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Titus Chapter Two
(2) Right living in the church
What Must Be Taught to Various Groups
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1) What did Paul tell Titus to teach?
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Notice the emphasis on "sound doctrine" in
Paul's instructions to Titus. This is the content of our faith. Believers
must be grounded in the truths of the Bible-then they won't be swayed by the
powerful oratory of false teachers, the possible devastation of tragic
circumstances, or the pull of emotions. Lear the Bible, study theology, apply
Biblical principles, and do what you learn.
2) What does Paul tell Titus to teach the
older men to be, what did Paul tell Titus to teach the older women to be, what
did Paul say to teach, what did Paul say they can train the younger women to do,
and for what reason did Paul say is for this teaching?
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Having 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?
Self-control was an important aspect in early Christianity. The
Christian community was made up of people from differing backgrounds and
viewpoints, making conflict inevitable. Christians existed in a pagan and often
hostile world. To stay above reproach, men and women needed wisdom and
discernment to be discreet, and to master their wills, tongues, and passions so
that Christ would not be dishonored. How's your self-control?
Women who were new Christians were to learn how to have harmony in the home
by watching older women who had been Christians for some time. We have the same
need today. Younger 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 position where people look up to
you, make sure that your example is motivating younger believers to live in a
way that honors God.
3) What did Paul tell Titus to encourage the
young men to be?
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This 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 neglected their responsibilities
to their wives and children. Husbands are important role models for young men
who need to see how it is done.
4) In everything, how was the church to set an
example for the young men, and for what reason did Paul say that in your
sound teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot
condemned?
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When Paul encouraged Titus, and through Titus
other young men, to be serious, he wanted them to be reverent and purposeful.
Christianity should never be intentionally boring or gloomy. Don't let the
seriousness of the gospel cause you to repel others by your grim disposition.
Paul urged Titus to be a good example to those around him so that others
might see Titus's good deeds and imitate him. Paul's life would give his words
greater impact. If you want someone to act a certain way, be sure that you live that way yourself. Then you
will earn the right to be heard, and your life will reinforce what you teach.
Paul counseled Titus to be above criticism in how he taught. This quality of
integrity comes from careful Bible study and listening before speaking. This is
especially important when teaching or confronting others about spiritual or
moral issues. If we are impulsive, unreasonable, and confusing, we are likely to
start arguments rather than to convince people of the truth.
5) What did Paul tell Titus to teach slaves to
be, and for what reason did Paul say to teach the
slaves to show that they can be fully trusted?
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Slavery 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 to 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!
6) What has appeared to all men, what does God's grace and salvation teach us
to say no to, what kind of life does it tell us to live in
this present age, what are we waiting for, giving himself for
us, what did he redeem us from, and what did he purify himself for?
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The power to live as a Christian comes from
the Holy Spirit. Because Christ died and rescued us from sin, we are free from
sin's control. God gives us the power and understanding to live according to his
will and to do good. Then we will look forward to Christ's wonderful return with
eager expectation and hope.
It is not enough to renounce sin and evil desires; we must also live
actively for God. To fight against lust we must say no to temptation, but we
must also say yes to active service for Christ.
Christ's redeeming us opens the way for him to purify us. Redeem
means to purchase 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.
7) How was Titus to encourage and rebuke, and what did Paul tell Titus not to let anyone
do?
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Paul told Titus to teach the Scriptures as
well as to live them. We must also teach, encourage, and correct others when
necessary. It is easy to 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.
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Answers Titus Chapter Two
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1) what is in accord with sound doctrine
2) temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love
and in endurance...reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or
addicted to much wine...what is good...love their husbands and children, to be
self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to
their husbands...so no one will malign the word of God
3) self-controlled
4) by doing what is good...so that those who oppose you may be ashamed
because they have nothing bad to say about us
5) subject to their masters in everything, to try
to please them, not to talk back to them, and not to steal from them...so that in every way they will make the teaching
about God our Savior attractive
6) the grace of God that brings salvation...ungodliness and worldly passions...self-controlled, upright and godly...the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our
great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...all wickedness...a people that are his very own, eager to do what
is good
7) with all authority...despise you
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Taken from The NIV Life Application Study Bible, Zondervan Publishers
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