These small group studies of Titus contain outlines, cross-references, Bible study discussion questions, and applications. Visit our library of inductive Bible studies for more in depth inductive studies on this and other books of the Bible you can use in your small group.
Titus 2:1-5 Bible Study Commentary and Discussion Questions – Various Roles In The Church
Titus 2:1-5 Bible Study Video
Titus 2:1-5 Podcast
Outline
I. Teach sound doctrine (1)
II. Older men (2)
III. Women (3-5)
I. Teach sound doctrine (1)
Discussion Questions
• What was Titus supposed to do in the churches?
• How can a person make sure the doctrine he teaches is sound?
• How can a teacher evaluate and improve his teaching?
Cross-References
2 Timothy 4:2-4 – Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.
1 Timothy 6:3 – If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Teach what accords with sound doctrine – Titus was charged by Timothy to teach “sound doctrine.” In the dictionary, doctrine is defined as “a belief or set of practices held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group.”
In essence, Paul is telling Titus that he should teach and that his teachings should be accurate. Sound doctrine helps form a solid foundation for the church to build on.
Paul devoted much energy in his letters to exposing and refuting false teaching (unsound doctrine). He did not want Titus to be led astray into any heresies. If Titus gave bad instruction, those in the churches he ministered to would also be negatively influenced by it.
Paul gave many similar warnings to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:4-7).
1 Timothy 1:3-4 – So that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.
As a shepherd, it was Titus’ responsibility to teach. The sheep needed to be fed. A shepherd does not just tell the sheep, “Go feed yourself.” He guides them to the pasture.
Teaching is necessary and useful (2 Timothy 3:16-17). But the teacher should be careful that what he is teaching is sound (James 3:1).
2. How can a person ensure he is teaching sound doctrine?
A teacher is responsible for ensuring that the teaching is accurate and will not lead anyone astray. It is a serious thing. A doctor cannot randomly prescribe medicine. He needs to make sure that it is the right medicine. An architect cannot haphazardly make up a blueprint. Precise math and measurements are necessary.
Giving counsel to others in the form of teaching can influence lives. It can affect whom a person marries, what career he chooses, how he educates his children, and a million other aspects of life.
Reflect – How can a person ensure he is teaching sound doctrine?
Here are a few practical questions you can ask yourself.
• Is this just my opinion or is it a Biblical truth? – Our opinions are not always sound.
• Am I adding or taking away from Scripture? – Let the plain words of Scripture be your guide.
• Does my teaching agree with major Christian creeds? – Godly believers in history carefully examined Scripture and wrote several documents (creeds) listing many fundamental doctrines of the faith.
• Is my teaching something new that the church never taught before? – While it is possible that you may have a new angle on some passage that no one has ever preached or written about before, it is very unlikely. Solomon said that there is nothing new under the sun. Most “new” teachings are spurious.
• Am I submitting myself and my teaching to the oversight of a godly group of Biblically-appointed elders? – God established the office of eldership for a reason. A plurality of elders provides safety in that they can keep each other and the church accountable. Where one person may stray from sound doctrine (due to emotion, being deceived, or some other reason), it is less likely that a group of mature elders will all fall for that false teaching.
Application – Regularly evaluate your own teaching to make sure that you are not straying from the Word. Commit yourself to a Biblical church where the teaching is sound.
II. Older men (2)
Discussion Questions
• What age do you think counts as an older man?
• Why do you think Paul lists out these specific qualities as being important for an older man?
• What do we see in these verses about what makes up a healthy church?
• How is an older man’s example of steadfastness important for the church?
• How could you use this verse to encourage an older man who might think that he is not important in the church?
Cross-References
Proverbs 16:31 – Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.
Proverbs 20:29 – The glory of young men is their strength,
but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. Everyone has a role in the church – The book of Titus is a pastoral letter in which Paul instructs Titus in many aspects of church life. In chapter 1, he described the role of elder and the type of person who is qualified for that job. In chapter 2, he describes many other roles in the church.
A healthy church is not just about having healthy leadership. Every person has a unique role to play. Each member of the church is vital. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul compares the church to a body. A body has many parts, all working together for the same goal. And a church is the same.
If your throat is sore, you are sick. If you have circulation problems, it affects the whole body. If you have spine pain, it limits your mobility. The feet are not more important than the hands, and the eyes are not more important than the mouth. A healthy body requires all parts to carry out their own roles properly.
Likewise, every category of people in the church is vital to the overall health and function of a thriving church body. Paul talks about old men, young men, old women, young women, and even slaves.
Application – Know that you have an important role in the church. Do not be passive, expecting that the leaders will do all the work and you need only spectate. You have a job to do and your job is important. Do you know what it is?
2. What is older? – Paul starts with old men. Remember that Paul is writing to Titus and not directly to the church congregation. It would be Titus’ job to bring these words of encouragement to the various people in the church.
The age of “older men” is not clearly defined. Is it 75 or 40? And are you an older man?