Welcome to the Titus 2 Forum!
At first glance, the verses pertaining to women in Titus 2 seem very direct. In verses 3-5, Paul is clear in his directive to Titus regarding the spiritual development of the women under his leadership. After encouraging Titus to teach and instruct the older men, he then tells him to "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to too much wine, but to teach what is good"(v. 3). Titus is to begin with the older women, and he has been given a specific goal: teach them.
When we look carefully at Paul's instructions to Titus, we see he is to focus on four areas. The women must learn to be reverent in the way they live, not to slander, not to drink too much wine, and they are to teach what is good. Let's look at these a little more closely.
Reverence - 1. honor or respect felt or shown: DEFERENCE esp : profound adoring awed respect 2. a gesture of respect (as a bow) SYN: honor
(Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10th ed.)
So, what does the directive to "be reverent in the way they live" mean in light of the definition above? I love the synonym suggested: honor. I believe Paul's greatest hope for the older women was for them to live lives that honored God and those around them. I don't believe he suggests any kind of lip service. The women should live a life of honor. That's every day, in every way. That's honoring God, their husbands, their children, and everyone around them consistently. It isn't about a day of honor, but a lifetime of it!
Slander is addressed next, I think, for good reason. It's not surprising that women, who have a great many words available at all times, need a reminder about how to use them. How easily words escape, and how impossible it is to collect them again! Words to encourage and show care are often fewer than words that weaken and wound. I'm sure I'm not the only one to take freedom of speech in our nation to levels which were never intended. It's clear that how we use our words is important, and I believe it's in preparation for what the latter verses tell us to do for others on a daily basis.
The part about being "addicted to too much wine" has been a sort of sticking point between God-loving people for years. There's no need to stir that pot here, but can we all agree that it says "too much wine" in the verse? These words suggest that there is a level beyond what is acceptable, and that is "too much", and that is what he is addressing. I believe being in control of our thoughts, words, and actions will always be much easier and much more likely when not under the influence of certain substances. Any more that could be said is not for now or here.
Titus' fourth focus is to teach the older women to "teach what is good." Firstly, in order to teach what is good, they must know what is good. If we plug this into our lives today, I believe it is our own personal responsibility to be sure we know what is good. We have pastors, teachers, our Bibles, reference materials, and other wise women in our lives. All of these resources are intended to be used in our growth. We are to know what is good. But, then we are to teach what is good! When we have been taught, we are to share that wisdom and truth with other women.
Verse 4 reveals the shift we saw coming. The older women will be empowered to do something fantastic! When all four of the things mentioned are addressed and part of the fabric of the older women's lives, they will be able to "train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands"(v. 4,5). There is a simple reason all of this can come about. When all four of the first things mentioned are in place, the older women will already be living out all they are about to teach to others.
A whole generation matures and matures the next generation, who, in turn, matures the next. This is the exciting plan put in place for all of us to grow to know who God is, and how to live our lives in an honoring way for Him. The key thing to remember is we need to do it TOGETHER! Our really awesome God never intended for any of us to live our lives alone, or try to become more like Him alone. He knew we were social creatures because He made us that way. He also knew the collective truth and wisdom and maturity among many would yield amazing results!
So, how about it? Are you in? Are you wondering where you are right now with the older woman-younger woman thing? Not sure where you fit, or if you have anything to offer at all? I have a secret I've been waiting to share: none of us knows everything, and all of us know something. Does that help? Wherever you are on the road, there is someone ahead of you. Look to her for wisdom and guidance, if it's appropriate. There is also someone behind you. Turn around and share with her what you can. Not standing next to someone with all the answers? Pray! See if He won't teach you personally, or provide a special someone He wants to work through in your life. Either way, none of us is left alone!
Welcome to the wonderful world of women growing together!
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