Titus 2

2:1Notice the emphasis on “wholesome teaching” in Paul’s instructions to Titus. This is the content of our faith. But how can you recognize wholesome teaching? When a teaching is sound, it combines correct knowledge and understanding with consistent practice. It must be found in the Bible, keep Jesus Christ central, result in consistently good behavior and actions, and promote spiritual health in ourselves and others. Believers must be grounded in the truths of the Bible so they won't be swayed by the powerful oratory of false teachers, the possible devastation of tragic circumstances, or the pull of emotions. Those responsible for preaching and teaching must challenge people to understand sound doctrine. Learn the Bible, study theology, apply biblical principles, and five what you learn.

2:2,5Self-control is an important aspect of living the Christian life. The Christian community, then and now, is made up of people from differing backgrounds and viewpoints, making conflict inevitable. We live in a pagan and often hostile world. To stay above reproach, believers need wisdom and discernment to be discreet and to master their wills, tongues, and passions so that Christ is not dishonored. How is your self-control?

2:2-8Having people of all ages in the church makes it strong, but it also brings potential for problems. Paul gave Titus counsel on how to help various groups of people. The older people should teach the younger by words and by example. This is how values are passed on from generation to generation. Does your church carry out this basic function?

2:3-5Women who were new Christians were to learn how to have harmony in the homes by watching older women who had been Christians for some time. We have the same need today. Young wives and mothers should learn to live in a Christian manner— loving their husbands and caring for their children—through observing exemplary women of God. If you are of an age or in a position where people look up to you, make sure that your example is motivating younger believers to live in a way that honors God.

2:6This advice given to young men was very important. In “ancient Greek society, the role of the husband/father was not ‘viewed as a nurturing role but merely as a functional one. Many young men today have been raised in families where fathers have ‘Meglected their responsibilities to their wives and children. Hus- "bands and fathers who are good examples of Christian living are ‘Important role models for young men who need to see how it is idone.

2:9,10Slavery was common in Paul’s day. Paul did not condemn Slavery in any of his letters, but he advised slaves and masters to “be loving and responsible in their conduct (see also Ephesians 6:5-9), The standards set by Paul can help any employee/employer relationship. Employees should always do their best work and be trustworthy, not just when the employer is watching. Businesses lose millions of dollars a year to employee theft and time-wasting. If all Christian employees would follow Paul's advice at work, what a transformation it would make!

2:12,13Paul brings out two aspects of Christian living that must be stressed today. “We should live in this evil world... while we look forward with hope.” Both aspects of /iving and looking forward are essential to our Christian sanity in this present evil age. The living is made bearable because we five for God—seeking to build his Kingdom with whatever gifts he has given us. And it is that very Kingdom to which we are looking forward. As we live and look forward, we anticipate three great benefits of Christ’s return: (1) Christ's personal presence—we look forward to being with him. (2) Redemption from our sinful nature—we long for the end of the battle with sin and our perfection in Christ. (3) Restoration of creation —we anticipate the complete rule of grace when the image of God will be fully realized in people and when the created order will be restored.

2:14Christ's freeing us from sin opens the way for him to “cleanse” us. He freed us from sin (redeemed us) by purchasing our release from the captivity of sin with a ransom (see Mark 10:45 for more on Christ as our ransom). We are not only free from the sentence of death for our sin, but we are also purified from sin’s influence as we grow in Christ.

2:15Paul tells Titus to teach the Scriptures as well as to live them. We must also teach, encourage, and correct others, when necessary. We can easily feel afraid when others are older, more influential in the community, or wealthier. Like Titus, we should not let ourselves be threatened when we are trying to minister to others or provide leadership in the church.