by David Phillips
The title above is actually copied from a paragraph heading in one of my Bibles at Titus 2:1-15. I like that as a summary statement for that chapter because in it, Paul instructs Titus on duties for 5 different classes of people in the local church. If you’ll read it, you’ll see that he begins with the older men, declaring that they should be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love and in perseverance (v.2).
Next Paul mentions do’s and don’ts for the older women and that they must teach the younger women what is good. According to the inspired apostle, the younger women are to live in such a way that the word of God will not be dishonored (v.5).
The young men are next, and they are urged to be sensible, following the example of good deeds, pure doctrine, dignity and sound speech which is beyond reproach (v.7-8).
Servants round out the instruction and Paul says they should be taught to behave in such a way that they show all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect (v.10).
Perhaps one of the most important lessons to take from this chapter is the fact that in every church, every member has specific responsibilities to carry out as part of the body!