Titus 2: Ministering to the flock

[Chapter Synopsis: Recognize the needs of the various groups within the congregations and teach them accordingly, particularly emphasizing the new lives we are now to live]

• v.1-11 Titus’ Role in Teaching different groups
• v.12-15 The Purpose of the Outworking of the Gospel to be taught

v.1-11 Titus’ Role in Teaching different groups

[Passage Synopsis: When it comes to teaching, recognize different groups have different needs so apply the teaching accordingly]

v.1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine.

(i) Older men

v.2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

(ii) Older women

v.3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.

(iii) Younger women

v.4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children,

v.5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

(iv) Young men

v.6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

v.7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness

v.8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

(v) Slaves

v.9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,

v.10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

v.11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.

[Note: In contrast, Titus is to teach sound doctrine, reaching out to the older men in the churches and to the older women who will then teach the younger women. Encourage the young men believers and in everything be a good example, especially in your teaching. Don’t forget those who a slaves who are believers, for God’s grace is available for all.]

v.12-15 The Purpose of the Outworking of the Gospel to be taught

[Passage Synopsis: the basis of all Titus’ teaching is the recognition that the grace and Spirit of God is working to create holy and righteous lives, from now until Christ comes again]

v.12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,

v.13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,

v.14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

v.15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

[Note: God’s grace rejects ungodliness & self-centred passions, and seeks to develop Christlike characteristics, until he comes again; this is to be the basis of your teaching.]

For those who may wish to make a study of this chapter, to perhaps think some more about what you have been reading, use the link below: