“As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching…Then they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive in every way.” – Titus 2:1-10
A prominent businessman expressed his keen interest for something real in life.
“How about God?” asked his Christian friend, “He is very real to some of us.”
“Well,” replied the businessman, “If He is, why don’t all of you begin to make Him real to the rest of us? He can’t be very real to most Christians, or they wouldn’t succeed so well in keeping Him out of all their lives and conversations.”
People will be more receptive to the Gospel when they see evidence. What evidence do we have other than our CHANGED LIVES? Paul instructed Titus to promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Wholesome teaching that transforms our thinking, our attitude, our conduct and relationship with God and people will make the Gospel attractive.
So, here in Titus 2:1-10, Paul has a word for every one:
Older men (verse 2) must manifest the characteristics of maturity. They are to exercise self-control; to be worthy of respect (being a man of integrity), and to live wisely. These characteristics should be complemented by faith, love, and patience.
Older women (verses 3-4a) must live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others and addicted to wine (exercise self-control over wine). Through their exemplary living they are encouraged to mentor younger women to take care of their families.
Younger women (verses 4b-5) must love their husbands and their children, they are to exercise self-control, remain pure (faithful to their marriage vow), take good care of their homes, show kindness and submit to their husbands. In this way, no one will have any bad things to say about the Word of God.
Young men (verses 6-8) must exercise self-control and be exemplary in doing good, and everything they do must reflect integrity and seriousness of their teaching. They must not corrupt the teaching so that those who opposed will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about Christians.
Servants (verse 9) or employees must submit to their bosses and do their best to meet beyond acceptable standards (having the spirit of excellence). They should not talk back (control your tongue) to their bosses or steal (may not necessarily money or things, what about time and unnecessary medical leave by malingering?) but show themselves to be fully trustworthy and they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive in every way.
Thus, the way we live and conduct ourselves should make God evident and the Gospel attractive. In Ephesians 4:23-24 Paul said, “Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God – truly righteous and holy.” The attractiveness of the Gospel depends on how we live it! He has made it possible by His blood, by His Word and by His Holy Spirit. So let’s make God evident and the Gospel attractive through our lives.
Ps Chia Beng Hock
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