2:6-8
Young men are to be self-controlled, something which also applied to younger women (2:5). Society encourages young men and women to be out of control, to be rebellious. This is not a Biblical principle. Titus is to encourage them not just by teaching, but also by example. Titus’ teaching is to show “integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech”. We are not to be like the world. We are to lives lives that are above reproach. So that we “cannot be condemned”. They may still try to slander us, but we should ensure that they have no grounds for any attacks on us.
2:9,10
Slaves are to serve their masters with respect. Slavery was an endemic part of society in those days, and was “normal employment” for many. We should note that it is clear that the gospel attracted many slaves, for they are mentioned in a number of Paul’s letters. So the fools who criticise the Bible for “promoting slavery” (it doesn’t) need to explain why, if the gospel was so evil, it proved to be attractive to slaves. The worldly message might be “they are mistreating you, therefore it is OK to steal from them, get a little of your own back”. The gospel was more concerned with our earning self-respect, demonstrating that we are of good character. The aim is to “make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive”.
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