God’s Word of Joy
Introduction
Titus 2:1-15: Titus is instructed to teach various church members how they are to live as God’s people. People are to give up ungodly living while awaiting the blessed Day when the glory of God will appear.
Scripture Reading
Sound Doctrine
1But you must teach what agrees with sound doctrine. 2Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled; to be sound in their faith, love, and endurance. 3In the same way instruct the older women to behave as women should who live a holy life. They must not be slanderers or slaves to wine. They must teach what is good, 4in order to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled and pure, and to be good housewives who submit themselves to their husbands, so that no one will speak evil of the message that comes from God.
6In the same way urge the young men to be self-controlled. 7In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. 8Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.
9Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things. They must not talk back to them 10or steal from them. Instead, they must show that they are always good and faithful, so as to bring credit to the teaching about God our Savior in all they do.
11For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people. 12That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, 13as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ will appear. 14 He gave himself for us, to rescue us from all wickedness and to make us a pure people who belong to him alone and are eager to do good.
15Teach these things and use your full authority as you encourage and rebuke your hearers. Let none of them look down on you.
Today’s Key Verse: Titus 2:11
For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people.
Reflect
The household management instructions in verses 2-10 reflect the Greco-Roman culture of the first century. What are your thoughts about these instructions? Are any of them relevant for today? What specific instructions are directed to Titus (verses 7, 8)? Reread verses 11-14. What do they teach you about God’s salvation and how one is to live?
Pray
Holy God, my Lord and Savior, teach me to be an example of good behavior and to live a godly life in this world while awaiting the blessed Day when your glory will appear. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Titus 3:1-15: God’s mercy is what saves us.