The statement above (or one similar to it) has perhaps been communicated by most everyone at one time or another. An expectation was placed upon us that may have been too high to attain, and so we fell short. Then, the giver of the task was upset or disappointed, and so we respond with, “What do you expect from me?” To “expect” means to, “think or believe fully that something will come to be or happen,” “to look forward with reason or confidence.” Some synonyms are “to anticipate, require or assume.” We know that not everything we expect comes to be or happens. Not everything we expect becomes a reality. Yet, this does not mean that there should never be expectations!
The apostle Paul wrote to Titus to encourage him, to direct him and also to tell him what was expected of him. As a preacher or proclaimer of God’s Word (or as a Christian), there are expectations. Let’s consider Paul’s instruction to Titus in the second chapter of his short letter. Paul began his letter with a common greeting, introducing himself as the writer and also showing the love and personal relationship he had with Titus, “my own son in the common faith” (1:4). Paul then explained the purpose of Titus being left in Crete. It was not for a vacation or to have some alone time, it was to “set in order things that were lacking” among them, to “ordain [designate, appoint] elders in every city [church or congregation]”(v5). Paul then gave some of the qualities or qualifications of those men that should serve as elders of the Lord’s church; other qualifications are found in 1 Timothy 3:1-3. In verses 9-16, Paul touched upon some reasons why these qualities are needful. “That he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers…Whose mouths must be stopped…They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
We, then, come to Paul’s instructions to Titus on what to preach or teach, to whom to preach and teach, what to display to others and the reason for such. Have your Bible open and read the verses given in Titus 2 as we consider each.
What and to Whom to Preach (v. 1-6, 9-10)
Sound doctrine or teaching is to be uncorrupt teaching. The same Greek word for “sound” is translated also as “whole, wholesome or healthy.” Jesus used the word in Luke 5:31. “They that are whole [the idea of healthy] need not a physician; but they that are sick.” For one to be sound, whole or healthy spiritually, there’s a need to preach or teach people where they are. People are in different stages of life. There may be situations or conditions that may make it needful for our approach to be more sensitive or for our delivery to be less or more stern. Our deliverance of the Gospel is not a “one size fits all.” Though the Gospel is certainly for all, not all receive it in the same way or can be taught in the same manner. Those in different seasons of their lives do not respond to the same teaching on any subject the same way. This may be why Paul gave Titus specific instructions for different groups of people.
- Teach the older men to be clear in the mind, honest, self-controlled, not to be corrupt in their teaching, in their faith, their love or their patience.
- Teach the older women to be holy in conduct, not slanderers, not to be enslaved to wine (the only way to avoid this is to abstain), to be proper teachers. Have the older women teach younger women to be sober, love their husbands and children, control self, be modest, be pure, be domestically inclined, be subject to their own husbands.
Look at the reason for this, “that the word of the Lord be not blasphemed” (defamed, spoken of impiously).
- Teach young men to be clear in thought. I believe that this is not the totality of what Titus was to teach the young men. They were to grow into old men, and they were expected to grow to conduct themselves just as the older were to control themselves.
- Teach servants to do what’s required without complaining. We see the one servant with one master relationship. Some people go about their lives trying to please everyone. Paul is trying to get the point across that no matter the situation in one’s life, be sure to live an obedient life without putting up unnecessary barriers. Don’t steal or hold back from them, but have confidence so that one may adorn, garnish or properly recognize the teachings of Christ in all things.
What to Display to Others (v. 7-8)
Titus was told to be a blueprint or pattern for others to see and follow. Is what you preach or teach backed up by how you live? Not in many or most things, but in everything you do! When you teach or preach, make sure it’s sound or correct, honest, genuine and sincere. Make sure that it is beyond condemnation. When held up to God’s Word, one’s teaching must agree with the Word of God! Thereby, if or when someone might condemn it, he or she would be shamed, without a proper or godly defense against you! Christians are to be an example of Christ, shining in the world as a pattern of Christ in their teaching by word or deed (Colossians 3:17) to bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16).
Reason for All These Things (v. 11-14)
The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared through Christ. His teachings and example lead His followers to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously and godly in this life and to watch for His sure return. Paul gave a reminder to Titus to remind others that having been redeemed, forgiven and purified by Christ’s blood, we are to be His special people, zealous for good works (1 Peter 2:9). Paul ended with, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee” (v. 15). The idea here is not to let anyone minimize, downgrade or depreciate what you say! There is certainly more to be gained from these passages! The Bible has all the answers if we were to ask God, “What do you expect from me?”
