Read Daily
Day 22 - Chapter 2 Overview
Titus 2
Matthew Campbell

Questions for reflection:

1. Which part of chapter 2 has most:
   - surprised you
   - encouraged you
   - challenged you
   
   
2. Which verse / verses in chapter 2 cause you encouragement that you should commit to memory? 

Devotion Transcript (Watch on Baptist Youth Youtube Channel)

In chapter 1, we were reminded of why Titus was left in Crete - he was told to put what remained in order. In chapter 1 we were given an indication as to how Titus should do that - he was to establish godly leaders and rebuke false teaching. But, in chapter 2, Paul showed how the responsibility of gospel transformation wouldn’t just involve elders and leaders like Titus; rather it was going to be a whole church project. All Christians, by virtue of their relationship with Christ, would be a part of restoring Crete for the gospel through their new way of life.

This is why chapter 2 begins with Paul addressing different types of people within the church and the role they play in discipleship and witness. Paul addresses older men, older women, younger men, younger women and slaves also. Each of these people groups, just like the elders in chapter 1, are given standards by which they should attempt to live by way of living the life God has called them to.

As you read the chapter you’ll see the call for people within the church to be self controlled, sound in faith, loving, pure, submissive and so on and so forth. In other words, the gospel is to be lived out not just by the elders, but by everyone. Paul is establishing how the gospel affects the nitty gritty of every day life by every day people. Godliness wasn’t, as the Cretans had come to believe, some external blanket which you would cloak yourself with by way of man made rules. No, godliness is a transformation from the inside out. Here, godliness would be visible 24/7, 365 days a year. It was for the whole of life, and for every Christian - not just for a few hours and for a few leaders shut away in church.

But how is this sort of holiness possible? As you read of those Christian virtues that we see in chapter 2 of faith and love and goodness, you would love to be more like that, no doubt - as would I. How is it possible? Well Paul tells us in v11…. ‘For… the grace of God has appeared.’

Paul explains that this holiness is brought about from the gospel itself. Grace is the transforming power that enables holy living to be made possible. The gospel isn’t just the key to your salvation, but also your sanctification. Do you want to live a more holy life? Don’t just make a list of good deeds and try to obey them - that’s what the Cretans did… Rather, remind yourself daily of the gospel of grace - allow it to win your heart and align your heart with that of God’s.