Titus Chapter 2 - It Takes a Village

INTRODUCTION :

Last week we asked some questions as a framework for the three weeks we are going to be spending in the book of Titus. Questions such as…How do we “operate” a maturing church with transparency, accountability and biblical foundation?  How do we run a Men’s and Women's ministry?  Who decides where the financial giving that comes in, goes?  How do we continually honor God in all that we say and do? How do we impact the broader community with our existence here on Sundays?

The letter was written to guide Titus in his leadership of the churches in Crete. Paul directed Titus to establish a group of faithful elders to oversee the doctrinal purity and good conduct of the believers in Crete. As we learned in the first chapter of the letter, these leaders are called to a very high standard and must be willing to follow the example of Jesus, to equip and to protect the flock. One of our main takeaways was that strong leadership starts with people who have strong faith and belief in Jesus and first demonstrate that leadership in their own homes and families before taking on the responsibility of leading others. 

So let's take a look at Chapter 2- READ Chapter 2

It Takes a VILLAGE

Sound Doctrine and Christian Conduct (Verses 1-10): Paul urges Titus to teach sound doctrine that corresponds with good works. And provides specific instructions for Titus of what the content of these teachings are to be and to who they are for. 

• He addresses 5 different groups in these verses: 

• Older men

• Older women

• Younger women

• Younger men

• Bondservants (a bondservant was often a servant for life and sometimes in this role voluntarily. This person was part of the family.)

• This is not all on the shoulders of Titus. There is a multiplication effect that is to take place. It starts with Titus instructing the men and women and bondservants in sound doctrine such as self control, humility, steadfastness and love to name a few. 

• Then the older men and women are to instruct and train the younger men and women and build into them the same character.

• Paul gives Titus three reasons why this effort is so important.

• So that any opponent may be put to shame having nothing bad they can say

• So that the Word of God will not be misunderstood

• So that the God’s Word may be attractive/beautiful

The Power of Christ’s Redemption (Verses 11-14): I like this part!  Paul speaks about the grace of God that brings salvation for all people, urging believers to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions. He speaks of Christ’s sacrifice, stating that He gave Himself to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession.  What a transition from talking about “get stuff in order” to grace and redemption!

The Anticipation of Christ’s Return (Verse 15): In the final verse, Paul encourages Titus to declare these truths with all authority, instructing and rebuking with all command, and to let no one disregard him.

CONCLUSION:

Titus 2 gives instructions on how we are to live a sound and respectful Christian life and be an example to others while awaiting the return of Jesus.  The grace of God is what inspires us/Christians toward this right behavior and right thinking. God's grace is the foundation on which traits such as: self-control, respect, and godliness are built. Through this, our Savior gets the glory because the only way we can live these kinds of lives with a purity of heart is through Jesus, who redeems us. He is the model for how to live Godly lives in an ungodly world. But we don’t do this alone, we do it in community with other believers. God has granted us this blessing right here right now. It takes all of us, It Takes A Village!

Thoughts/Questions To Consider:

Paul ends this section with strong instruction to Titus to … Declare, Exhort, Rebuke. What do each of these words mean?

Look at the description of character that applies to you. Does your life reflect these qualities in a growing capacity? 

Spend some time with God on this, asking for His help and His wisdom to live according to His Word.

Thoughts/Questions To Consider:

Paul ends this section with strong instruction to Titus to … Declare, Exhort, Rebuke. What do each of these words mean?

Look at the description of character that applies to you. Does your life reflect these qualities in a growing capacity? 

Spend some time with God on this, asking for His help and His wisdom to live according to His Word.