27: Adorning the Doctrine of God (Tit 2:1-15)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

As we have seen in our last lesson, Titus’ immediate responsibility was to appoint elders and guard the church against false teachings. The next task Titus had to do was to speak things that befit sound doctrine and this refers to teaching each group of members to cultivate spiritual virtues and fulfill their roles in the home. Paul laid out to Titus what he had to teach, why he had to teach and how to teach the believers.

B.     Key Verse

            “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (2:11-12).

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(2:1-10)

(2:2)

(2:3)

(2:4-5)

(2:6)

(2:7-8)

(2:9-10)

(2:11-14)

(2:15)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. Segment Analysis

A.     2:1-10

1. List all the ethical requirements for each group of members. If needed, explain their meaning and think of present-day applications

1a. Older men

1b. Older women

1c. Young women

1d. Young men

1e. Bondservants

2. What are the objectives of these ethical requirements? (5,8,10)

3. What kind of example does Titus have to show and why?

4. How would you explain to someone the meaning of these terms?

4a. Sober (also translated as sensible, discreet, self-controlled; 2,5,6,12)

4b. Reverent (2,3)

5. Where else in the Bible is the topic on bondservants mentioned?

6. How can we apply the teachings on bondservants to today’s context?

7. In what sense can our lives “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior”?

8. Which of the groups mentioned in this passage do you belong to? Think about how to apply the teachings to that specific group to your own life.

B.     2:11-15

9. How do verses 11-14 relate to the previous paragraph?

10. According to this paragraph, in what ways does the saving grace of God motivate us to live godly lives?

11. God’s redeemed people ought to be “zealous for good works” (14). Is such zeal lacking in your life? What kind of good works should you start actively carrying out?

12a. How is Titus supposed to teach?

12b. Distinguish between exhortation and rebuke.

12c. “With all authority” (15). What is this authority based on?