Titus 2 \\ Older and Younger Men

In Titus 2 there is constant emphasis on the life-style that bears out the truth of the gospel, and there is application to different groups in the Christian community, older men and women, young women, young men, and slaves In these verses, Paul doesn’t exhort them directly as he does in Ephesians and Colossians. The exhortations are rather to Titus as to what he is to teach them. Titus was to teach them to live in a way that ‘is in accord with sound doctrine.’ A lifestyle that will affirm rather than deny their claim to know God.

Older Men (2:2).

The overall picture of older men is of Christian dignity and vibrant faith. Older men are to be Sobe-minded; The word used here in greek is νηφάλιος (nēphalios), temperate; sober. The word ‘temperate’ we find in our dictionaries defined as ‘that which is marked by moderation: as a: keeping or held within limits: not extreme or excessive: MILD b: moderate in indulgence of appetite or desire c: moderate in the use of alcoholic beverages d: marked by an absence or avoidance of extravagance, violence, or extreme partisanship Yes, the temperate man is moderate in all his tastes and habits. He is not excessive. He is not a slave to his cravings. Whether he is eating, drinking, sleeping, spending money, or playing, he maintains a tight reign on his desires. and he is not a slave to his temper either. (Proverbs 14:26) “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”

Dignified; σεμνός (semnos), pertaining to appropriate, befitting behavior and implying dignity and respect—‘honorable, worthy of respect, of good character. Some other suggested translations are ‘grave’, ‘reverent’, ‘dignified’, ‘serious’, or ‘respectable’. I do not believe that Paul is saying that it is inappropriate for older men to have fun or be silly. But he does mean that there are boundaries in which fun should be set. Older men are not to play the part of a fool. Nothing is more shameful than for an old man to indulge in youthful wantonness, and, by his countenance, to strengthen the impudence of the young. Older men are to conduct themselves in ways that befit their years. And in so doing you will be men of weight, setting the standard for younger men and all those around you. You will be a man, worthy of respect, and will be the stronghold of your family and your congregation.

And self-controlled, σώφρων (sōphrōn), thoughtful, prudent a sensible man; someone known for his wisdom, sound judgment, and maturity. Through true maturity, the gap narrows between what one knows he ought to do and what he actually does. According to an English dictionary, ‘prudence’ is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason, sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs, skill and good judgment in the use of resources, and caution or circumspection as to danger or risk And if a man holds this virtue it will certainly be reflected in his life. His speech, his behavior, the decisions that he takes, the counsel that he gives, the responses that he makes to the various situations in life will all bear the stamp of self-control.

These marks of maturity should be complemented by marks of godliness, the three central Christian virtues of faith πίστις (pistis) … love ἀγάπη (agapē) and steadfastness ὑπομονή (hypomonē). What Paul wants to see in older men is a healthy trust in God. It is to be one of the striking features of their character. Their love is to be in good health, too. It is not to be allowed to grow cold. Nor is it to be lacking in principle or firmness. If needs be, it is to be tough love—love that constrains them to warn, to rebuke, to exhort fellow Christians whom they see to be in spiritual danger. It is to be a love embracive of all, a love that is directed, supremely, to God. The older Christian man should not be a waverer—one for whom we feel concern whenever trials come lest they should put him off his stride. Rather, he is to be an example to others of what it means to overcome in the strength of Christ—remaining faithful to him and to his word and to his people through thick and thin, to the very end.

Younger men (2:6-8)

Titus was to likewise [or similarly] (implying a parallel to the responsibilities already outlined for other groups) encourage the young men to exercise self-control. This word is becoming very familiar to us. Paul has spoken of this particular virtue with each of the four groups of people. But what word so well embodies the very thing that all young men need—mastery of themselves?

“How then is it to be obtained? The plain answer is—through the Bible. In the Bible, we have the mind of Christ and of God; clear directives from heaven as to how we are to live and what we are to believe. Let any younger man who is reading this give himself earnestly to its study! The mind is like a garden. If a garden is not carefully looked after and cultivated, it quickly becomes a wilderness. So it is with a Christian mind. Leave it alone, and it will swiftly become worldly in its thinking. If then you would be sober-minded—a sensible, prudent Christian marked by sound judgment—steep your mind in the Word of God!”

- David Campbell

Opening up Titus, Opening Up Commentary

Notice that Paul tells Titus, in verses 2 and 3 to teach the older people—but here in verse 6 he tells Titus to encourage the young men. Encouragement may be the most useful tool when making a point from one young man to another. I want to assure you that the word translated encourage is not a weak one. παρακαλέω (parakaleō) means to urge; beg; implore; exhort. It is a strong word, implying that Titus must urge this teaching upon them. At the same time Paul urges Titus himself to be ‘a model of good works’ for these young men, and in his teaching to ‘show integrity, dignity, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned. So that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.’(2:8)

As a teacher with integrity, Titus would not allow his message to be contaminated by false teaching. His demeanor would indicate dignity. As an ambassador of Jesus Christ, Titus must never descend to behavior or speech that would bring reproach upon his calling. And as for the meaning of ‘soundness of speech’—Every christian teaching must be healthy and wholesome. When Paul says that Titus’ teaching must be such that it cannot be condemned, he does not imply that Titus could control the reaction of others to him or to the gospel. It is impossible to avoid opposition as one who heads and therefore teaches the gospel. However, he could ensure that the condemnation that they might receive would have no foundation to stand upon. Christians can live and teach in such a way that when others oppose the gospel, they will be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about [them].