Tit 2 | MHM | STEP | Instructions for Christian Living In this section, Paul instructs Titus to teach sound doctrine and apply it to various groups within the church. He emphasizes that Christian teaching should affect all areas of life—whether someone is old or young, male or female, a leader or a servant. Paul wants Titus to make sure that everyone knows their duties as Christians, according to their age and situation in life, so that the whole church can live in a way that honors God. v. 1 : Paul tells Titus, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1 ). This means Titus must teach what is true and healthy according to the gospel. He is to avoid useless stories and focus on teaching what will help Christians grow in faith and live rightly. Sound doctrine is not just for leaders, but for everyone. Titus must make sure that all believers—old or young, men or women—know what God expects of them and how they should behave. The truth of the gospel should shape every part of their lives, helping them to serve God and others well.

‏ Titus 2

Instructions for Christian Living

In this section, Paul instructs Titus to teach sound doctrine and apply it to various groups within the church. He emphasizes that Christian teaching should affect all areas of life—whether someone is old or young, male or female, a leader or a servant. Paul wants Titus to make sure that everyone knows their duties as Christians, according to their age and situation in life, so that the whole church can live in a way that honors God.

v. 1: Paul tells Titus, “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1 ^a). This means Titus must teach what is true and healthy according to the gospel. He is to avoid useless stories and focus on teaching what will help Christians grow in faith and live rightly. Sound doctrine is not just for leaders, but for everyone. Titus must make sure that all believers—old or young, men or women—know what God expects of them and how they should behave. The truth of the gospel should shape every part of their lives, helping them to serve God and others well.

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The Grace of God Teaches Us How to Live

This section explains the reasons behind Paul’s instructions to different groups in the church. Paul shows that the gospel—the message about God’s grace through Jesus Christ—is meant to change the way everyone lives. God’s grace brings salvation to all people, teaches us how to live now, and gives us hope for the future. The death of Jesus was not just for forgiveness, but also to make people eager to do good.

v. 11: Paul says, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” (Titus 2:11 ^b). This means that God’s grace—the undeserved kindness that saves us—has been revealed to everyone through Jesus Christ. The gospel is not just for a few, but is open to all people, offering salvation from sin and its consequences.

v. 12: He explains that this grace “teaches us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12 ^c). God’s grace does not just forgive us; it also teaches us to say “no” to wrong things—like not respecting God or chasing after sinful desires. Instead, we are to live with self-control, do what is right to others, and show respect and love for God in our everyday lives.

v. 13: Paul continues, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13 ^d). He reminds us that Christians should always be looking forward to the return of Jesus, who is called both “our great God” and “Saviour.” This hope encourages us to live faithfully, knowing that Jesus will come back in glory.

v. 14: He says that Jesus “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14 ^e). Jesus died not just to forgive us, but to set us free from every kind of sin and to make us a special people who want to do good. Christians should be eager to do what is right, because that was the purpose of Jesus’s sacrifice.

v. 15: Paul tells Titus, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (Titus 2:15 ^f). Titus is to teach these truths boldly and encourage others to live by them. He should not be afraid or let anyone look down on him, because he speaks with the authority God has given him. Paul emphasizes that Titus must preach the full counsel of God with both authority and compassion, while also modeling godly character. Ministers must keep their preaching grounded in God's Word, not human traditions or personal ideas (1 Peter 4:11 ^g). Titus is to teach with a combination of doctrine, exhortation, and rebuke, using all the authority of his office (2 Timothy 3:16 ^h). The goal is to equip believers, both in their own lives and in their ability to do good works.

Exhortation to Various Duties

Paul urges Titus to speak these things with great earnestness, not in a cold or indifferent manner. He must press upon people the importance of hearing and obeying the truth, not just hearing it passively. Titus should also firmly rebuke those who reject or disobey the gospel message, reminding them that to despise the messenger is to despise God Himself. Finally, Paul instructs Titus to make sure no one despises or looks down on him, despite his youth. The best way for Titus to maintain respect is to be faithful in his teaching and conduct, following Christ's example. The congregation should also honor Titus as a true minister of God, supporting him in his work (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 ⁱ). By faithfully fulfilling his role, Titus can help the believers in Crete grow in faith and righteousness.