Verses 1-15

CONCERNING CHURCH MEMBERS

Paul now enters upon instructions to Titus as in the case of Timothy concerning different classes in the church. Aged men are first spoken of, Titus 2:2. It is sound doctrine that these be of the character described. Aged women are next referred to (Titus 2:3), and under cover of that exhortation comes an illusion to the younger women (Titus 2:4-5). Titus does not exhort the young women directly on the themes indicated, but indirectly through the older women. A hint for Christian workers in our own time, and especially in slum districts, where discretion is to be observed between the sexes. The young men come in for treatment next (Titus 2:6), to whom Titus, himself a young man, was to set the right example (Titus 2:7-8). Then follows an exhortation for servants, where bond-servants or slaves are meant (Titus 2:9-10). “The duties of these last, and indeed of all classes, are grounded on the moral purpose of God in the Gospel concerning us” (Titus 2:11; Titus 2:14). These last-named verses are full of strong meat, and will bear close analysis. See what the Christian’s hope is, in Titus 2:13. Observe the two-fold object which Christ had in view in the work of the Cross, Titus 2:14, and the obligation it lays upon believers, Titus 2:12.

Pastors will find a fine outline here for an expository discourse on Four Great Things: (1) A great revelation (Titus 2:11); (2) A great obligation (Titus 2:12); (3) A great inspiration (Titus 2:13); and (4) A great salvation (Titus 2:14).

All these classes are now put in mind of their obligations with reference to the civil powers, and to outsiders and unbelievers generally (Titus 3:1-3); an exhortation affording another opportunity of contrasting the present state and condition of believers with that in which they were prior to their salvation. Here we find a precious declaration of Gospel truth which should be learned by heart (Titus 3:4; Titus 3:7). The theme is salvation. How Not was it effected? How was it effected? What period of time? What is the result? The eighth verse might be included as showing the obligation of the saved growing out of their salvation.

Another sermon is suggested here on Salvation from Start to Finish: (1) Our condition by nature (Titus 3:3); (2) Our change from nature to grace (Titus 3:4-6); and (3) Our condition by grace (Titus 3:7-8).

Titus was to constantly affirm these things, avoiding other things and subjects that might come up (Titus 3:9). What a lesson for the ministers of our own time? Finally, he is directed how to deal with these false teachers and their followers (Titus 3:10-11).

The remainder of this chapter is taken up with personal directions and commissions.

QUESTIONS

1. What hint for Christian workers is found in this lesson?

2. Analyze Titus 2:11-14.

3. Analyze Titus 3:3-8.