Titus 2:2

In Titus 2:1-10 Paul addresses the spiritual dress code for older men, older women, young women, young men including Titus and bondservants (and also citizens in 3:1-2).  As we study this out you can figure out which group fits you.   We are all called to be Christ-like (e.g. Rom. 8:29).  But there are dangers and opportunities in each life situation.  And keep in mind that this is against the backdrop of the Cretan lifestyle of Titus 1:10-16.  As Paul told the Philippian believers, we are to be without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:15).  And let us also note in advance, this passage in Titus will be followed by two absolutely amazing paragraphs that tell us why and how to get this done (2:11-15 and 3:3-8).

v The spiritual wardrobe for older men, 1:2.  Older men were to be:

·        Sober: Like the English word this term was often applied to total abstinence or careful moderation.  Like Eph. 5:18 older men should not be characterized by the effects of wine but by the influence of the Holy Spirit.  (This Greek word is not used elsewhere in Titus.)

·        Reverent: The Greek means serious.  We might think of older men as being venerable or dignified, having a sense of gravity in their demeanor.

·        Temperate: This term is prominent in Titus (cf. 1:8; 2:5,12).  It refers to being of a controlled mind so that one keeps his desires under control.  He is not known for his extremes but for a sanctified balance.  Compare these three qualities with the way Cretans saw themselves in 1:12.

I have seen godly older men like this over the years, including my father.  These were men with a quick wit at times and a great sense of humor.  But it wasn’t how you thought of them.  They were men you wanted to hear.  Like Carl, they often hesitated before they spoke, thinking through their words, but you always waited to hear because you knew it would be good.  And in addition they lived out the three graces of godly believers, being …

·        Sound in faith: This is not the faith of doctrine but the faith by which we walk daily.  Older men have learned to trust God over time so that they are not given to panic or fear or worry when affliction comes.

·        Sound in love: They are certainly not lecherous old men.  But more than that they are free of prejudice and selfishness so their love is intelligent and discerning (Phil. 1:9).  Into his nineties my godly grandfather was driving the old people to church. J

·        Sound in patience: This means they are men of hope.  They see affliction as light … working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17).

What a wonderful wardrobe for older men, elders.  These men are respected not only by believers but for the people of the world.  This is proper for sound doctrine and adorns the doctrine of God our Savior!