Paul continues to give Titus advice about how he should train the Christians in Crete. One of the words he continues to give to Titus is self-control. This is mentioned several times in chapter two. Why? Why, for Paul, is this such a big deal? We see that Paul is trying to teach Titus the importance of that self-controlled life, in contrast to the people of Crete, who seem to be doing whatever they please. A life of living for yourself may look appealing. But Paul warns us that it is not the path for us to walk.

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Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be with you on this wonderful Thursday morning as we delve deeper into Titus. Today, we’ll explore Titus chapter 2, which comprises only 15 verses. Although we could spend more time on each verse, I’ll provide an overview of the chapter’s key themes. I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, and I’m excited to continue our journey through Titus. So, let’s dive into chapter 2.

Firstly, Paul advises Titus to teach in alignment with sound doctrine. He instructs Titus to counsel older men to exhibit temperance, seriousness, prudence, and a steadfast faith, love, and endurance. Similarly, he urges older women to conduct themselves with reverence, avoiding slander and excessive drinking. Instead, they should teach goodness, thereby guiding younger women to love their husbands and children, and to demonstrate self-control, purity, and managerial skills in their households. By living in this manner, they uphold the integrity of God’s word.

Likewise, Titus is encouraged to exhort younger men to practice self-control and to exemplify good works in all aspects of their lives. By embodying integrity, dignity, and wholesome speech, they thwart any opposition and uphold the credibility of their faith. Paul also addresses slaves, advising them to show submission, integrity, and loyalty to their masters, thus adorning the teachings of God with their conduct.

Paul emphasizes that the grace of God, manifested through Jesus Christ, offers salvation to all. This grace teaches us to reject ungodliness and worldly desires, leading us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives while awaiting the glorious return of our Savior. Jesus sacrificed himself to redeem us from sin and purify us, creating a people zealous for good deeds.

Throughout this passage, Paul underscores the importance of self-control. In a society marked by indulgence and lack of restraint, self-control stands as a vital virtue. As I reflect on verse 12, which describes the negative reputation of Crete, I’m reminded of a profound statement by a colleague: “We are all controlled by something.” Whether it’s the Holy Spirit guiding us or our own desires dictating our actions, our choices shape our lives profoundly.

Paul’s emphasis on self-control underscores the need to submit to God’s will rather than yielding to our desires. While the allure of self-indulgence may seem enticing, it ultimately leads to emptiness and destruction. By cultivating self-control, we align ourselves with God’s purpose and experience true freedom.

As we navigate a world consumed by self-gratification, living self-controlled lives sets us apart as followers of Christ. Let’s heed Paul’s counsel and strive to live out the fruit of self-control in our daily lives. By doing so, we embody the transformative power of the Gospel and point others towards the abundant life found in Jesus.

Thank you for joining me today. Tomorrow, we’ll conclude our exploration of Titus with chapter three. Have a blessed day ahead!