Titus 2-3

Titus 2
1-15 Teach Sound Doctrine

• "As for you, teach what is consistent with sound doctrine." Interesting way to say this: Paul doesn't limit Titus to just rehearsing what has already been taught ("teach sound doctrine"). But what comes out of his mouth – no matter what the topic – needs to be consistent with what has come before.
• Instruct the older men - to be temperate, serious, prudent, sound in faith, love, and endurance. "Love" and "endurance" stand out to me here. You might expect them to be wise, but they must also be loving, and being older is no reason to quit.
• Instruct the older women - to be reverent, not slanderers or drinkers; to teach and encourage young women to be good wives, mothers, and keepers of the home. Again, being older gives them the responsibility to share the things they have learned - they have responsibilities unique to their position as older women.
• Urge the younger men - to use self control, to be a model of good work, integrity, sound speech - to prevent opponents of the faith from having any accusations against us. People are watching; how young men act is a reflection on the whole body.
• Tell slaves - submit to masters, don't pilfer, be true - in order to be an "ornament" to God's doctrine. Of course, we would find it curious that Paul doesn't condemn slavery here. A reminder to all of us that no matter what our circumstances, we remain conscious of our examples as Christians. I like this word "ornament" in the New Revised Version. It gives such a clear image. Other translations (ASV, NASV, KJV, NKJV) say "adorn the doctrine."
• Why act this way? Because the "grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to us all."
• It "trains" us to live godly, upright lives...
• ...while we wait for Christ to come again -- he who saved us from impure lives, purifying us "for himself." Christians lead godly lives – not only because it's a good example to others, but because it's who they are; they've been cleansed.

Titus 3
1-11 Maintain Good Deeds

• Remind all - to be good citizens, courteous
• For we were all once foolish, disobedient, slaves to pleasure. Interesting that Paul would place himself in this category; I can't imagine him ever being a "slave to pleasures."
• BUT - God our Savior - through his mercy alone - saved us through water and renewal by the Holy Spirit. It had nothing to do with our righteousness.
• Avoid stupid controversies; have nothing to do with those who are divisive. Similar to instructions he gave to Timothy – just as relevant today as then, especially to a young preacher who might be swayed by – or at the very least accommodate – older Christians who see Christianity as something to be argued endlessly.

12-15 Final Messages and Benediction

• Paul invites Titus to come to Nicopolis, where he expects to spend the winter.
• "Let people devote themselves to good works...." A last instruction to Titus as a preacher.
• All who are with Paul send greetings to Titus and to those who love him in the faith.