The appearing of the grace of God in Christ changes everything, a game changer, or rather, a life changer (2:11). The appearing of the kindness of God our Savior has saved us, giving the believer a whole new life through the Holy Spirit (3:4-5). God’s gospel gives eternal life to those who believe (1:2-3) – God’s very life within us. Therefore, our way of living should demonstrate godliness consistent with this wonderful reality (1:1). We should act very differently than we did before God’s love appeared to us (3:4-8). Those in Crete once behaved like everyone around them; as “Cretans,” their defiled nature was evident in everything they did. Having been saved, they now had the Holy Spirit within them. They were no longer the same people, so there should now be a noticeable change in their conduct.
Godly Elders Should Nurture Godliness in the Saints
After preaching the gospel in Crete, Paul left Titus to set things in order in the local churches, beginning with the appointment of elders in each church (1:5). These elders were to be blameless men who would oversee the people of God (1:7) and protect them from teachers who promoted empty words that did not produce good works (1:10-16). To develop godliness in all the saints, it is essential to have godly leaders. The elders are overseers who shepherd the flock of God among them (Acts 20:17, 28), nurturing godly lives primarily by their example (1:6-9).
May God continue to raise up such men to care for local assemblies—men who are exemplary in family life, self-controlled in their plans, passions, pleasures, power, and possessions, and who possess overall excellent character and conduct. May the Lord raise up godly leaders with open homes and open hearts, who love to see spiritual health among God’s people, who are sensible, who endeavor to do what is right, and who maintain an active relationship with God that leads to pure living. Let them be stable in their walk and recognize the value and authority of the Scriptures. In local gatherings led by these godly leaders, the saints can imitate their example and benefit from their loving investment. How valuable are overseers whose lives are consistent, who care for God’s flock, and who are capable of teaching the Word and refuting false teachers.
Sound Doctrine Produces Solid Living, the ”Good Life”
Empty religious talk does not lead to actions that bless others, and therefore does not represent God well (1:16). In contrast, saints should live in a manner that aligns with sound doctrine (2:1). Godly behavior demonstrates the value and excellence of doctrine (2:10). How glorious is the gospel when truth comes from the mouth of a man from Crete, who is expected always to lie (1:12). The gospel of God’s grace, which saves us, also instructs and purifies us so that our lives exemplify sensible, good deeds (2:11-14).
What honor is brought to God’s Word when saints of all ages live sensibly and bless others (2:1-8).
Sound Lives Have Substance Below the Surface
Inspectors sometimes drop a heavy rod onto a concrete slab floor to listen for hollowness below the surface. The Word of God is “sound,” not hollow, so those with eternal life from that Word should have lives that are solid, not hollow-sounding. When someone refers to an older man’s faith, love, or perseverance, it should not ring hollow.
Sensible living is seen in the man delivered from demons in Mark 5 in that he was sitting, clothed, and “in his “right mind” (the same Greek word translated “sensible” (NASB) throughout Titus). Before Christ, he certainly would not have been sitting and clothed – no one could subdue him. But now he was controlled by a completely different nature within him. Clear thinking led to consistent, controlled behavior. Likewise, this should be seen in men and women of all ages (2:1–10).
Men and Women of All Ages Should Honor the Gospel By Their Ways
Older men should be balanced, dignified, and self-controlled. They should conduct themselves in a manner that shows they have something valuable to offer. Others are naturally inclined to respect them when they recognize the solid substance of their trust in God. These men have proven the reliability of God throughout their lives. They should be the kind of man who, when the saints think of them, they remember a heart that desires their well-being, evident through acts of sacrificial love. They remain steady and unwavering, having learned through experience that our faithful God provides help. How desirable it is to have such older men among us.
Similarly, older women should be honorable, living in a way that reflects their significance in God’s plans. Their conduct and speech should uplift others rather than bring them down. Instead of living to indulge themselves, they ought to invest in others. They should not let their own pleasures dominate their thoughts, schedule, or spending. Instead, they should put effort into nurturing the next generation in godly living, influencing younger women toward the true “good life.” Rufus’ mother was such a loving, trusted mother in the assembly (Rom. 16:13). How valuable!
Younger women should be influenced by older women to live excellent lives that bless others. The enemy tries to degrade a pure, faithful, serving woman and diminish the perceived value of marriage, family, and the home. However, the gospel teaches younger married women to see the beauty of God’s designs. She focuses her affection and interest on her husband and children, valuing those entrusted to her care and nurture. Rather than succumbing to superficial attraction, she is a woman of substance who shares her inner beauty with her husband alone. What a high calling it is to be a “householder,” responsible for managing such a foundational place of blessing as the home. They should do it with diligence and joy, setting the atmosphere in a way that honors our beautiful Lord Jesus. They should show the beauty of a pleasant disposition that desires to see others doing well, just like God (3:4). They should excel in the excellent attribute of functioning under authority, as the Lord Jesus did so well. By their example, they can remind the bride of Christ to submit to our Husband. How excellent, what goodness can flow from such a solid woman.
Younger men should likewise be a blessing to others. It is possible for a young man in his teens, twenties, or thirties to be solid and steady – praise the Lord! Young men should develop awareness and consideration for others, being intelligently active and strong in order to bless, not just strong for strength’s sake. They should carry themselves in such a way that others admire their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, rather than despise foolish, youthful ways (1 Tim. 4:12). They should be known for doing good, like the Lord Jesus, whose actions blessed others (Acts 10:38). They should teach God’s thoughts faithfully and have a dignified way of living that commands respect. Their speech should be genuine and honest, with no hollowness or manipulation; not saying what they think people want to hear just so they will like them. What a high calling.
This Behavior Honors Sound Doctrine
May others think highly of God’s gospel when they observe our way of life. How uplifting it is to witness the grace, kindness, love, and life of God expressed in genuine, sensible, and good ways that represent the gospel well and bless others.