Teach Sound Doctrine

Titus 2:1. But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

Paul is not speaking of theological concepts here as much as practical living. Our lifestyles and behavior patterns reveal much about our theology-our beliefs about God. Just as our beliefs as Christians set us apart from the philosophies of the world, so our behavior should distinguish us from the ways of the world.

Paul told Titus, "Teach what is in accord with sound doctrine."(NIV). In other words "Teach people how to live according to God's truths."

Teach Everyone

Titus 2:2. That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

3. The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour 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.

6. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

Paul divides the body of the church into five categories: (1) aged men, (2) aged women, (3) young women, (4) young men and (5) servants (vv 9,10).

Aged men are to be exhorted to live lives in keeping with their age- temperate, serious, sensible, sound in faith, in love and steadfastness (v2). Because of their longer experience in life, older men should be able to assist others with their wisdom and sensible attitudes. They should set a pattern for moderation in appetites and level-headed behavior and attitudes. Nothing is more foolish than a foolish old man.

As with the aged men, the aged women should show the fruits of maturity and experience (v3). Their lives should be noted and for their holy living, charitable conversation, and faithful instruction. They should not be addicted to appetites of the flesh, or given to wine, nor should they be mischievous in their conversations about others.

Pious older women should give instruction to younger women. By example and admonition, they should teach younger women the standards of good conduct. (v4).

Paul understood that "There is neither male nor female" (Galatians 3: 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.), so he not suggesting that women have a secondary role to men. They were not regarded by the apostle as being inferior, and Christianity had elevated women to a role of equality, but there was a recognition of their particular function in society. Paul recognized that the Christian liberation of women would fall into disrepute if women pressed their liberation too far. That is what he meant by warning that the Word of God might be blasphemed by nonbelievers who saw unholy living among Christian women.

In discussing young men, Paul for the third time mentioned the word sober (vv 2,4,6). Yet Paul used a sharper tone in verse 6, with the word exhort. This is more than advice or counsel to young men to manifest self control. Young men are often inclined to be impulsive and impetuous, but such behavior is inappropriate in the Christian young man.

Set An Example

Titus 2

7. 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.

Titus himself was a young man, so the admonition went to him as well as to the other young men. If he was to teach others, then he must be an example for his age group. The younger pastor should show himself to be sound in doctrine and to show proper speech and behavior that no one could find fault with him.

As a young man, Titus should be particularly careful in his behavior and speech lest he be regarded as insecure and immature. If his personal behavior should belie his words, then his preaching would be useless. It is impossible for anyone to preach higher than he or she lives.

Exhort Laborers

Titus 2

9. 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 Saviour in all things.

In the days of the New Testament, servants were often akin to slaves. As the book of Philemon shows. Paul had personal disagreement with the institution of slavery, but he did not crusade on social issues. His admonition was for servants to be submissive to their masters so their Christian testimony might be made evident. The exercise of faithfulness is like an adornment of the gospel, for it shows the power of love and truth over all difficult circumstances.

The same principles are important today. Employees should give good service for their wages and show personal responsibility in the discharge of duty. Just as servants were not to talk back to their masters or steal from them or dishonor them, so that they might win them to Christ, so today believers must demonstrate Christian principles in all human relationships.