Learn, Practice, Teach

Similarly to Titus 1, the following chapter addresses what is to be taught to other groups, from older men and women to the younger men and women as well as slaves. Paul keeps mentioning in this letter that we are to learn from this so that we can live a life worthy of the gospel, and living in a holy manner so that no one can say anything bad, because we are representing our God well. I think regardless of what age you are, this passage has something to say to you.

Older Men.
They are to be taught to be temperate (restrained), self controlled, and worthy of respect (v.2). As the older generation, an example must be set for the younger generation.

Older/Younger Women.
They are to be taught to be reverent (respectful), to not be addicted and obsessed with wine, not to be slanderous and to teach what is good (v.3). Take note that it says "too much wine", which doesn't mean no wine at all, but to know when is abusing the substance. As many older women are potentially mothers and wives for their family, they are to love their family, to be pure, busy, kind and submissive to their husbands. It was Mother's Day yesterday, and looking at this "standard" if you'd like to call it, I feel that my mom is following it well and is leading the appropriate example. No mother can be perfect, but they all strive to be faithful, loving and righteous. Mothers and older women are the be the example for the upcoming generations of women.

Young Men.
It's odd that in the passage, all the groups use the word "teach" but for younger men, it says "encourage". I don't think that is because they already have learnt everything, but I think it is because it must be emphasized. Both groups of men in this passage as told to teach, practice and learn self-control, and I think many times as men we can be impulsive, or sometimes may be more susceptible to temptation. I agree and this completely relates to my struggles, especially since self-control is one of the fruits of the spirit, it is something I am constantly working on.

Slaves.
I took this as workers/employees instead of slaves because it is more applicable to today's time. In the same way, slaves are told to be taught to be respectful, trustworthy and submissive to their masters/boss.

Some of you may fit one role, some of you may fit several roles from this passage, but just as mentioned earlier, the main point is to live a upright and godly life as we wait on the Lord and his return.

verse of the day: Titus 2:12-14

¹² It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, ¹³ while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearingof the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.