Teaching Self-control > Titus 2:1-10
2:1 In contrast to the wicked influencers of 1:16, Titus is to spend his time teaching doctrine that honors the Lord. What does this look like?
2:2 It looks like teaching older men to live faithfully.
2:3-5 It looks like teaching older women how to use their time well and be good examples to younger women.
2:6-8 It looks like teaching younger men to have self-control.
2:9-10 It looks like teaching slaves and servants how to be good examples of Christ to their masters.
Emphasis: The family of God is called to live out their faith personally, towards each other, and towards the world.
Context: We’ve been following the disciple-making plan of God throughout Titus by talking about authority and leadership. Now, we see how that leadership is aimed at producing mature believers in Christ.
Theme: Living faithfully means living a self-controlled life in light of the Gospel so that God would be glorified and those around us would see examples of Christian faithfulness.
Gospel: Christ Himself taught and lived according to these very traits and calls us to do likewise. But it is His strength, not ours, that we need. He calls us to trust that these teachings point to what is best now and in eternity.
Applications: Depending upon where you stand in life, use Paul’s writings to Titus as a challenge to yourself. Want to know if you are growing? Looking for how to be faithful? Then take to heart what is written here: ask the Lord to change you and start forming daily habits that will build these traits into your life and witness.
