As we continue our journey through Paul's letter to Titus, we now turn to chapter 2, a passage with practical wisdom for every stage of life. While Titus 1 focused on leadership and character in the face of cultural tension, Titus 2 zooms in on how believers should live in everyday relationships and roles.
"But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine." - Titus 1
Paul begins with a direct charge to Titus: "As for you…" This phrase sets Titus apart from the cultural chaos around him. He's called to teach sound doctrine—not just theological concepts, but ideas that shape how we live. Paul's instructions aren't one-size-fits-all; they're tailored to different groups, yet all rooted in the universal call to godliness.
Paul starts by urging older men to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, and sound in faith, love, and steadfastness. These qualities may not come naturally, but they reflect a life shaped by grace. There's a temptation to think, "I've put in my time," but Paul challenges older men to finish strong—to be role models of perseverance and spiritual maturity.
Older women are called to live reverently and teach what is good. Their influence is vital, not just in how they live, but in how they invest in younger women. Paul envisions a community where spiritual wisdom is passed down through intentional relationships.
Paul's instructions to older women includes a call to mentor younger women, and he outlines what that mentorship should look like. Younger women are encouraged to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, kind, and diligent in their home life. They're also called to be submissive to their own husbands—not as a sign of inferiority, but as a reflection of godly order and mutual respect.
This isn't a checklist of perfection, but a vision for flourishing in the season of life many younger women find themselves in. Whether newly married, raising children, or navigating the demands of home and work, Paul reminds us that how we live in these spaces matters. It's not just about personal fulfilment, it's about honoring God and making His Word compelling to those around us.
For younger men, Paul emphasizes the importance of self-control—a trait that often requires intentional growth and discipline. Titus is personally challenged to be an example to young men, not just in what he teaches, but in how he lives. His integrity, speech, and consistency are meant to reflect the gospel. In a culture that often values impulsiveness or self-promotion, Paul calls for a steady, grounded life shaped by grace.
Paul then shifts from life stages to economic roles, addressing slaves in Crete. Unlike the ethnic-based slavery we often think of, Crete's system allowed for social mobility and economic advancement. Slaves could own property, vote, and build a life. Paul's message? Be excellent workers. In doing so, believers could make the gospel attractive, showing that faith shapes how we work, not just how we worship.
This principle applies broadly today. Whether you're in a corporate office, a classroom, or a service role, your work can reflect the goodness of God. Christians should be known as people who work with integrity, diligence, and grace.
Grace as the Anchor
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. - Titus 2: 11-15
Verse 11 brings us back to the heart of it all: "For the grace of God has appeared…" Our pursuit of godliness isn't about earning favor—it's a response to the grace we've already received. Grace is both the motivation and the means. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and yes to a life that reflect Christ.
Reflection Questions:
- What are some of the distinct challenges and opportunities in your current stage of life?
- How can you use your current phase of life to pursue godliness?
- If you're an older man or woman, are you intentionally mentoring younger believers? If not, what's holding you back?
- How can your current employment situation be a platform to make the Christian message attractive?
As we reflect on Titus 2, we're reminded that godliness isn't confined to one season of life—it's a calling for every believer, in every role, at every stage. Whether you're mentoring, learning, working, or leading, your life can be a testimony to the grace of God. And that grace is our motivation, not to earn favor, but to respond with gratitude and purpose.
Next month, we'll wrap up this series with a look at Titus 3, where Paul shifts the focus outward, toward how believers engage with the world around them. It's a powerful conclusion to a short but deeply impactful letter. Stay tuned!
Cornerstone Impact Update
What story shapes your work?
In last month's "Every Good Endeavor" blog, we explored how the gospel offers a radically different narrative for our professional lives—one rooted in love, servanthood, and redemption. Whether you're in business, journalism, education, or any other field, the gospel worldview transforms how we see our work and the world.
If you missed it, you can read the blog below and discover how faith reshapes vocation.
Courtney Dent
Eventide
Eventide recently went through a series in which they shared the five most common faith-based investment screens. Since the last Cornerstone Impact blog, they've shared the final 3 in their series:
Tobacco: A New Kind of Smoke
Looking at the multi-billion dollar tobacco industry, which has claimed a new generation of addicts through vaping.
Abortion: Protecting Every Life
The abortion industry profits as it steals life from society's most vulnerable people.
Gambling: The Costly Thrill
The first step to being proud of the investments you have is avoiding investments that cause others harm. The five industries that Eventide looked at profit from addiction, exploitation, and destruction of life – which is why most faith-based investing screens eliminate these.
Inspire
There has been a rising interest in faith-based investing, from both investors and advisors. Inspire shared an article as they explore why more advisors are having this interest and what's holding them back.
Daniel Mastrolonardo
