Titus 2 Studies

For those who may wish to ‘study’ this chapter, the following simple resources are provided for you. Each chapter is divided into a number of studies and each study or passage has a simple four-Part, verse-by-verse approach, to help you take in and think further about what you have read.

Passage: Titus 2:1-8

1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

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

6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 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.

A. Find Out:

1. What does Paul now tell Titus to do? v.1
2. What is he to teach the older men? v.2
3. What is he to teach the older women? v.3
4. What can they then do? v.4,5
5. What is he to do with the younger men? v.6
6. What is he to do for all? v.7a
7. How is he to shame those who oppose him? v.7b,8

B. Think:

1. How do these verses progress from what’s gone before?
2. How is Titus to teach different groups?
3. What group is he not to teach? Why do you think that is?

C. Comment:

     Paul had started by instructing Titus to appoint elders, then he showed the need – the careless living and untruthful teaching that was prevailing there. Now he instructs him on the need for Titus to establish the teaching himself. Do it in accordance with agreed doctrine is what he says. The apostles had agreed it,  now follow it.

     He starts with the older men. Being older they have come to a point in life where they ought to receive respect. Teach them to earn that respect by controlled lives that exhibit Christian maturity, strong in faith (their God-relationship), love (their human relationships), and endurance (their ability to keep going in the face of opposition).

     Then older women. Their temptation is to sit around gossiping and drinking. Teach the opposite, then they can teach the younger women (not you, Titus, avoid temptations!)  to be good wives and mothers.

     The need of the younger men is to be self-controlled (overcoming youthful male passions). In all he does, be an example (deeds as well as words, teachers) and have integrity – honesty in all you say and do – and ensure you give no grounds for criticism. In that way you will shame (silence – 1:11) those who oppose you. These are Paul’s directions for teaching for Titus to convey to the people here on Crete in the church.

D. Application:

1. Each age group has particular difficulties. What are mine?
2. How do I maintain personal spiritual growth?

Passage: Titus 2:9-15

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

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 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, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, 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.

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

A. Find Out:

1. What were they to teach slaves to do? v.9,10a
2. Why? v.10b
3. What principle does Paul then state? v.11
4. What negatives & positives does salvation bring? v.12
5. How long are we to do that? v.13
6. What were Jesus’ objectives? v.14
7. What things did Paul tell Titus to do? v.15

B. Think:

1. Why do you think Paul includes verse 11?
2. How would you summarise Paul’s teaching to slaves?
3. Why do you think Paul mentions Jesus’ second coming?

C. Comment:

     Having just spoken about the various categories of people to be taught, Paul now mentions a very special group – slaves. In those days it was a common thing for wealthier families to own slaves. It wasn’t the time yet for the emancipation of slaves – that would come via Christians later in history when the time was right – so neither Jesus nor Paul speaks about it. Paul recognises this as a common feature of life then and knowing that some people saw slaves as lesser beings, he makes the point that they are included in salvation (possibly radical teaching for some – even as it was later in history!) Slaves, he says, you should live exemplary lives so that when others consider you and see you are a Christian, it will make them more open to the Gospel.

     In the verses that follow, Paul again states some of the basics of the Christian life. There are a number of negatives we are to avoid: ungodliness, world passions (v.12), & wickedness (v.14).

    The positives that we are to aim for are self control, upright and godly lives (v.12), eager to do what is good (v.14).   

    Jesus gave himself on the Cross to open up this salvation to us. Now it is for us to live it. This salvation is for anyone whatever their station in life.   Everyone of us can receive it, live it, and reveal it to others.

      Very well Titus, says Paul, be clear in your mind. These are the things you need to ne teaching the people there in Crete. Encourage God’s people and rebuke the rebellious ones and don’t let anyone put you down. Be confident in who you are. In these instructions, Paul directs any and every spiritual leader: impart truth, encourage the saints and challenge the interlopers, and rest in who you are!

D. Application:

1. Whatever my station in life, is my life glorifying God?
2. Am I seeking godliness and goodness at all times?