Scripture

Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticised. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

Observation

Titus is to teach older men to exercise self-control and to live wisely. Similarly, the older women must not slander others or drink heavily. They are to train the younger women to love their husbands and children, and to submit to their husbands.

Titus should encourage the young man to also live wisely. He should be the good example to them by doing good deeds, and teaching the truth so that nobody can criticise him or Paul.

Application

Nowadays, teaching truth does not guarantee freedom from criticism. Preachers (and others) who point out that the Bible condemns homosexuality or that women are biologically different to men are likely to get roasted.

Nevertheless, as followers of Jesus, who is the way, the Truth, and the Life, we must commit ourselves to following and proclaiming the truth wherever we are.

The gospel has never been popular because it threatens those whose status and income are dependent on either their own sins or the sins of others. When we tell people that their lifestyle is not acceptable to God and they need to repent, then we can expect hostility.

Being unpopular does not make the gospel wrong. In the end, it is only God’s opinion that matters.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to keep my eyes fixed on you, the source of all truth. Amen