God’s Saving Word: Encouragement
Introduction
Titus 2:1-15: Titus is instructed to teach various church members how they are to live as God’s people. Believers are to give up ungodly living while awaiting the blessed Day when the glory of God will appear.
Scripture Reading
Sound Doctrine
2 But you must teach what agrees with sound doctrine. 2 Instruct the older men to be sober, sensible, and self-controlled; to be sound in their faith, love, and endurance. 3 In 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, 4 in order to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to 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.
6 In the same way urge the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In all things you yourself must be an example of good behavior. Be sincere and serious in your teaching. 8 Use sound words that cannot be criticized, so that your enemies may be put to shame by not having anything bad to say about us.
9 Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters and please them in all things. They must not talk back to them 10 or 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.
11 For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people. 12 That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world, 13 as we wait for the blessed Day we hope for, when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ[a] 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.
15 Teach 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
God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people.
Reflect
The household management instructions outlined in verses 2-10 reflect the Greco-Roman culture of the first century. What are your thoughts about these instructions? 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: The apostle Paul gives final instructions to Titus.