David Kinnaman, now president of Barna Group says, we must persuade younger Christians that evangelism is an essential practice of following Jesus,” He stated, “The study Barna Group conducted highlights a need for Christians to bolster their confidence in certain convictions—among them, the belief that “evangelizing others is good and worthy of our time, energy and investment.” The data showed huge ambivalence among Millennials, in particular, sharing of their faith with others. Many Millennials are unsure about the actual practice of evangelism. Almost half of Millennials (47%) agree to some degree that it is wrong to share one’s personal beliefs with someone of a different faith.” (Unquote) This is at the core of the problem in today’s church. We have failed to understand the power of personal witness and one’s spiritual lifestyle. This passage is so important for our time especially for our young people.

Statistics bear out the importance of personal witness. Approximately ninety percent of all people surveyed as to how they came to know Jesus Christ pointed to a personal witness. It was a friend, a relative – somebody whose life impacted their life. Less than ten percent of the people who come to Christ come because of something other than a personal witness. Dr. MacArthur wrote a book addressing the issue of how the church does effective evangelism. He stated that all the mass media, television, radio; all the evangelistic methods; crusades; musical concerts, etc. to spread the gospel cannot overcome the equally massive display of ineffective, negative testimony that is demonstrated by true Christians who sin publicly and shamefully”. What a powerful truth. Paul is conveying to Titus to teach young people the value of a good and godly personal testimony. He begins…

I. The Young Women (vv. 4-5)

1. Paul’s instruction here to Titus was not to make it his ministry to teach the young women directly. Instead, he was to encourage the older women to teach the young women. It means that it was inappropriate for Titus to make the young women a focus of his ministry. If there was to be a young women Bible Study group, Titus should appoint a senior woman to teach it. Through the counsel and discipleship of senior women, the young women are able to possess and portray these needed characteristics.

They are to be: Sober that is temperate and moderate. It is the opposite of over-indulgence in anything such as eating, drinking, recreation, or whatever. To Love their Husbands the word is (phileo) actually stresses affection, care, tenderness, warmth, and feelings. The young wife is to have affection for her husband. To Love their Children, she is to love and care for the children. To be Discreet, this is the same as temperate, sober-minded, self-controlled and disciplined, able to curb one’s desires.

2. The mandates continue for these elderly ladies to teach them to be Chaste that is pure morally and sexually; to be pure in thought and act. They were to teach them to be Keepers at Home or to be a good homemaker. It was Dr. Oliver B. Greene who once said, “This does not mean that the wife is never to go out of the home, never to take part in any outside interests; but she is not to neglect the duties of the home. Moms are usually the glue that holds families together. So they were not to become lazy or slothful.

3. Good – of the highest quality and character; virtuous; kind, good natured and caring. However, goodness isn’t always easy in a world that distorts the profile between good and evil, it is the older women to teach the younger to be good. There is no vice, no dirt or pollution in her life; she is pure and clean, of the highest character.

Obedient to their Husbands –this would better translates- to submit to her husband in accordance to the plan of God for the home. The Greek word for obedient is (hypotassō) this word was a Greek military term. Its meaning was “to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader”. In non-military use, it was “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden”.

She is not a slave to her husband, but readily looks to him for guidance and leadership within the home especially in spiritual matters. Along with instruction for the young women, Paul also revealed what was needed in the character of young men.

II. The Young Men (Vv. 6-8)

1. They were to be Sober Minded; this we notice to be a common trait for all; it is for a young man to have good judgment, and self-control. Be… a Pattern of good Works that is to make an impression with a die, to mold or form, to strike an impression. Titus was to set a godly example for others to see, making an impression. In doctrine showing incorruptness or integrity: Titus had to be an example in doctrinal stability and integrity.

2. Gravity is to exhibit dignity and seriousness. They must approach the ministry and the function of preaching and teaching with dignity and seriousness. Sincerity this is one who has genuineness; the word seems to have the meaning of purity and incorruptness.
Sound in Speech – The word “sound” means healthy and whole. The message must be true to God’s Word, for only God’s Word can make people sound, healthy, and whole.

III. The Bondservants Vv. 6-10

1. Titus was to teach bondservants about their specific duties as Christians. In the ancient world, Christians upset the culture by combining the slaves and masters in the social setting of the church service. Charles Haddon Spurgeon commented, “I do not think for a moment Paul believed that the practice of slavery ought to exist. He believed to the fullest extent that the great principles of Christianity would overthrow slavery anywhere, and the sooner they did so the better pleased would he be; but, for the time being, as it was the custom to have slaves, they must adorn the doctrine of God their Savior in the position in which they were.” (unquote)

2. I think it necessary to give this commentary but know this. The issue in this passage is not addressing the situation of slavery it simply says that if you are a bond slave to live your life to demonstrate the power of God no matter the circumstance’s. Slavery was a part of life in the Old Testament and of the New Testament. Scripture regulates it very carefully and then the Lord and the apostles used slavery as a pattern for spiritual instruction by likening the Christian who belongs to Christ and serves Him as “a slave,” and therefore exalted one who serves.

3. God is concerned about what we do on our job because it has evangelistic implications. Look with me at Ephesians 6:5-7. We are not to work by means of eye service – just doing what is right when people watch “as men pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Christ is your employer; Christ is your boss; Christ is your master. So, verse 7, “with good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men.

4. In this text there are five character qualities given that should be evidence in every Christian who is employed. These are directly related to ones’ impact in evangelism. Quality number one is obedience / submission, you note in verse 9 he says you are “to be obedient to their own masters.” We already spoke to this subject and it applies in the workplace. The second character quality is excellence that is, “to please them well in all things.” In other words, you are seeking to please the one in authority over you.
The third character quality that he notes here is put, not answering again, this word at times is translates “obstinate. In the vernacular of today it means “don’t mouth off, talk back, argue or rebel.” You are to be compliant;

5. The fourth character quality in verse 10; is very interesting, “Not purloining”. It basically means “to separate.” It means “to take something from here and lay it over here.” It came to mean “embezzlement, taking out of the till”. It means “to separate something out and lay it aside.” It was a euphemism for quiet, stealthy thievery. It conveys to be honest, honesty.
Everywhere we are to behave as Christians for the very purpose of evangelization. Last, the fifth character quality is loyalty, and he says in verse 10 in these simple words, “But showing all good fidelity that is faith.” The word “faith, is better translated here “faithfulness.” The word conveys the character of one who can be relied on.
That means “trustworthy, reliability and loyalty. Folks, there was a time when loyalty to one’s company, loyalty to ones’ partner and loyalty to a marriage partner was ones’ code of honor. Not so much anymore… Christians must live by this code of honor or evangelism will become totally ineffective. Best gift to give is the warmth of the gospel message.
Conclusion:
Paul knew the character and behavior of believers would have an impact on those around them either in a positive or negative way. He sought to encourage Titus to instruct them in behavior that would exalt the Lord, encourage sound doctrine, and edify the church. This is how we have a healthy spiritual church.