READ: Titus 2
In this chapter we see more about what the character and lifestyle
of believers should be. Each type of person in the congregation has a role to
play, whether man or woman, young or old.
Paul addresses the older men first. Sometimes we think older men
must already know everything. Yet Paul specifically says they must learn to be
respectful, and be full of love and endurance.
Another passage talks about the older woman. There is a direct
instruction for women to teach younger women. This kind of teaching seems to
naturally fit the relational characteristics women tend to have. Being a godly
wife or woman doesn’t come naturally like many would like to believe. So it
bears witness that women need to have older women guide them, teach them, and
be good examples of what it is to be a godly wife.
An interesting thing about the charge to encourage younger men is
that it must be done by example. This means older men must be living in
accordance with this kind of characteristic and strength so they can then teach
the young men by example. We can almost hear Paul yell out, “Show them, men! Show them how it’s done!”
This chapter leaves no doubt that the teaching of the next
generation must be done deliberately. We cannot say, “do what I say, not what I do”. The passing on of faith and godly
living is done through lifestyle, through side-by-side teaching, and all within
the context of relationship. This fits with the Old Testament teaching of
Deuteronomy 6. If we lived out our faith in such a way that we were constantly
pouring into the next generation with our godly example, sound speech, and sound
doctrine, we might be blessed to see the next generation live in purity, and
with integrity and the ability to endure to the end.
Verses 11 – 14 teach us the definition of grace. Grace teaches us to
say no to ungodliness and to will (or force) our passions to self-controlled,
upright, godly lives. Again, Paul says here the reason for living this godly
life is because we wait for the hope of eternity. He reminds us a godly life is
possible because of Jesus Christ who gave himself up for us, to redeem us from
all wickedness, and to purify us. It’s God's grace that enables us to live in
purity and in holiness. Without Christ we cannot live according to the
standards he has set. The hope and the knowledge of eternity motivates us to live with integrity, to be
self-controlled, to walk in truth, and to live differently than the world
around us. Paul encourages Titus to teach these things. It’s difficult for any
leader to reject and rebuke those who are teaching false doctrine. Yet Paul
outlines for Titus why this is so critical: all of eternity hangs in the
balance.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Have you ever had a mentor or someone who was
deliberately discipling you? Perhaps a parent, Sunday School teacher, or the
person who led you to Christ? Pray for all those who have played a part in your
spiritual growth and maturity. Thank God for them and pray they would continue
to stand strong.
2.
Ask the Lord to examine your heart and reveal to
you if you are living the kind of godly example that can and should be followed
by new believers. Ask Him if anything needs to change so you can be effective
at training the next generation. What next steps does He want you to take? Is
there someone specific He wants you to pour time and energy into? Ask Him for
strength and anointing to pass on the faith.
3.
Ask the Lord to reveal to you if you are living by
His grace. Are you walking in purity even though it is hard but because God is
giving you the hope of eternity in your heart? Are you looking forward to and
longing for heaven? Does a longing for heaven make a difference in your daily
living as you struggle against temptation or overcome sin? Ask the Holy Spirit
to speak clearly to you about the joy of heaven and how that truth can guide
you to holy living. Thank Him for the promise of heaven.
