 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Meditation The grace of God compels Christians to study the Word and doctrine of God to grow in good works and glorify Him. Born again by grace alone, Christians respond to our Father’s love through studying what He has revealed about Himself. As His dearly loved children, we will begin to walk in love and reveal His word with our lips and lives. God’s sovereign grace is the soil for sound doctrine. The grace of God “appeared” in Christ (11), training Christians to await Christ’s second “appearance” with lives of integrity (12-13), redeemed people reflecting good works for the glory of God (14). Grace makes us new so we can grow more like Christ through and through! Sound doctrine, teaching under the authority of God’s Word, fuels the faithful towards a life of integrity (1). Distinct from false teachers (1:15-16), Titus’ teaching is instruction for saints saved by grace including practical instruction for older men and women, younger men and women, and everyone in the Christian household “so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior” (2-10). The sovereign grace of God leads to sound doctrine lived in all of life. Sound doctrine growing from the soil of God’s sovereign grace is Titus’ foundation to put the Crete Church in “order.” This reality is part of Paul’s plea to Timothy too (2 Timothy 1:13). Our faith is fueled by grace and roots sound doctrine in our hearts and lives, for the Church and through good works for God’s glory in the world! Richly Dwelling -Are you excited to study sound doctrine? Why or why not? -How do you see grace awakening us “so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior”? What difference does this make for your heart and life? -How can you grow in knowing and showing God’s sound doctrine, responding to His grace through sharing sound doctrine with your lips and life? Be specific. Key Verses 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, Comments are closed.
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