There is a way to live that reflects the truth. Wholesome or sound teaching leads to sound living. In week 1 of this series, we saw how important it is to get the gospel right. Here we see how getting the gospel right leads to getting life right – as applied to men, to women, and to the workplace.

Titus 2:1 “As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.”

How men get life right

There is no exact boundary between older and younger men. But as men get older, there are a few things to watch for.

Titus 2:2 “Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.”

The key phrase here is “live wisely.” This speaks of choices made using good judgment. It’s a life ruled by truth rather than impulse or indulgence.

The Bible doesn’t expect as much from young men, but it doesn’t let them off the hook.

Titus 2:6-7  “In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”

Young men also need to “live wisely.” They need to be able to see a bad idea coming and steer clear. They are also told to follow Titus’ example of “doing good works.” Instead of being idle, they should make a contribution that helps others.

Remember, however, that good works and wise living don’t make anyone right with God.

Titus 3:5  “He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”

Christians take character and lifestyle seriously. Living to honor God is a direct result of the truth of the gospel. We live that way because of what Jesus has done for us.

How women get life right

Paul says some of the same things to women, but he also says some very different things. This is because men and women have different spheres of influence, but also because they have different roles in how life is organized.

Titus 2:3-4 “Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women…”

Like everyone, older women should live in a way that honors God, whether by controlling their words or their habits. But these women are also called to teach and train others. We call this “mentoring.” As an older woman, you may not feel adequate for this role, but with God’s help you have a great opportunity to help others pursue God.

In ancient Crete, virtually all younger women would be married. That explains the thrust of Paul’s instructions to Titus. But not everything he says applies just to women with families.

Titus 2:4-5 “These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.”

Verse 5 raises many questions in our society. (Here are resources on women’s roles and marital submission.) But the main idea of Titus 2 is that life has a purpose beyond serving ourselves. People who have received God’s grace and truth influence others. Older women mentor younger women. Mothers mentor their children, and don’t forget that the Bible gives fathers a key responsibility to lead their families spiritually.

How to get life right at work

Paul told Titus to teach slaves how the gospel takes shape in their lives. In the first century, one-third of the workforce were slaves. The Bible doesn’t endorse slavery. But as a common part of life, it had to be addressed. (See here for resources on this topic.)

Titus 2:9-10 “Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.”

When a person has a great attitude at work, it makes a difference. At times we will have an opportunity to tell others about Jesus. When we do, our behavior creates a good reputation for the gospel, so God’s message looks attractive to people.

Getting life right stems from God’s grace

Every religion emphasizes doing good; here’s what sets biblical Christianity apart:

Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures.”

Most religions teach that change comes from keeping a list of rules. But this verse teaches that the greatest force for changing lives is God’s grace. His grace makes us want to live wisely, do good, and mentor others. We are forgiven of our sins by grace alone, through the work of Jesus Christ. This forgiveness is made ours through faith in Christ alone. Once you have received grace, the byproduct is a life that honors God and impacts others.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. Read Titus 2:1. What is the relationship between what a person believes and how he or she lives? Give an example.
  4. Read Titus 2:2. What constitutes an “older man”? What character quality stands out to you most, and why?
  5. Read Titus 2:6-7. Why are these instructions especially fitting for younger men?
  6. Read Titus 2:3-4. Why do you think the passage singles out older women as mentors? What does it mean to “teach” and “train”?
  7. Read Titus 2:4-5. How do younger women honor God? How can they mentor others?
  8. Read Titus 2:9-10. What is the relationship between our actions and our witness?
  9. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

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