But as for you, teach the things which are in agreement with sound doctrine [which produces men and women of good character whose lifestyle identifies them as true Christians].
Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, in steadfastness [Christlike in character]. Older women similarly are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor addicted to much wine, teaching what is right and good, so that they may encourage the young women to tenderly love their husbands and their children, to be sensible, pure, makers of a home [where God is honored], good-natured, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
In a similar way urge the young men to be sensible and self-controlled and to behave wisely [taking life seriously]. And in all things show yourself to be an example of good works, with purity in doctrine [having the strictest regard for integrity and truth], dignified, sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us.
Urge bond-servants to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing and not talk back, not stealing [things, regardless of value], but proving themselves trustworthy, so that in every respect they will adorn and do credit to the teaching of God our Savior.
For the [remarkable, undeserved] grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly (immoral) desires, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives [lives with a purpose that reflect spiritual maturity] in this present age, awaiting and confidently expecting the [fulfillment of our] blessed hope and the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who [willingly] gave Himself [to be crucified] on our behalf to redeem us and purchase our freedom from all wickedness, and to purify for Himself a chosen and very special people to be His own possession, who are enthusiastic for doing what is good.
Tell them these things. Encourage and rebuke with full authority. Let no one disregard or despise you [conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect]. Titus 2 AMP
When do we hear sermons on this? Line by line, precept upon precept. Some might be taken aback from the ‘bond-servants’ title and mention, yet in this day and age we could easily swap to the employee – employer relationship. How do you treat your employer? Are you an example of a ‘good’ employee? Faithful? Loyal? Truthful? Honest? Responsible? Even if your employer doesn’t reciprocate those values? For whom are you working… really ..in the light of eternity? Did anyone notice the need for self control throughout all of these instructions — which is a fruit of the Spirit? These values are definitely not part of our culture today. Today those who hold these values are often mocked and derided. Those truly following Christ and the personal instructions of the Holy Spirit — stand apart from the masses in almost every way. These disciples are even examples to those attending ‘services’ within the four walled religious institutions. Those ‘enthusiastic for doing what is good’ is almost unheard of these days. These kinds of people are now rare, they definitely are NOT the norm.
This passage supposes that there is a type of mentorship going on within the local Body of Christ. Where is the mentorship today in your relationships? Is it happening in a daily way within your fellowship, weekly? If you are young (under 40) can you point and name your mentor, or if you are old (over 50) can you point to all those you are mentoring? From what I read in this passage it seems to me one of the biggest issues is mentorship / discipleship of the older to the younger. This is far beyond the boundaries of the nuclear family – but a call to the local Body of Christ community / ekklesia to be mentoring.
Is integrity and Truth even talked about and discussed among your friends and groups? Have you defined and examined what they really look like now?
In your ekklesia are young men being mentored and discipled by spiritually mature men? Are young women being mentored by spiritually mature women? Or does your ekklesia just retain the non-believer platform of preaching / sermon mode for Sunday mornings, and everyone just shuffles in and out in a very tight regimented time frame? Mentoring is FAR from a one-sided lecture style, but is a question and discussion time with lots of examples and time working side by side thrown into the mix. Mentoring is a regular time to ask questions in depth with no fear of reprisal or shame. This passage deals with the day to day relationships of the ekklesia, not the religious liturgy of the Sunday morning ritual. Our religious rituals have morphed into something most first century Spirit- filled Christians wouldn’t even recognize.
Who can you ask your deep spiritual questions? Do you even consider the deeper meaty spiritual aspects of life and ponder and question the Holy Spirit about them? Is anyone challenging you in love with piercing questions who sit and wait for your answer? Is there someone who actually listens to you with real interest and care?
Unfortunately this ‘city culture’ has WAY more isolation factors than the small community and the same could be said of the ‘big’ Church versus the ‘small group’. When you’re in a ‘big’ gathering and or city there are less opportunities for real connection. We need slower, closer, relationships where real discussions can take place without being hindered by time constraints or social pressures.
Ask the Holy Spirit about this issue of mentorship. Are you supposed to be more involved in it? I remember throughout my 20’s and 30’s asking spiritual leaders for ‘mentorship’ but was denied over and over. Now my life is completely centered around the aspect of mentorship in many different forms and ways. I want to be there for those that want it and ask for it.
This devotional is just another way I am trying to mentor others. Is the Holy Spirit touching your heart to be a mentor? Find a way.