Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. Titus 2:2
From what I can find about the history of the first century when this letter was written… ‘old’ would have been considered to be 60 years of age and for women slightly less. This characteristic of the ‘old’ that Paul is referring to Titus is not just for the ‘leadership’ of the Church but EVERYONE in the Body around this age. The Greek word for this ‘aged / older’ is πρεσβύτης / presbutés / pres-boo’-tace. This is the word from which we get presbytery.
These ‘older’ people should be discipling the younger generations. Older men with the younger men. Older women with the younger women. In ALL of human history’ the elders taught the younger generations… until these last few generations. We have lost the value of the ‘older’ elders and the wisdom they can bestow. Life experience and scars are valuable and worthy to be listened to. The smart learn from their own mistakes, but the wise learn from OTHER people’s mistakes!
What are these characteristics Paul is highlighting to Titus about the mature ‘older’ ones?
Biblehub: “Sober-minded / νηφάλιος describes a quality best rendered “sober-minded” or “temperate.” It pictures unclouded judgment, freedom from excesses, and an alert spirit that can weigh matters rightly. While sometimes linked to literal abstinence from wine, its larger connotation is moral steadiness and mental clarity that flow from spiritual self-control.”
The Holy Spirit’s fruit of self-control has taught an individual to listen to His counsel and agree with the suggested choices and steps forward He has given the individual. This person has the wisdom to choose to follow His will and path, thus having REAL self-control OVER everything that might separate them from His Presence and Voice.
Biblehub: “σεμνός / semnós / grave / honest conveys a quality of moral weightiness: conduct and character that invite respect because they reflect the holiness, gravity, and worthiness of God Himself. While never suggesting somber aloofness, the term consistently urges believers to live in a manner that commands honor without demanding it.”
Pride is NOT part of this individual’s characteristic but quiet honest transparency. When these people speak, people automatically listen. There is a ‘truth’ that sits with their words. Life experience with humility.
Biblehub: “σώφρων / sophron / sensible, prudent describes the virtue of a balanced, disciplined mind that governs passions in harmony with God’s standards. It is not mere restraint but a spiritual sobriety that keeps thought, emotion, and behavior within the boundaries of divine wisdom. Scripture consistently presents it as a grace produced by the Spirit and expressed in deliberate, reasoned choices that honor the gospel.”
This is a person who has a long ongoing intimacy with the Holy Spirit. They have learned to incorporate the scriptures with the wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit into regular daily life. They’ve learned to ‘check’ their knee jerk emotions for the greater Holy Spirit fruit and the deep inner joy from knowing Him. They have a mind that is always returning to focus on Him.
Biblehub: “ὑγιαίνω / hygiainō / sound moves along two complementary planes: literal bodily wellness and figurative doctrinal soundness. In classical Greek it denoted physical health; in the New Testament the Spirit broadens the term to embrace spiritual integrity, moral wholeness, and purity of teaching. Thus the same verb that describes a healed servant in Luke also characterizes apostolic doctrine in the Pastoral Epistles.”
This verb ‘sound’ is used as the precursor to faith (pistis), love (agape), and endurance (hupomone – cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy).
I think of a person ‘deeply rooted’ in these fruits and characteristics of the Holy Spirit. How are you doing with His lessons in maturity? Is the Holy Spirit chastening you to ‘grow up’?
For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the actual words of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to distinguish between good and evil. Hebrews 5:12-14
Do you know any older / elder spiritually mature types like this? What are you doing to learn from them? Are you seeking them out – just to listen and learn? What questions do you need to ask them?