After Titus cleans house in Crete (Titus 1), Paul turns to building the house—shaping believers whose lives match sound doctrine. Pastor Terry unpacks Titus 2:1–10, where Paul addresses five groups—aged men, aged women, young women, young men, and servants (employees)—and shows how doctrine must form character at church, at home, and at work. Start with the Bible; let behavior follow; and in everything, “adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.”
Introduction & Context (Titus 1 → 2)
We continue Leading Like Jesus in Titus. Paul has told Titus to set in order the things that are wanting and to confront error (ch. 1). Now, with the “bad seed” addressed, the focus shifts to discipling believers—forming Christlike character that matches sound doctrine (2:1, 10).
1) Lifestyle of the Minister (v. 1)
“But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine.” Teaching must fit the faith. When doctrine is right, behavior follows: speech, duties, and day-to-day conduct align with Scripture. Our goal is not merely to win arguments but to form lives.
2) Lifestyle of the Mature
Aged Men (v. 2)
- Sober—serious-minded; not flippant about spiritual things.
- Grave—dignified, steady; weight in words and actions.
- Temperate—self-disciplined; not ruled by impulse.
- Sound in faith, charity, patience—healthy trust in God, active love, endurance in trials. Age alone isn’t spiritual maturity; a consistent walk with God is.
Aged Women (v. 3)
- Behavior as becometh holiness—reverent conduct that honors the Lord and sets the tone in home and church.
- Not false accusers—avoid slander; use words to heal, not harm.
- Not given to much wine—refuse competing influences; be filled with the Spirit (cf. Eph. 5:18).
- Teachers of good things—model and mentor what is good; younger women (and men) are watching.
3) Lifestyle of the “Minors” (the younger)
Young Women (vv. 4–5)
- Sober—steady, emotionally composed.
- Love their husbands; love their children—biblical love is more than a word; it’s learned and lived.
- Discreet, chaste—sound judgment and purity.
- Keepers at home, good—skillful stewardship of the home; kindness in action.
- Obedient to their own husbands—willing cooperation that strengthens the family unit—“that the word of God be not blasphemed.”
(Mothers and mature sisters in Christ lead by example—showing the next generation how to love, serve, and walk in holiness.)
Young Men (vv. 6–8)
- Sober-minded—clear-headed focus.
- Pattern of good works—become a living template others can copy.
- In doctrine: uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity—integrity (what you see is what you get), weightiness about truth, genuineness.
- Sound speech that cannot be condemned—so opponents are ashamed, having nothing evil to say.
(Older men must hand the baton to faithful young men—unchanged truth passed to the next generation.)
4) Lifestyle of Menial Laborers / Employees (vv. 9–10)
- Obedient—learn to take direction.
- Please well in all things—give 100% effort; be the best employee on the floor.
- Not answering again—no needless arguing or “always having the last word.”
- Not purloining—no pilfering or keeping back what isn’t yours (from nicking minutes to embezzling money).
- Showing all good fidelity—trustworthy through and through.
Purpose: “That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” Let daily work wear the gospel beautifully.
Christian life isn’t formed by emotion-led reactions, but by principles set from Scripture. Establish biblical convictions now; then when decisions come, the decision is already made. That’s how a church family—aged and young, at home and at work—leads like Jesus.
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