Titus 2:1-2 (NLT)

1But as for you, promote the kind of living that reflects right teaching. 2Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have strong faith and be filled with love and patience.

Paul was speaking to Titus and giving him instruction for the older men of the church. These older men were to set examples for the younger men to follow. He said these older men needed to exercise self-control, have strong faith and be filled with love and patience. The object was to be worthy of respect and live out their lives wisely.


Peter gave a very good point that is useful to the concept Paul was trying to teach Titus in 2 Peter 1:6-7, “Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Peter explains there is a growing process that starts with knowing God. As you start to who God is, you gain self-control of your flesh that always wants to take over and lead you towards sin. Once you know you are capable of self-control, and then you find endurance to persevere and weather through the trials to become godlier in your walk with God; your Christian walk becomes stronger and your love for people reaches out and becomes real. You then fulfill your purpose that Christ called you to as one of His own. Have you started to walk in self-control with the Lord? Are you growing in godliness? Pray that the Lord may give you the self-control you need in your life to make it through each day. Ask Him to strengthen you that you may be an example to others. Pray that the flesh may not grow weak when temptations come. Praise God for the victories in battle against sin.