In The Word
Read Titus 2
Duties of the Older and Younger
2 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.
3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
6 Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
9 Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
Paul instructed Titus how to teach various age groups and genders “the things which are fitting for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). Soundness in faith is to be accompanied by a lifestyle that matches it, and God’s Word spells out in detail what that means no matter your role and status in life. You can find Paul’s similar life instructions in Colossians 3:18-4:1 and Ephesians 5:22-6:9.
Paul wrote Titus, “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us” (Titus 2:7-8). Your godly behavior is to be both in private when only your loved ones are present and in public where everyone is watching, including those that may disagree with your stand for Jesus. As Christians, we should be the best spouses, parents, friends, neighbors, employees, employers, business owners, etc. And our behavior should be based solely on God’s Word, not anyone else’s actions. Jesus did not stray from godly behavior or His mission even when others behaved badly toward Him.
We are to “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect … instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age” (Titus 2:10, 12). As you read today’s scripture passage, take a moment to consider your role in life to see if your behavior matches God’s Word.