Day 64
Titus 2:1-15 NIV
1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self‑controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.4 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self‑controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self‑controlled.7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us. 9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive. 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self‑controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,13 while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Set them an Example -
This chapter is interesting because Titus is instructed to teach those older and younger than him and then to show them all an example. Paul says "show them an example by doing what is good" show the older men, younger men, older women and the younger women. Paul goes on and says teach the slaves to honor their masters and not to talk back, not to steal from them, and to let them know you can be completely trusted. So not only is Titus being exhorted to be an example he is to teach others regardless of their age or social status to also set an example for others. Paul says to say "No" to ungodliness and things of the world, to live a self-controlled life, and to be godly in every manner of living. Just as Paul taught Timothy to be an example he is saying the same to Titus. Paul didn't care about age or status he was certain that all believers could live a life of example before others. When he speaks here about slaves setting examples for their masters we realize just how serious the Apostle is about the subject. I would guess if he were writing to you and I today he would say very similar words. He might ask are you living a life that sets an example, a standard for others? A life that glorifies God? Are you temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, sound in your faith, walking in love? Are you pure, kind, and an example in integrity? Paul's standard for believers was great because he understood that Christ had already made it possible for us to live a life of self-control, a life submitted to God. Perhaps we should take some time to ponder our own lives. Am I living a life of example? This very direct speech cuts to the point and challenges us in our manner of living.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
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