The American Standard Version

2:1 But speak thou the things which befit the sound doctrine:

2:2 that aged men be temperate, grave, sober-minded, sound in faith, in love, in patience:

2:3 that aged women likewise be reverent in demeanor, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

2:4 that they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,

2:5 to be sober-minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed:

2:6 the younger men likewise exhort to be sober-minded:

2:7 in all things showing thyself an ensample of good works; in thy doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity,

2:8 sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of us.

2:9 Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying;

2:10 not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.

2:11 For the grace of God hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men,

2:12 instructing us, to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world;

2:13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

2:14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a people for his own possession, zealous of good works.

2:15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Titus 2 is a key pastoral text that outlines practical instructions for living and teaching sound doctrine within the Christian community. Paul directs Titus on how to encourage different groups within the church—older men, older women, young women, young men, and slaves—to live in ways that are in keeping with the teachings of Christ. This chapter emphasizes virtues such as temperance, dignity, self-control, and purity. It is particularly relevant for those involved in self-help and personal development, as it provides clear guidelines on how to embody and teach these virtues across various life stages and social roles. For those looking to improve self-management and leadership skills, Titus 2 offers a blueprint for how to model and mentor others in a way that reflects integrity and sound teaching.

Study Instructions for Each Echelon

• Echelon 4: Emissary - Discipling Others

  • Read: Focus on the entire chapter of Titus 2, paying close attention to the specific instructions given to each demographic group within the church.

  • Examine: Consider the mentorship model that Paul outlines. How do the virtues listed (e.g., self-control, purity, and kindness) apply to your role in guiding others? How can you incorporate these into your mentorship practices?

  • Reflect: Think about how you can effectively teach and exemplify these virtues in your community. Identify opportunities where you can mentor others, perhaps by starting a discussion group or workshop that focuses on these principles.

  • Apply: Develop a plan or curriculum that incorporates these teachings, tailored to different age groups or roles within your community. Consider using personal stories or case studies to illustrate these virtues in action.

• Echelon 5: Master - Modeling Sound Doctrine in Teaching

  • Read: Dive deeply into the text of Titus 2, understanding each directive given by Paul to Titus.

  • Study: Analyze the guidelines for each group, noting how these instructions can enhance your leadership and mentorship approach. Consider the broader implications of these virtues for community leadership.

  • Reflect: Evaluate your current leadership style. How well does it align with the qualities Paul emphasizes? Reflect on how you can better embody these virtues to serve as a more effective model for those you lead.

  • Lead: Create advanced leadership training sessions that focus on the principles outlined in Titus 2. Encourage future leaders to develop specific skills in discipling others, such as teaching sound doctrine, demonstrating integrity in all things, and encouraging good works among all believers.

By engaging with Titus 2, participants in Echelons 4 and 5 are equipped to understand and implement a biblical framework for discipling and leading others. This chapter not only offers a model for personal development but also serves as a guide for how to impact others through ethical leadership and sound teaching, crucial for those in advanced stages of personal and spiritual leadership.

Titus 2 Notes:

Titus 2 is a vital chapter in the pastoral epistles, where Paul communicates the essence of sound doctrine and its practical outworking in the lives of believers. The chapter serves as a guide for how various groups within the Christian community should conduct themselves, reflecting the transformative power of the gospel in daily life.

Paul begins by instructing Titus, a young church leader, to teach what accords with sound doctrine. The teachings are not abstract truths but are directly connected to ethical living and the cultivation of good character. Paul emphasizes the need for older men to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. Similarly, older women are to exhibit a behavior that is reverent and not slanderous, also teaching younger women to love their families and be wise and pure.

The instruction extends to younger men and slaves, encouraging them to demonstrate integrity, seriousness, and sound speech that can resist any opponent. Paul’s emphasis on these virtues reflects his deep concern for the witness of the church in the broader society. By adhering to these principles, the believers in Crete where Titus is ministering would not only grow in personal godliness but also enhance the reputation of the gospel.

Central to Titus 2 is the appearance of the grace of God, which brings salvation to all people. This grace teaches us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. Paul frames these ethical instructions within the context of the Christian hope—the blessed hope of the return of Jesus Christ, who gave himself to redeem us from all lawlessness and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good deeds.

The chapter concludes with Paul urging Titus to declare these teachings with authority, allowing no one to disregard him. The teachings are not merely guidelines but are authoritative commands that reflect the will of God for a holy people.

In summary, Titus 2 underscores the profound impact of sound doctrine on practical living. It highlights the role of grace not only in saving us but also in instructing us to reject sin and live virtuously, awaiting the ultimate fulfillment of our hope in Christ’s return. This alignment of belief and behavior is portrayed as essential for both the health of the individual believer and the witness of the church to the world.