Becoming a Titus 2 Woman

“Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.” Titus 2:3-5

I am so excited to sift through these three verses in Titus 2. I truly believe that one of you has stumbled upon these words at just the right time. God is confirming your next step in discipleship. He is confirming your worth discrediting the daily lies from the enemy.

You have what it takes to Become A Titus 2 Woman. Paul tells us in the opening verse of his letter to Titus, the important job he has to encourage and teach Titus. Titus was experiencing opposition and he himself needed encouragement. There were false teachers “abusing the message of grace” as Warren Wiersbe states. Paul sent that encouragement to Titus to facilitate the raising up of qualified elders in the faith to help shepherd the people. Don’t overlook the organization of the scripture. Paul points to the Word of God first.

Several years ago, I met a lady by the name of Jody. Jody and her family had recently moved into our community, and they instantly became plugged into our local church body. Our personalities linked, and I was inspired by how she did life. I watched how she served her husband, encouraged and disciplined her children, managed her home, and my favorite part-how she prayed. Jody was a prayer warrior and bold with her love for Jesus.

I was a new momma to two boys under the age of 2 working a full-time job. I was exhausted physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. It was intriguing to me that Jody also worked full-time, raising four children, serving in the community as well as the church. She did it with such ease and such grace. One Saturday afternoon, she and I went to Subway for lunch. (No kids by the way. It was genuine adult conversation!) Taking full advantage, I asked her, “How do you keep it all balanced?” She replied, “I try to be a Titus 2 woman.”

A what? (I totally said that in my head.) I was still young in the faith and unaware of the qualifications described in Titus. I nodded my head and acted like it made sense. As soon as I got home, guess what chapter I read? Suddenly as the Holy Spirit began connecting the dots of scripture, revealing the truth, it did begin to make perfect sense.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship to the breaking of bread and the prayers” Romans 2:42

Paul instructs the early followers of Christ to be devoted to the teaching of God’s Word, to fellowship and eat together. His final instructions were to pray together. Talk about opportunities to be transparent. Yet, we must be on guard. Paul continues in chapter one warning Titus to be on alert to false teaching. The false doctrine was spreading within the church and within the city. Paul advises him to appoint elders of the church and then explains the qualifications. People learn by example.

We recently discussed in the Fence Riding Series what it means to be a true disciple of Christ. Today, we are going to expand that concept of being a student of Christ disciplined in learning the teachings and practices of Jesus to include the concept of mentorship. A mentor is an experienced and trusted advisor who leads or trains someone younger. Biblically, we must first be a disciple of Christ before we take on the role of a mentor.

“As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.” Titus 2:1

Begin with sound doctrine-God’s Word-, not public opinion or cultural interpretation. Remember it’s black and white; don’t ride that “gray fence”.

Let’s break apart Titus 2:3-5 with the acronym TITUS.

T      Teachings: “Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God…” Titus 2:3a

Paul instructed Titus to be mindful in promoting sound teaching of the Gospel. With the same attentiveness, we too should be mindful of sound teaching we hear. The sermons, bible studies, and podcasts we infiltrate into our minds should align with the truth of Jesus Christ. Similarly, we should be submissive to the correction and revelation by the Holy Spirit within that teaching. Approaching the teaching of God’s Word with humility allows our lives to reflect honor to God in preparation of Becoming A Titus 2 Woman.

I        Intentional: “… Instead, they should teach others what is good” Titus 2: 3b

Be intentional in teaching what is good. Be an encourager. Omit the horror stories (at first); start with the grace-filled incidences when God showed His faithfulness in your life. Remember, encourage each other today. Don’t wait. (Hebrews 3:13)

T       Train: “These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children…” Titus 2:4

Notice the word “must” in that verse. Paul’s instructions are not optional. It’s vital that we discipline ourselves in the teachings of Jesus, seeking to imitate his character, working toward duplication. As we are learning more about Jesus, we must share Him with others. Train young ladies to live a righteous life with freedom in Christ. We are not called to perfection but purpose. Train other ladies to live in the shadow of God’s wings. (Psalm 57:1)

U      Unite: “to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes.” Titus 2: 5a

Unity must occur in order. Be in unity with God, husbands, and then the family (immediate and extended). Proverbs 9:11 tells us to live wisely because it will extend our lives. How do we get wisdom? James tells us to ask God. He
freely offers it. (James 1:5)
Work in your homes. Your home should be a place of encouragement for your husband, your family and open extending hospitality to the church body. At all times, our homes should be available for ministry.

S       Submissive: “to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands” Titus 2:5b

Submission is not for the weak but for the strong. By submitting to God, we are dying to ourselves, for the sake of the cross. By having a submissive heart to God, being in union with Him, submissiveness to our husbands and those in authority will become natural and effortless. The overflow of our hearts will indeed spill out of our mouths and through our hands. (Luke 6:45)

By following the TITUS acronym, Paul says in at the end of Titus 2:5, “…Then they will not bring shame on the Word of God.”

The result of our obedience is honoring God and His Word. Our teaching, intentionality, training, desire for unity, and submissiveness will point others to the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.

Time to Unfold

Seek God first.
Pray.
Read His Word.
Follow the TITUS acronym Becoming a Titus 2 Woman.

Seeking Him,