Teach the Older Men

“You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” (Titus 2:1-2)

After commanding Titus to silence false teachers, Paul instructed him on what he was to teach. Christians aren’t to just speak against evil. They are to lovingly encourage all that is good and true.

In a unique and practical way, Paul specifically applied God’s Word to five different groups of people: Older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and slaves. We all fit into one of those groups.

He started with older men. They were to be leaders in their homes and churches. What were older men to be like? “Temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.”

Think about each of those four phrases: First, “temperate.” That word often means “sober,” as in not given to drunkenness. That’s certainly important! But the word can also apply to all of life. Older men aren’t to be impulsive or harsh. Instead, they are to provide a steady and strong foundation to others.

Second, “worthy of respect.” Every culture values respect for elders. God does too! God tells older men to live in such a way that commands the respect of others and imparts a lifetime of experience to them.

Third, “self-controlled.” That’s easier said than done. As the disappointments of life pile up, it’s tempting for older men to get senile and unfiltered. To stop caring about what they say. To be known as grumpy or cranky. Watch out for that! Self-control is vital at every age, especially if you want to be respected.

Finally, “sound in faith, in love and in endurance.” As men grow older, their physical strength fades. That’s difficult. Growing weaker can lead a man to question his worth and purpose. Yet, God looks at things in a totally different way. Even as your physical strength fades, you can continue to grow stronger. In what? In faith, in love and in endurance.

Dear older men, your spiritual strength in Jesus is a much greater blessing to others than your physical strength ever was. Your brothers and sisters in Christ need you! Don’t step away from God’s church. Instead, never stop growing in your faith and love and endurance. When Christian families and churches are led by men who are worthy of respect and strong in faith, everyone is blessed.

Dear Lord God, thank you for older men. Protect them from feelings of worthlessness and bless your people with seasoned leaders who are worthy of respect and strong in faith. Amen.

Pastor Nathan