Titus 2:1-2

Passage

But you, speak that which is right by sound teaching.  Old men are to be sober-minded, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in their faith, in their love, and in their endurance. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul has just finished speaking about those who teach unsound doctrine, relying on myths and human traditions rather than God.  Now he turns to Titus, and encourages him to speak the truth.  Paul encourages Titus to pursue a sound foundation even when tempted by the ways of the world.  It is sometimes easy to compromise truth for the reason and logic of the world, but we must be careful to avoid such pitfalls.

Why can it be difficult to adhere to faith in God amidst the reason and logic of the world?  What do you consider to be sound teaching?  How do you know sound teaching from false teaching?

Second Thought:

Paul gives two sets of advice to the elder males of the community.  They are to be sober-minded, worthy of respect, and sensible.  In other words, they are to live and pattern their life so that they are reliable for the community.  The people of the community need to trust that they can lead and guide the community sensibly.  They are to live so that when people look into their life they see something that they can trust.  Paul charges the elder men of the community to set an example and live in maturity.

When you look at your community of faith, who are the elder men who live such a life?  Who are the elder men who demonstrate maturity, a respectable life, and sensibility?  What kind of relationship do you have with them?

Third Thought:

The second set of advice that Paul gives to the elder men is that they are to be sound in their faith, their love, and their endurance.  In other words, elder men need to be leaders who can still love and endure the faults of the younger or less mature.  They need to be examples, but they need to be loving and patient examples.  So often as men we forget the importance of love and patience as we try to disciple people who are younger than we are.  True wisdom is often gained through life and our mistakes; life is best lived when the younger people have leaders who will embrace them and support them even in the midst of their mistakes.

When you look to the male elders in your community, are these people you would classify as examples of love and patience?  Why are these traits so important to leaders?

Passage for Tomorrow: Titus 2:3-5