Exposition of Paul’s Letter
to
TITUS
LESSON 5: The Order of
Sanctification
Review
As Titus seeks to
“put in order” what is necessary in Crete he will need spiritual leaders who
model what is required. The emphasis on knowing the Truth and practicing what
you preach – the emphasis on embodying the Gospel in life resulting in
godliness is the type of leadership required in Crete. The context for this need is that there is an
abundance of false and destructive teaching going on, in the Church and this must
stop. Paul then moves to specific
matters of conduct within the Church.
Let me outline his approach:
Outline of Titus 2:1 – 3:8
In contrast to
the false element in the Church that is described by Paul as “they profess
to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable,
disobedient, unfit for any good work” (Titus 1:16, ESV), the Apostle relays
to Titus the type of living that flows out of belief in the Gospel. Remember,
this is the concern of this letter: right doctrine
should lead to right behavior. Paul does something
interesting, he describes the right living by describing activity within
certain age, gender of social groupings.
Of note is the method that Paul uses.
It is clearly a New Covenant method.
Commands or imperatives in the New Testament are more than often stated
by saying, “Because such and such is
true, therefore be this kind of person.”
Technically it is called moving from the indicative (that which is true) to the imperative (that which you do).
Watch how this happens in this section. Paul just reverses this order:
1.
This is what
various gender/age groups must do (2:1–10); because
1.1.
This is what
is true (the Gospel) (2:11–14); and
1.1.1.
To summarize
(2:15)
2.
Here are more
instructions to proper living that you must do (3:1–2)
2.1.
This is what
is true (Gospel) (3:3–7); and
2.1.1.
Here is the
summary (3:8)
Here’s another example
of this New Covenant method: “for at one time you
were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light”
(Ephesians 5:8, ESV). Do
you see what is happening? You are light, ∴ walk as light. So,
we look at Chapter 2.
Text:
Titus 2:1–15 (ESV)
1 But as for you, teach what
accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded,
dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3
Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves
to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young
women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled,
pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the
word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to
be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of
good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and
sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame,
having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants are to be
submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing,
not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so
that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. 11
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12
training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live
self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13
waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and
Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from
all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who
are zealous for good works. 15 Declare these things; exhort and
rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Exposition Titus 2:1–15 (ESV)
For teaching purposes I’m going to reverse
Paul’s order.
What is True? (The Gospel Basis for Holy Living) (vv11-14)
All the imperatives that are expected by
the Apostle are products of the Gospel – they are the fruit of salvation that
comes by God’s grace. The grace in this
case is personified. He is speaking of
Jesus’ first coming. Not only was Christ
the embodiment of grace (“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and
we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace
and truth.” (John 1:14, ESV), but it was grace that sent Him. He came for all mankind (“. . . who is the Savior of all people, especially of
those who believe.”[1]) but
His saving mercies are owned by only those who believe.
This grace that sent
Christ the embodiment of grace also taught.
The Gospel teaches us (negatively) to say no to sin (That’s the first
half of repentance.) and (positively) to live a self-controlled life showing
freedom from sin (That’s the second half of repentance.); and to live in light
of the Second Coming. Notice that when Paul wrote
the Thessalonian church he showed proof positive that they were chosen by God
and had believed the Gospel, because they “. . . turned to God from idols to
serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he
raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” (1
Thessalonians 1:9–10, ESV).
Secondly, note Paul reminds Titus that the
reason Christ came and died was to “. . . to redeem us from all lawlessness
and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for
good works.” (Titus 2:14, ESV). Someone who has believed the Gospel now
belongs to Christ who saved us from ungodliness, cleansing us and fitting us
for good works.
So, Paul reminds them what is true: Since you believed the Gospel you have
repented of your sin, turning to Christ to live purified and productive lives.
So on that basis ….
Here Is What You Are To Do (2:1-10)
A.
If you are an older man (50+) (vv1-2). They ought to be clear headed,
self-controlled, living life with dignity and seriousness that invites honor
and respect, living healthy Christian lives. “The overall picture of older men
is of Christian dignity and vibrant faith.”[2]
B.
If you are an older woman (vv3-4a).
The overall picture is of a reverent woman, living similarly to older
men. “The conduct of the older women must reveal that they regard life as
sacred in all of its aspects.”[3] Their lives have a teaching role – “teaching
what is good” with a specific role in discipling younger women.
C.
If you are
a younger woman (wife and mother) (vv4b-5), your Gospel-living is seen in your
love for your husband, children, home, etc. It is also a life of self-control,
busy doing what is a priority and holiness. Such a wife shows honor to the Word
of God when she lives in submission to her husband.
D.
If you are
a young man (v6), then the instruction is short and to the point: live
self-controlled lives.
E.
If you are
Titus (or perhaps a pastor) (vv7-8). It is possible to read this instruction
with the view that Titus is to be the example to the young men. This might broaden the expectations of the
young men to include living a life of good works. Titus should show seriousness
in his teaching and practice what he preaches!
His speech must be “sound” or healthy silencing his opponents.
F.
If you are
a slave (employee) (vv9-10) then your Gospel living should be seen in obedience
and compliance to your employer, not taking what does not belong to you, being
trustworthy. This puts beauty on the
Gospel when we live this way.
Paul then restates in conclusion the duty
of Titus: “Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let
no one disregard you.” (Titus 2:15, ESV)
Conclusion
Paul is convinced that if someone has
believed the Gospel; they have looked to Christ and repented; if they have
embraced the hope of the Gospel, then their lives will show that evidence. Paul is convinced that if someone has trusted
in a Savior who came to set them free from sin and to live lives of holiness –
their lives will show that. Paul is
convinced that if we believe the Gospel, that is, by faith we belong to God in
Christ Jesus, we will never be the same – our conduct will change, our homes
will change, our church will change and our work will change!
Some Further
Resources
Ø Article: “Imperatives – Indicatives = Death” by Jim MacLellan (https://jamesmaclellan.blogspot.ca/2013/03/i-just-finished-12-commandments-of.html)
Ø Article: “Become Who You Are: Indicatives & Imperatives of the Gospel”, by Dr.
Peter Cockrell (https://pjcockrell.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/become-who-you-are-indicatives-imperatives/)
Ø Sermon on applying the Gospel to sanctification with examples. “A
Call to Arms – Part 2” by Jim MacLellan (http://www.elkpointbaptistchurch.com/media/2017-09-24-a-call-to-arms-part-2)
Questions
[3] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Titus/Exposition
of Titus/III. Concerning the Natural Groups in the Congregations (2:1-15)/A.
The Instructions for the Different Groups (2:1-10)/2. The instruction to
different age groups (2:2-6), Book Version: 4.0.2
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