Learning About and Living Out These “Things”

I find Titus 2 to be a fascinating, challenging, and inspiring chapter in the Bible. Maybe it’s because I’m a “things-to-do list” kind of gurl. I like things spelled out so I know what to do next and when to get it done. I also love checking the task off when it’s complete. Sure, I fail and falter, believe me, but I truly yearn to live the best life I can even amidst difficulties. Chapters like Titus 2 help me get back on track, by reminding me of the things I’m supposed to do and the purpose for doing it. It shares God’s crystal-clear instructions regarding our behaviors and responsibilities as Christians. As we take a closer look at this chapter, let’s open our hearts to learning about the “things” being taught so we can better determine if what we’re living out lines up with God’s things-to-do list.

Learning About These “Things”

In verse one of Titus 2, we find Paul teaching Titus to, “speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:” Have you ever wondered what that meant? Well, I found that the Strong’s Concordance defines the words, “sound doctrine” in this way:

Sound: (Greek #5198)“to have sound health, that is, be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine):–be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole (-some)”

Doctrine: (Greek #1319) “instruction (the function or the information): doctrine, learning teaching.”

Paul was instructing Titus to speak specific things that were becoming of an instructor who is healthy, well, uncorrupt, true in doctrine, whole, and wholesome; so he could teach the aged men and women about their Godly roles and responsibilities. Titus was tasked with instructing the aged men to be:

• Sober
• Grave
• Temperate
• Sound in faith, charity and patience

He also taught the aged women to do likewise. In addition, the women were to be:

• In behaviour as becometh Holiness
• Not false accusers
• Not given to much wine
• Teachers of good things

Titus’ job didn’t stop with teaching them how they were to live. He was to assign them the responsibilities of teaching the younger men and women following after them. This instruction was to be perpetual. Just as others have learned and passed it down, we are instructed to continue on the same path.

Living Out These “Things”

Learning is one thing. Living it out is another. God’s instructions can be hard to swallow and follow at times, especially when our culture promotes behaviors contrary to His Word. Holy living becomes an even greater struggle when our desires to measure up to others’ standards and fit in with friends, co-workers, and neighbors conflicts with our desire to follow Christ. Our wills override our obedience when we want to live our way without accountability or responsibility.

Graciously, God gives us a choice to follow His will or not. But, as believers, obedience should be our greatest desire. While God’s things-to-do list may seem difficult, it is doable. With His Son, Spirit and Word to guide us, we can learn to live out these things.

 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
II Timothy 3:16

Bring It Home

Praying for you as we grow together,

Smiles, BRC