Commentaries:
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Titus 2:1-6
These instructions are an overall exhortation for the various age groups to hold to a sense of duty with regard to their conduct. But none of the instructions given here should be ignored simply because they are not addressed directly to an individual's sex or age group. For example, Paul says "girls should be discreet and modest." Does this mean, then, because it is addressed to girls that a fellow may be as indiscreet and immodest as he wants because he is male? Simply because the fellows are not mentioned does not excuse them from being discreet and modest as well. In an overall sense, God is telling all of us—parents, young people, male, female—to be sane, sober-thinking, serious about our responsibilities, exercising self-control, curbing our passions, and aiming for self-mastery.
There is a proverb that teaches: "He that rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city." Ruling one's spirit involves self-discipline. Self-discipline is willing yourself to do the right, regardless of feelings. It may not be glamorous, but it is the stuff of life.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Sanctification and the TeensRelated Topics: Discretion | Irresponsibility | Modesty | Responsibility | Responsibility, Sense of | Sanctification of Teens | Self Control | Self Discipline | Self Mastery | Seriousness | Sober (minded) | Sobriety | Temperance | Youthful Indiscretion
Titus 2:1-5
God obviously saw the ongoing need within the church to have clear leadership and education, not only from ordained elders, but also from the older, more experienced, God-fearing people in the church, who should lead by example and exhortation. It is a major responsibility that God expects from all involved, both from those teaching as well as from those being taught.
Staff
Precious Human TreasuresRelated Topics: Education | Education, God's System of | Example, Teaching by | Example: Learning by | God's Educational System | Leadership | Teaching by Example
Titus 2:1
Paul's repeated emphasis on sound doctrine implies that the body of teaching in the church is more than just a gospel about Christ. It is the gospel of Christ—what He taught and lived in His own life, and what He expects us to follow as well. His doctrine is "the pattern of sound words," the body of truth, once for all delivered to the saints. God inspired the writers of the New Testament to warn us that His church must have a solid foundation in the truth of Christ to defend and contend for the faith because of the constant bombardment of false doctrines.
Martin G. Collins
Basic Doctrines: Doctrine
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What Does Titus 2:1 Mean?
Sound doctrine encompasses more than a gospel about Christ; it is the gospel of Christ—what He taught, lived, and expects His followers to imitate. His doctrine forms the pattern of sound words, the body of truth once delivered to the saints, requiring a solid foundation to defend against constant false teaching. The instructions that follow exhort every age group and both sexes toward a sense of duty, urging all to be sober-minded, serious, self-controlled, and aiming for self-mastery. No instruction should be ignored merely because it addresses another group. "He that rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city," for ruling one's spirit involves self-discipline. God expects clear leadership and education from elders and older, experienced members, obligating both teachers and learners.