Bible Version: New International Version (NIV)
Application Notes: Life Application Study Bible (NIV)
TITUS 2
Doing Good for the Sake of the Gospel
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.
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 Savior 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 Savior, 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.
Application Notes
2:1 Notice the emphasis on "sound doctrine," which refers to the content of our faith, in Paul's instructions to Titus. How can you recognise wholesome, sound teaching? It combines correct knowledge and understanding with consistent practice. It must be found in the Bible, keep Jesus Christ central, result in consistently godly behaviour and actions, and promote spiritual health in ourselves and others.
Believers must be grounded in the truths of the Bible so they won't be swayed by the powerful oratory of false teachers. the possible devastation of tragic circumstances. or the pull of emotions. Those responsible for preaching and teaching must challenge people to understand sound doctrine. Read the Bible, study theology, apply biblical principles. and live what you learn.
2:2-8 Having people of all ages in a church makes it strong, but it also brings potential for problems. Paul gives counsel on how to help various groups of people. Older people should teach those who are younger by words and by example. This is how values are passed on from generation to generation. How can your church carry out this multigenerational vision?
2:2 Paul encourages older men to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, wise, biblically grounded, loving, and patient. These qualities can be difficult for anyone to foster. especially as we age. Consider the lives and legacies of the kings of Israel and Judah (see 1-2 Kings). Some lived wisely for most of their lives, but then in the end acted in ways or made decisions that displeased the lord. Older men should strive for the legacy left by King Josiah, who "turned to the LORD ... with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength" (2 Kings 23:25). If you consider yourself to be an older man, what can you do to be more patient biblically grounded, and worthy of respect?
2:3-5 Women who were new Christians were supposed to learn how to have harmony in their homes by watching older women who had been Christians for some time. Young wives and mothers need role models--faithful women of God who will help them know how to love their husbands and children, to be virtuous, and to work well. Loving our husbands and children, not tearing down or belittling them, can be difficult at times. So, how do you love your husband and children well? If this question seems overwhelming, ask an older woman in your church if she can help you in this area. If you are of an age or in a position where people look up to you, make sure that your example is motivating younger believers to live in a way that honours God.
2:6 This advice given to young men was very important. In ancient Greek society, the role of the husband and father was not viewed as a nurturing role but merely as a functional one. Many young men today have been raised in families where fathers have neglected their responsibilities to their wives and children in various ways. Husbands and fathers who are good examples of Christian living are important role models for young men who need to see how to be nurturing husbands and fathers.
2:7-8 Paul urges Titus to be a good example to those around him so that others might see his good deeds and imitate him. Titus's life would give his words greater impact. If you want someone to act a certain way, be sure that you live that way yourself. Then you will earn the right to be heard, and your life will reinforce what you teach.
2:8 Paul counselled Titus to teach the truth and thus avoid criticism for what he was teaching. This quality of integrity comes from careful Bible study and listening before speaking. This is especially important when teaching or confronting others about spiritual or moral issues. If we are impulsive. unreasonable, or confusing, we are likely to start arguments rather than convince people of the truth.
2:9-10 Slavery was common in Paul's day. Paul did not condemn slavery in any of his letters, but he advised slaves and masters to be loving and responsible in their conduct (also see Ephesians 6:5-9 and the notes on 1 Timothy 6:1-2). The standards set by Paul can help any employee-employer relationship. Employees should always do their best work and be trustworthy, not just when the employer is watching. Employers should treat their employees with respect, understanding, and dignity. If all Christian employees would follow Paul's advice at work, what a difference it would make!
2:12-13 Paul brings out two aspects of Christian living that must be stressed today: "Live ... while we wait for the blessed hope." Both aspects--living and waiting--are essential to our Christian sanity in this present evil age. Life is made bearable and meaningful because we live for God, seeking to build his kingdom with the gifts he has given us. And it is that very kingdom--heaven, eternity with all believers under Christ's rule--to which we are looking forward. As we live and look forward, we anticipate three great benefits of Christ's return: (1) Christ's personal presence-we look forward to being with him. (2) Redemption from our sinful nature-we long for the end of our battle with sin and subsequent perfection in Christ. (3) Restoration of creation--we anticipate the complete rule of grace when the image of God will be fully realised in people and when the created order will be restored.
2:14 Christ's redeeming us from sin opens the way for him to purify us. Redeem here means to purchase our release from the captivity of sin with his death on the cross for us. We are not only free from the sentence of death for our sin but also purified from sin's influence and control as we grow in Christ (see 3:4-7). He gives us the power and understanding to live according to God's will and to live with an eternal perspective that motivates us to do good for others.
2:15 Paul tells Titus to teach the Scriptures as well as to live them. We must also teach, encourage, and correct (rebuke) others when necessary. We can easily be intimidated if called upon to confront others who are older, more influential in the community, or wealthier than we are. However, like Titus, we should not let ourselves be threatened when we are trying to minister to others or provide leadership in the church. We have authority because it has been given to us as servants of God.
Taken from Life Application Study Bible - Third Edition - (NIV)