Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Titus 2:3 NIV
Paul’s letter to Titus begins with his characteristic greetings, stating his service to God and purpose to develop the faith of fellow believers. He continues, instructing Titus to appoint elders to the church in Crete who are self-controlled and upright, loving what is good. Stating his awareness of the corruption of the Cretans, Paul encourages Titus to sharply rebuke false teachers and troublemakers.
In chapter two of Titus, Paul gives instructions on teaching what is appropriate to sound doctrine. For the sake of living the gospel of Christ, Paul encourages Titus to teach what is good as godly behavior. He writes in Titus 2:2, “that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance. WEB” Rather than slaves to sin, Paul encourages Titus to teach the Cretans to live in obedience to God in righteousness.
Out of the Heart
Similarly, the elder women of the church are to teach what is good to the younger women. First, they are to show reverence for God in the way they live. To accomplish this, Paul instructs Titus to teach the older women to forego any slanderous speech. This means turning away from any tendency for malicious gossip and toward the love of one another commanded by Christ. Among other sins, Christ taught that slander defiles a person, saying in Matthew 15:19, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts – murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. NIV”
Further, as with the elder men, Titus is tasked with teaching temperance and sober mindedness to the elder women. This means that they are not to drink wine in excess. Altogether, Paul instructs Titus to teach the elders the responsibility of being good role models for the church assembly. To teach what is good, we must personally practice the righteousness taught by the gospel message of Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the example of our faithful elders. Thank you for the instruction of your holy word. Help me to live an upright life according to your will. Guide me with your word to do your will. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Don’t Be Anxious
