Studying Paul’s Letter to Titus:

Gender roles are becoming an increasingly touchy subject. In Western culture, the conversation around a man or woman’s role within a marriage, family, work, etc., seems to have been silenced. We’re told that these topics are off-limits because they’re offensive.

Taking a deeper look at this shift, has our cultural moment accidentally also prevented or removed intergenerational mentorship as well? Is our politically correct and offended disposition preventing older men and women from teaching this generation what our culture sees as archaic family values? Have we blacklisted many of the gender-specific values that our grandparents held as dated and no longer relevant?

Even though there is strong Biblical evidence to support many of the traditional principles that our grandparents lived by, I believe our desire to follow culture has silenced too many of them. These principles that could and would greatly assist our ability to work, love, and parent effectively, are for some reason, no longer needed.

I can’t help but wonder, are we missing something really important?

Have we made a mistake?

Titus is not politically correct. Chapter 2 of Titus and political correctness do not go hand in hand. Many words found in chapter 2 may be very difficult for our generation to hear. Chapter 2 of Titus and political correctness do not go hand in hand.

The content of Paul’s writing to Titus shakes up the increasingly popular stripping away of gender roles and the cultural rejection of traditional values. Warning, much of Paul’s content may be seen as downright offensive. I think I’ve said enough.

It’s time for you to read and study this passage for yourself. I’ve included some questions for personal or small group reflection. Afterward, scroll down to post your thoughts or share your feelings on your favourite social network. Just please remember to be respectful and not hurtful, in the sharing of your opinions.

Titus 2:1-8

“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. 3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. 6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.”

Study Questions

1. We read “be _________” a lot in this passage. Which “be ________” is the most convicting for you?
2. In your opinion, which “be _________” is ignored the most in Western churches? Why do we shy away from that principle?
3. Paul starts by giving instruction to older men. Do you know any older men that fit Paul’s description? How has their character impacted you?
4. Paul transitions to older women. Do you know any women like this? If so, how have they impacted your life?
5. Lastly, Paul moves on to younger men and women. Who in your life fits these character descriptions?
6. What can you do this week to start surrounding yourself with people of all ages, who fit these character descriptions?
7. Which character trait(s) will you be working on this week? Why did you choose that specific trait for yourself?
8. Throughout this passage is an understanding that older men should mentor younger men, and older women should be mentoring younger women. Who are you mentoring? More importantly, who is mentoring you?

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

How have you seen our culture ignore traditional values?
How have you seen our culture prevent older generations from mentorship?