Continuing with our study of Paul's letter to Titus, a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ and reliable leader of the Cretan church, we now find out about the fundamentals of any church claiming to be that of Christ.

Calling on preachers to teach the word, the apostle mentions the doctrine, from the Greek "didaskalia" which means "teaching, learning" and refers to the word of God.

"1 You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine." (Titus 2:1)

Here the word "sound" also means "healthy" which is used by Paul throughout his letters, and found on five occasions in this letter. Then Paul calls on Titus and other Cretan church leaders, typically men over 50 years old to encourage character traits in tune with that of Christ Himself.

"2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance." (Titus 2:2)

The apostle then addresses women calling on them to be examples for younger women by teaching them what is good. The younger women in turn will then be able to teach others to be righteous wives and mothers, raising children in the light.

"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 train 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." (Titus 2:3-5)

In his letter to Titus Paul writes about submission by Christian wives to their husbands, a popular and important command found throughout the word. By submitting to their husbands Christian wives prevent "blasphēmeo", Greek for "defamation" of the word of God.

Paul then calls on the young men within the Cretan church to be self-controlled, that they should be taught according to the word. Reminding Titus that teachers should be blameless Paul mentions teaching of the young men should be accompanied by sound speech which could not be criticized.

"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." (Titus 2:6-8)

When this letter was written, around A.D. 63 slavery was common, as such Paul addresses slaves, many of which were among the first converts and calls on them to be example of faith as they follow in Jesus' footsteps. By living according to the word Christian slaves would draw their masters toward the truth and the light.

"9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive." (Titus 2:9-10)

Bringing together all men, masters and servants alike, Paul now mentions both appearances of Jesus Christ on earth. The fits when He delivered us by grace as He died on the cross, shedding His blood for our sins, and by His death we could live.

The second appearance, the "blessed hope" is the second coming of Christ.

"11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (Titus 2:11-14)

Encouraging Titus and other Cretan church leaders to teach with authority, Paul also calls on teachers to rebuke those who do not abide by the word of God.

"15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you." (Titus 2:15)

Through sound teaching, and rebuking in love church leaders would not be despised which is essential in advancing the gospel.

In these verses Paul calls on Titus and all church leaders to teach the word and to do so with Christ like character and a loving heart. The apostle lays out the importance of self-control and otherwise exemplary lives for all men and women without exception. The same commands apply today, to all Christians young and old. Let's pray!