Titus 2:1-8 - The measure of maturity
The measure for
Sober minded: nēphalios = temperate, not given to any extremes in behavior
Dignified: semnos = worthy of respect, honorable
Self-controlled: sōphrōn = control over one’s passions and desires
“In a culture that encourages men to indulge their every desire, self-control is a radical message.” - Tony Evans
A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.
- Proverbs 25:28
…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. - 2 Corinthians 10:5
“The word example (tpos) literally means an impress of a die, and hence in a metaphorical sense an ‘example’. The exhortations of Titus would carry no weight unless backed by the pattern of his life.” - Donald Guthrie
The measure for
reverent in behavior: hieroprepēs = reverent or pious, godly
not slanderers: diabolos = devli, devilish
slaves to much wine: duoluō = to enslave, to bind
“The Christian home was a totally new thing, and young women saved out of paganism would have to get accustomed to a whole new set of priorities and privileges.”
- Warren Wiersbe
self-controlled: sōphrōn (v.2) = control over one’s passions and desires
pure: hagnos = pure (of mind and heart), innocent, without defect
working at home: oikourgos = busy at home, diligently caring for the home
kind: agathos = good, goodness
submissive: hypotassō = to submit, to subordinate, to arrange under
“The Bible does not permit a husband to have a ‘Me dictator, you doormat’ mentality. All persons in the Christian community are required to submit to proper authorities in their lives (Eph. 5:21). This does not give anyone the right to be unfair, selfish, or abusive. Rather, a husband is to love his wife ‘as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her’ (Eph. 5:25).” - Kent Hughes
“We need a transformed and transferred faith, and this occurs as we all shape and sanctify each other in the church under healthy teaching from God’s Word (i.e. sound doctrine).” - Tony Evans