Titus 2

Titus 2 gives practical instruction on how different groups in the church should live. Paul speaks to older men, older women, young women, young men, and bondservants, showing that sound doctrine must be seen in godly behavior and good works. The chapter also shows that God’s grace not only saves believers, but also trains them to reject ungodliness and live righteous, self-controlled, and godly lives while waiting for Christ’s return.

Titus 2:1-10 (NKJV)
1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:
2 that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience;
3 the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—
4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.
6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,
7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,
8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,
10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

Paul starts by addressing older men, urging them to be sober, reverent, and temperate, qualities that reflect their maturity in faith. He similarly instructs older women to be role models in behavior and to teach younger women virtues like love for family and chastity. Young men are encouraged to demonstrate self-control and integrity. Slaves (bondservants) are advised to be obedient and trustworthy. These instructions aim to ensure that every group within the church lives in a way that honors the gospel and does not give critics any grounds for reproach.

Titus 2:11-15 (NKJV)
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,
13 looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.
15 Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.

Paul explains that God’s grace does more than bring salvation; it also teaches believers how to live. Grace trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. Believers are also to look forward to the blessed hope, the glorious appearing connected with our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. This points to the full display of divine glory at Christ’s return, as Jesus said He would come in His own glory, in His Father’s glory, and with the holy angels. Christ gave Himself to redeem us from lawlessness and to purify a special people for Himself who are eager to do good works. Paul tells Titus to teach these truths with authority, showing that believers should not only hope for Christ’s return, but also live transformed lives through the grace that saves and sanctifies.