Daily Scripture
“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. Bondservantsare to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.”
Titus 2:1-15
Daily Devotion
In Titus 2, Paul gives clear instructions to Titus that the older men and women should apply God’s Word to everyday life and be godly examples to the younger generations. I see several things in this chapter that I can apply to my life.
First, sound doctrine or godly teaching should be my first and main focus. What is godly teaching? Jesus simplified it when he said, “You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). Each day, I can ask the Lord to show me how I can love Him more and love others better?
Next, I need to apply sound doctrine to my everyday life because my behavior matters. I have a choice every day whether to follow godly teaching or my own sinful way. If my main focus is to love God and others, then my behavior should show that to the people I interact with on a daily basis. I can ask myself if my actions and words are a reflection of Christ to others?
Finally, I need to be accountable for my behavior. I believe intergenerational relationships with God’s people, like those mentioned in Titus 2, can help me become more Christ-like. Yes, I can learn from my own mistakes, but it is wise to seek counsel from others (Proverbs 15:22). If I am only accountable to people who think like me, I might not be challenged to change my behavior or even see the fault in a wrong behavior or attitude. I need godly people who will call me out and say what I would rather not hear. Someone with more experience than I, will give me wisdom and encouragement to make it through a difficult situation. Younger generations will keep me relevant and offer a fresh perspective as I encourage them to live a life that is pleasing to God. In Titus 2, Paul gives a wonderful example of what respectful, godly relationships can look like when generations come together to apply sound doctrine to everyday life.
Mindy Jordan
Discussion Questions
What steps could you take to deepen my grasp of God’s Word or increase sound doctrine in my life?
Where have I picked up doctrines (teachings) that most influence your life? Are they wise and godly sources?
How can I be more intentional and available to mentor someone in a younger generation? Who is someone that is older and wiser that could mentor me?
*Reflection questions adapted from Adorned: Living Out The Beauty Of The Gospel by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth