Titus 2 reminds me of the creative ways we express the plural form of “you”. Modern English has no differentiation since “ye” and “thou” fell out of use. In the deep South, depending on the number being addressed, we might say, you, y’all, or all y’all! Today’s lesson speaks to the individuals within each group. Paul begins with the first priority of a pastor, “You… must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine”. There are fundamentals of Christianity that are true for all. Paul will discuss the unique priorities for each group. He begins with, “Teach the older men”. Long life can deeply ingrain patterns of behavior, but you can teach an old dog new tricks. Paul says, teach them to be “temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled”. Together, these words describe a man that pauses to consider the options before reacting. Self-control takes time to develop, particularly for young males. Respect is earned over time. Paul continues the instruction for older men. They are to be “sound in faith”; having an unwavering conviction that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation. Sound “in love”, that is brotherly love and human compassion. And “in endurance”; this describes the confident perseverance of one who has completed the course before.
He continues with instruction for older women. They are “to be reverent”. This compound word literally means sacred-fitting, or fit for service to God. He seems to include a list of attributes; “not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine”. The tools of aggression tend to be different, as women are more likely to wound with words. Too much wine inhibits productive service. “But to teach what is good”. Or, teach things that are beneficial, helpful and true. Paul says that older women have a responsibility to be role models. Specifically, “urge the younger women to love their husbands and children”. Paul understood young women face many competing priorities. Guard the marriage, because after the kids leave that relationship remains. He continues, “to be self-controlled and pure”. For many young women this is about awareness. Everyone else may not have pure motives. He adds, “busy at home”, or tend to your own business first. Next is “be kind”. This is a difficult quality to maintain because the kind can be seen as easy targets. Paul adds, teach them to be “subject to their husbands”. A wise woman will encourage her man to take on the burden of responsibility. A responsible man is an effective and desirable man.
Next, Paul says to “encourage the young men to be self-controlled”. Recklessness wrecks many young men. Testosterone is linked to risk-taking. On the other hand, competent, focused young men often succeed because they are bold. They need mentors to be “an example by doing what is good”. Fatherlessness is the number one predictor of criminal behavior. Young men need men of character to learn how to channel adolescent intensity. This guidance should include, “integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech”. When words and actions align, much can be accomplished. Paul says this is critical so that those who oppose Christianity “have nothing bad to say about us”. Paul includes slaves in his instruction (see 1Timothy 6). Roman slaves came from every nationality. Paul restores their humanity by lifting slaves out of oppression to willingly serve Christ. “Teach slaves to be subject to their masters… fully trusted… so they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive”. Slaves could literally lead masters to Christ through faithful service. He concludes, “For the grace of God… offers salvation to all people”. Salvation is for all y’all. For now, we all “wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of… Jesus Christ”. Titus is given authority to “teach… encourage and rebuke with all authority”. My friend, which one do you need today?