“But as for you [Titus], speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: Titus 2:1.

“Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Titus 2:6-8.

The post Quiet Witness, Part 1 began with Titus 2:1 and extended through verse 3 with the intention that Titus identify the characteristics of mature older men and older women.

Titus 2:4-5 covered in Quiet Witness, Part 2 shows us that the older women would in turn teach the younger women skills and godliness, this study brings us to the end of the sentence Titus 2:1-5.

This next section, Quiet Witness, Part 3 begins with Titus 2:6-8 above says, “Likewise exhort the young men…” this means that Titus is now to turn his attention to the young men as he was the older men in Titus 2:1, allow me to put these two verses together for clarification.

“But as for you [Titus], speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men…” “Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded…” Titus 2:1-2a and 6.

Let us now consider the word “sober-minded” in verse 6 above.

One Bible marginal translates this phrase in this manner, urge young men to be self-controlled. Generally, this seems to be translated self-controlled, another word is sedate.

Another phrase from Phillips New Testament says a lot, “… young men, too, you should urge to take life seriously”.

Young men drive too fast, drink too much, take too many risks, associate with the wrong sort of people who get into mischief and take drugs.

Granted, if these are non-Christians they will be harder to reach with this message.

Christians, however, need to be given the message of self-control to save their minds from drugs, bodies from being maimed, or their lives lost.

This is serious stuff, there is a meme that expresses this well:

“Never regret being old, it is a privilege denied to many.”

God has a plan for every Christian’s life, let us live it.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.

“Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Titus 2:6-8.

Notice above that the Apostle Paul tells Titus to “exhort the young men to be sober-minded”, yet in the next phrase Paul tells Titus, “…in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works”.

It is likely that Titus was not too much older than what is called the younger men in one translation. For this reason, he is told to be, in all things a pattern of good works before the young men.

Just as we see the mature older women teaching the young women skills and godliness which are received because the young women recognize the wisdom of these older women in Titus 2:4-5.

Likewise, we see Titus setting the same examples of good works.

He is “in doctrine showing integrity…” the doctrine Titus was to teach is that which is true to the word of God, not corrupted by vain speculations.

Showing good works in “reverence” the word “gravity” is used here in the King James Version. Titus’ good works should be done with “reverence”, dignity, venerableness. The pattern here is quite like the things the older men were supposed to exhibit.

Titus in his pattern of good works was also to display “incorruptibility” which is to preach a doctrine which was free from taint. Too many men try to mix Scripture with the world’s philosophies.

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8.

The world can be a good place to learn mathematics, writing, engineering, how to garden, or raise chickens, but when it comes to living a good life, most of the teachers are lost themselves. The deceitful ones lie, and lie, and lie to drag you down to hell with them.

God gave us a user’s manual called the Holy Bible. Read the New Testament first, more than once if need be, but pay attention, God is speaking to you.

Finally in Titus’ list of good works is shown below.

“…sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” Titus 2:8.

“…sound speech”, whether in public or private must be healthy speech. Today as in years past, there will always be people who seize on speculative or profane speech to criticize pastors or elders, even individuals at work. Caution must be taken to maintain sound speech.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14.

“The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant.” Proverbs 15:26.

Quiet Witness, Part 3 taken from godisrevealed.com posted on 11-25-24 ck.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version, copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission, all rights reserved.