Titus Chapter Two is full of practical teaching concerning the responsibility of the church membership to participate in the maturing of the next generation of leaders. Sound doctrine is the premise from which we are to operate. We were able to complete our study of this chapter with such great doctrine.
V.9-10 gives instructions as to the relationship between the employer and employee. We were able to read several companion passages (Ephesians 6:1-9, Colossians 3:17-4:1, 1 Timothy 6:1-2, 1 Peter 2:18-20) that reinforced the roles of parents and children, as well as employers and employees. It is important to understand that who I am in Christ is to be reflected in all aspects of my life.
In V.11, Paul explains the gospel of the grace of God, which was delivered to him, has appeared / become visible to all men. Everyone is without excuse who rejects the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We saw in Ephesians 3:1-9 and 1 Corinthians 2:7-8, the mystery / hidden wisdom of this gospel was “hid in God” from the beginning of the world, and that Satan had no idea that God had a plan in place that would open salvation to the Gentile world without Israel’s involvement. It is a powerful statement to realize Satan would not have crucified Christ, if he had known God’s plan. He was completely aware of the messianic prophecies because they were written down. God’s prophetic program concerning Israel and the kingdom are clearly seen in the Old Testament. But, the mystery — the gospel of the grace of God, which make of Jew and gentile believers one new body during this age, was not known. Satan learned of it as Paul shared what was revealed to him. The prince of the power of the air, who offered all the kingdoms of the world to Jesus if he would worship him, was caught completely off guard with Paul’s offer of the gospel to the Gentiles.
In V.12, we read the truth that we are created in Christ Jesus unto good works to be seen of all we encounter. Our lifestyle should be one of sober / vigilant, righteous, godly living, exhibited by denying ungodliness and worldly lusts.
The next two verses – V.13-14, give us the “why” of living godly lives – because we should be always looking for the blessed hope / the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, known as the Day of Christ, the rapture of the Church Age saints. Because of what he did for us, we should live our lives unto him. We have been redeemed from all iniquity, and so should purify our lives in submission to his commands and be that peculiar people he has called us to be.
In V,15, we are given the charge to speak the truth, exhort the brethren, and rebuke / chasten those who are not pursuing lives of conformity to Christ. We closed with two verses in Colossians that explain the method with which we are to speak, exhort, and rebuke.
Colossians 4:5-6: Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.