Teachings To Titus

I can only imagine what it must have been like to witness the apostles preach and perform miracles.  They would diligently reveal to others the knowledge that the Holy Spirit revealed unto them (John 14:26; 16:13).  On occasion, some of the apostles would write letters to congregations and individuals.  In these epistles, the recipients were given inspired instructions on how to live faithfully in the sight of God.  One such letter is the one that we call Titus.  In this particular letter, Paul not only instructed Titus personally, but also guided Titus on how to teach to others.  For the purpose of this article, we will focus our attention mainly on parts of the second chapter.

The chapter opens with Paul insisting that Titus “…speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).  For those unsure what “sound doctrine” is, “sound doctrine” is healthy, or wholesome, teaching.  Not all teaching is “sound doctrine”.  “Unsound doctrine” had already spread like wildfire in the first century, and it continues to spread in the twenty-first century.  In another letter, Paul warned Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:2-4).  Also, Paul told those in Galatia, “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:  Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ” (Gal. 1:6-7).  Today, we should still be striving to speak “sound doctrine”.

In the process of speaking “sound doctrine,” Titus was to make sure that both old and young were adequately informed on how to please God.  Starting with those who are older, Titus was to teach “That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience” (Titus 2:2).  With age should come experience and wisdom.  Older men should be clearheaded and serious.  Likewise, they should practice self control while being faithful, loving, and steadfast.

Older women also have instructions that God wants followed.  Titus was to teach them to “…be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things” (Titus 2:3).  Older women should be living pure lives.  They should not be known for falsehoods or drunkenness.  Instead, they should be ones that teach others godly things.  In particular, the older women have a great responsibility when it comes to teaching the younger women.  In this segment of Scriptures, Paul mentioned that the older ladies should “…teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:4-5).  Sometimes in youth, we do not make the best decisions for ourselves and others.  Often, youth left to themselves develop detrimental attitudes and sinful practices.  Older women can help young women be clearheaded about things that matter.  It might seem strange, but it is needed that young women learn to love their husbands and children.  It is sad to find a family where love is not shown as God intends.  Young women also need to learn the importance of being obedient to their husbands.  Although society has tried to rewrite the roles of men and women, God’s ways are still superior and binding (Eph. 5:22-33).  Instead of seeking attention, young women should strive to present themselves modestly (1 Tim. 2:9-15).  Many younger women have never been taught this important fact.  Think of the good that can come from older women doing this work.  Instead of rejecting this teaching when men proclaim it, older women can largely influence the younger if handled properly.  Young women should also be instructed to guard their homes and be “good” (cf. Prov. 31:10-31).  Their homes should be a place of love and security where trust is nurtured and upheld.  She should not be known for wicked things, but rather she is known for righteous living.

Titus was also to instruct things to young men.  The young men are “…to be sober minded” and full of “good works”.  They are to be faithful preachers and teachers of God’s Word.  These young men should learn to be grounded and sincere.  Their speech is to be so pure that detractors cannot find a legitimate wicked thing to say about them.

Can you imagine how things would be if different age groups lived as God prescribes.  Our society would be far stronger.  Sadly, some generations fail to impart this inspired instruction, and as such, things get worse.  Let us strive to live and teach as God desires.
~ Corey Barnette