My God and My Country

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to Titus Chapter Two

1 But speak thou the things which become wholesome doctrine,

2 That the elder men be watchful, grave, temperate, sound in the faith, in love, and in patience:

3 The elder women likewise, that they be in such behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not subject to much wine, but teachers of honest things.

4 That they may instruct the young women to be sober minded, that they love their husbands, that they love their children,

5 That they be temperate, chaste, keeping at home, good and subject unto their husbands, that the word of God be not evil spoken of.

6 Exhort young men likewise, that they be sober minded.

7 In all things show thyself an example of good works with uncorrupt doctrine, with gravity, integrity,

8 And with the wholesome word, which cannot be condemned, that he which withstandeth, may be ashamed, having nothing concerning you to speak evil of.

9 Let servants be subject to their masters, and please them in all things, not answering again,

10 Neither pickers, but that they show all good faithfulness, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

11 For that grace of God, that bringeth salvation unto all men, hath appeared,

12 And teacheth us, that we should deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and that we should live soberly and righteously, and godly in this present world,

13 Looking for that blessed hope, and appearing of that glory of that mighty God, and of our Savior Jesus Christ.

14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purge us to be a peculiar people unto himself, zealous of good works.

15 These things speak, and exhort, and convince with all authority. See that no man despise thee.

Editor’s thoughts:

Verses 1-8 - These passages emphasize the qualities needed to have an effective and truly faith-based church. Starting with the pastor's duties with speaking things of sound doctrine which are proper and noble, thereby showing himself to an example unto his flock.

Secondly, Paul speaks on how elder members of the congregation should behave. This being with reverence to God first, and then all others. That is to say, to fulfill the first two commandments; love God, love each other. Such actions can be used for exhortations, or reproofs, but must always be done with patience and love for they are instructions to those that walk behind those that have already trodden the paths before them.

Now it is understood that we men and women are mere flesh and are subject to all divers of anger at offenses whether they be real or perceived. However, brethren, let us lay aside our anger when it rises up to the surface. Remember, we are first called to share the Gospel, and secondly, to live it as best we may able.

Verses 8-9 - This was a time when servants, were usually in the form of slaves, but not always so. Therefore we must bear in mind that while we do not practice such today, the fact that there are those that do serve others, passages still applies. This can also be extended to employers. Therefore, pastors, elders, and congregational members; exhort, encourage all who serve in one capacity or another to always do all that they work at to do as unto our Creator for this is right, and just in His eyes.

Verses 11-14 - We are saved by the loving Grace of our Creator, and has now been made available for all peoples to accept. Remember always friends, that God is righteous and holy, and so it is our requirement to emulate both of theses aspects of His nature. Likewise remember that because He so loves us, we His creation that He was will to sacrifice all for us that we might be redeemed unto to Him.

Verse 15 - A renewing of verses 1, and 7. Speak to teach the Gospel, speak to exhort/encourage, speak to reprove/correct. And in all speech do so from God’s word