You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
- Titus 2:1-2
As we begin the second chapter of Paul's letter to Titus, there is a shift in focus from confronting false teachers to cultivating Godly character in the household of faith. Titus 2 begins with a charge to teach "what is appropriate to sound doctrine" and quickly moves into a list of practical instructions, beginning with older men.
Paul wrote the letter to Titus, his trusted co-worker and spiritual son, to instruct him on how to set things in order within the churches on the island of Crete. In chapter 1, Paul warned of false teachers, those who professed to know God but denied Him by their actions. These false teachers were leading entire households astray with meaningless talk and deceptive practices. Now, Paul gives Titus a better way: to teach what accords with sound doctrine and promote behavior that reflects the gospel.
Verse 1 begins with a contrast from what came before it. Titus’s mission is to be the opposite of the actions of the false teachers described in chapter 1. While they engage in speculation and deception, Titus must be committed to sound doctrine: teaching that is healthy, pure, and life-giving.
In many modern contexts, the word doctrine has fallen out of favor. It may conjure images of dusty theology books or cold intellectualism. But to Paul, doctrine is deeply personal and practical. It’s not just what we believe, but how those beliefs shape the way we live. Sound doctrine produces godliness (Titus 1:1), promotes good works (Titus 2:7, 14), and guards against false teaching.
Paul uses a Greek imperative (“you must teach”) to emphasize the urgency and importance of Titus’s role. This is not optional; it is a command. In a society confused by lies, the church must be anchored in truth. Titus is to stand firm and lead with integrity, clarity, and courage.
In verse 2, Paul begins his instructions to various groups in the church by addressing older men. Why start here? Because in Greco-Roman society, and in many cultures today, older men often carry influence. When they set a Godly example, their lives become a template for the younger generation to follow.
Paul highlights six characteristics in this verse, and the first is to be temperate. This means to be sober-minded and vigilant. It includes moderation in behavior, especially avoiding overindulgence in alcohol or anything that clouds judgment. Older men to be clear-headed and steady. They are to set the tone for spiritual maturity. Today’s culture, however, glorifies youth, instant gratification, and escapism. Older men in the church must resist these pressures. Whether it’s alcohol, entertainment, or workaholism, temperance remains a vital virtue. A temperate man is one who can be trusted, who is present, and who leads with wisdom.
The next characteristic is to be worthy of respect. This refers to dignity, honor, and living in such a way that others admire your integrity. It's not about being stern or distant, but about commanding respect through consistent, upright behavior. Respect is not demanded; it is earned. Older men who show faithfulness in marriage, humility in leadership, and integrity in business or community affairs model a gospel-centered life. In a cynical world, the church needs men whose lives are credible testimonies to the power of Christ.
The third characteristic is to be self-controlled, which is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and a recurring theme in Titus. It speaks to mastery over desires, impulses, and passions. Whether in managing emotions, finances, speech, or sexuality, self-control is critical. For older men, it shows that maturity is not just about age but about spiritual formation. The church is healthiest when its leaders demonstrate mastery over themselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Then, Paul transitions from behavioral to spiritual virtues. To be “sound in faith” is to have a healthy, robust trust in God, a faith that is tested and refined by time and trials. Younger believers often look to older saints for guidance in seasons of uncertainty. Do older men in the church model confidence in God’s promises? Are they grounded in Scripture, or wavering in the face of cultural shifts? Sound faith doesn’t mean perfect understanding, but a settled trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty.
The next characteristic is to be sound in love. Paul calls older men to remain steadfast in love, not just emotional affection, but sacrificial, Christlike love. This love should be visible in their relationships with spouses, children, church members, and even strangers. Sometimes, older men may feel sidelined or underappreciated in the church. Yet their love, when expressed in mentoring, service, hospitality, or intercessory prayer, becomes a powerful witness. Churches thrive when older members are known not just for what they did in the past but for how they love in the present.
The last characteristic Paul lists for older men is to be sound in endurance. This implies steadfastness under pressure. Life inevitably brings disappointment, loss, or health challenges. Paul urges older men not to give up or grow cold, but to press on with hope. This virtue may be one of the most needed today. In a throwaway culture that idolizes comfort and success, enduring faith is countercultural. Older men who have walked through suffering with grace give the church a vision of faith that holds fast through storms.
All of this is still relevant for the Church today. Teaching truth must lead to transformed lives, as evidenced by these character traits (and others). The Church needs role models today who are worthy of being looked up to by the younger generations. Discipleship and spiritual fruitfulness are not just for the younger seasons of life but should continue for our entire lives.
When the church teaches sound doctrine and encourages Godly character, it becomes a beacon of truth in a dark world. No matter your age, God is not done with you. No matter what your role is in life or in the Church, teach and live the truth of God’s Word in all that you do.
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