We are all examples to someone, yet we seldom think about it or allow it to dictate what we do. As Christians, we are to always be an example to a lost world of who Christ is and what He has done for us. This is what we find Paul telling Titus in Titus 2:6-10. Titus was a young man at the time this was written. He must have been a young man that was already a great example for others or Paul wouldn’t have left him there to take care of the church. However, in this letter, Paul is reminding him of how he should conduct himself as a Christian young man. While there are probably not many young men reading this, there are moms who need to teach their sons these valuable lessons from Paul.
In verse 6 Paul reminds Titus to be sober-minded, or serious. It is characteristic of young men to be light-hearted and seek to have fun. While there is nothing wrong with having fun or not taking some things too seriously, it should not be what people think when your name is mentioned. Serving Christ is serious business. It is Kingdom business that determines the eternity of a soul. You can’t get more serious than that.
Titus 2:6 “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.”
Next, Paul instructs Titus, and all young men to be a pattern of good works in all things. He gives him the example of some important things by naming them. He mentions doctrine. It is vital to our faith that we supply it with correct doctrine. Doctrine is the teaching and instruction you receive and the teaching you do for others. Wrong teaching brings wrong actions and attitudes. Wrong doctrine can allow someone to go to hell while they think they are on their way to Heaven. I wonder how many people are in Hell today that thought they were on their way to Heaven. Many have followed blindly behind some preacher or religion that taught some good things. They were kind to one another, and they did good deeds for those in need, but they never surrendered their hearts to the authority of Jesus Christ. They believed that He existed and that He is the Son of God. They had a head knowledge of who He is, but no heart knowledge. Their idea of following Christ is having a pattern of good works. Paul is instructing Titus to show his good works, but they are from a heart surrendered to Christ. He is to do this with a sincere heart.
Titus 2:7 “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.”
Paul then addresses the speech of someone who is to be an example. It should be speech that cannot be condemned. No one should be able to recall any words said by this young man that could be anything but pure and above reproach. The words themselves should be good wholesome words, but also words that are truthful and in agreement with the doctrine of the Bible. Heresy, prideful talk, or lies should never be spoken by one of God’s children. When God’s children use wrong speech, it is a reproach on the God we serve.
Titus 2:8 “Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”
Now, Paul tells Titus to encourage others to be obedient to their own masters. For us, this would mean being a good and faithful employee. They were not to argue or contradict their employer. An element of respect for the position was required. They were to not purloining, was to not take things that belonged to their master or employer. Don’t pilfer through things and justify walking away with something the company paid for. They and we are to take care of the things that have been entrusted to us and them.
Why were these exhortations so important? Because it is through the way we act and the attitudes we have that the gospel is adorned. When we treat others with respect and live according to biblical principles, we are showing that our faith is real. It is anchored in someone greater than us. To do otherwise is hypocritical and is a reproach on the gospel.
Titus 2:9-10 “Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.”
When we live to be an example to others, we are living out Philippians 2:3 where we are supposed to think of others above ourselves. We are concerned with their walk with the Lord, and we guard the reputation of our God. Suppose we have a weak moment, and we do sin in front of others, we can repent, and God will forgive, but the damage is done. We have allowed others to think less of our faith and less of our God. We have become a stumbling block to others. If we will go to the person and ask their forgiveness, we can still be a good example. We all fail, but it is what we do after we fail that makes the difference. Be a good example in your successes and failures but take care of things God’s way.
Philippians 2:3 “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
Romans 14:13 “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.”
