Titus 2

Verses 1-10, “But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”

In order to have a sound church, we must adhere to sound doctrine. As nice as it may seem, it is not at all helpful for you to embrace everyone's opinion of what Christianity should look like. The Word of God has to be our standard for living...the ultimate authority! Obedience and authority are well established in the word, therefore we do not get to decide if we agree or not, before we act upon the commands. Nor do we get to pick and choose which commands we would like to follow, and which to ignore. Men in the church are called to be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience. This means that they need to practice abstaining from substances that alter their minds, be known for their honorable character, and practice self-control with a sound mind. They should also be known for their genuineness in faith, brotherly love, and perseverance or endurance in their trials. As men walk accordingly, they teach others by their example...in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Sorry guys, but it says "all things." Along with that, you need to conduct yourself so that no one can have anything evil to say of you, not even your wife. Of course they may still try, but your conscience will be clear before God, if what they say is untrue.

Likewise women need to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. In other words, we need to act properly displaying holiness in our conduct and speech, avoid false accusations (often in the form of gossip among each other), abstain from substances, and teach things which are righteous/holy to others. Older women are expected to use their wisdom and experience to encourage younger women to do what is right...that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.  This describes most the Christian women you know right? No? Women in the church should be known for having their fleshly desires and impulses under control, not for acting wild and unruly, as without the law. To behave in such a way is so appealing to our flesh, that it is very tempting to join in with others. We need to be on guard and resist the urge. There also needs to be a purity and modesty, a focus on caring for the needs of the home and family, and an obedience to God and the leader of your home...your husband. When women become busybodies in other people's affairs, their focus has shifted and is no longer where it should be. Also, when women do not act the way they ought to, they cause the word of God to be blasphemed. No pressure, right?

Verses 11-14, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”  If your kind of grace doesn't teach you to live a holy life desiring to do good, then you for certain believe in a grace that does not lead to salvation. The modern church is the opposite of being zealous to do good works. They spend their energy looking for ways to avoid the effort of spiritual discipline and sacrifice, convincing themselves that they can still be saved, even in their disobedience. If someone told you that you could be healthy and physically fit without any work, would you believe them? There is no substitute for sacrifice and obedience to God...so quit looking for one!

Verses 9-10, “Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”  Although we are not bondservants in the earthly sense, we are (our should be) bondservants to Christ, with an expectation of obedience. This extends to those in authority over us as well.  I Peter 2:13‭-‬16, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.”  Authority is by God's design and we submit to God by submitting to those who have authority over us, silencing the fools who have no understanding of the things of God. And by doing so, we adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Besides, Hebrews 13:7 tells us that it is not profitable for us if we don't!