spirit.

Verse 4: Paul highlights the role of older women in encouraging younger women to love their husbands and children. Love is, again, viewed as the most important thing for the Christian life.  This instruction is rooted in the love and grace that believers have received in Christ, not cultivated through rules and regulations.

Verse 5: Paul continues by instructing younger women to be self-controlled, pure, diligent in their responsibilities at home, kind, and submissive to their husbands. Each of these flows from the believer as fruit of the Holy Spirit. These instructions are not meant to promote a legalistic view of gender roles, but rather to encourage believers to live in a way that honors God and reflects the transformative power of the gospel.

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TITUS

CHAPTERS

123
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