Titus 2:7-8

Titus 2

7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Titus two teaches a very important concept. It talks about the older men teaching the younger men and the older women teaching the younger women how to live godly lives. I think verses seven and eight are the culmination of those commands in the preceding verses.

We are to be a model of good works in everything we do (vs. 7). Our lives should consistently be something that others can look to when they aren’t sure what to do or what appropriate behavior is or how they should respond to a situation.

We are to have integrity (doing what’s right when no on is watching) and dignity (self-respect and worth) (vs. 7). We are not to be tossed to and fro when others tempt us, simply jumping on the bandwagon to their sin. And we are to know our worth in Christ, not caving to the lies of the devil when he attacks our value as a person.

We should have sound speech that cannot be condemned (vs. 8). Not only should our speech be wholesome, but it shouldn’t be anywhere close to what is unwholesome, so that it isn’t confused for sinful or as a bad attitude. Err on the side of caution with your words; make sure they are meaningful and that they reflect the person of Christ.

The last half of verse 8 says so that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. People are watching- especially if they know you go to church or claim the title of a Christian. I think generally, we haven’t done a good job at this verse. When we are hypocritical, judgmental, or exclusive, we give others the opportunity to condemn us. We must be on guard, aware that others will watch what we do. Be sure to live above reproach- in a way that fault cannot be found in us (not that we are perfect, but that we are aiming to reflect the nature of Christ).