that older men should be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, love, and endurance. Titus 2:2 NABRE
Titus is a Gentile disciple of Paul’s who has been sent to Crete (or perhaps has gone with Paul) to help bring leaders to the community. Paul provides the pastoral directives for the various states of the Christian life; older men, older women, younger men, salves and all Christians. Paul grounds his counsel in the redeeming grace of Christ who gave Himself that His people might be holy. Though one of Paul’s shortest letters it provides a rich source of wisdom for all Christians, especially ministers. Titus played a key role in Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles. When Paul went to Jerusalem to discuss what is needed of a Gentile convert, he took Titus with him as a collaborator, a role he continued until the end of Paul’s life. Paul describes in this section of the letter with the quoted verse what living as a Christian means in various stages of life. Looking at the older men, Paul stresses that sobriety is important, one must be sober to bear fruit in prudence, levelheadedness and the ability to make sound decisions, particularly applying life experience. To have dignity and self-control means older men should be worthy of honor and respect, not merely because of their age but because they are examples to the young and to non-Christians. As Paul writes often we must contain faith, love and endurance, with endurance being the hallmark of hope.
The first three qualities come naturally to the elderly, yet faith, love and endurance are particularly Christian and may become more difficult with age. As we age we become impatient, fearful and anxious. It is good to practice these three virtues throughout life so as we age we have more hope than fear.
What do you think Christian values include? Do you work to achieve these values?
As we age we become impatient, fearful and anxious. It is good to practice these three virtues, faith love and endurance throughout life so as we age we have more hope than fear. Click To Tweet#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #faith #hope #Paul #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #Matthew #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways