³ Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, ⁴ and so train the young women… 

Titus 2:3-4a

We began our study of the second chapter of Paul’s letter to Titus by noting the apostle’s exhortation that his young co-worker ‘speak’ or ‘teach’ that which was befitting of sound doctrine. Throughout Paul’s writings we have numerous examples where the apostle emphasizes the importance of proper theological understanding (Romans 5-7, Ephesians 1-3). We must also, however, recognize that within his writings he emphasizes the importance of how believers conduct themselves. Sound doctrine, therefore, must be understood as what is proper in terms of what Christians are to believe as well as what is fitting for their way of life. As we observed a few weeks ago, the focus of Titus 2 is on the conduct of believers, with specific emphasis placed on the importance of cross-generational discipleship (made clear by the presence of the chiasm in 2:2-8). Paul began by exhorting Titus to speak to the older men about the significance of the example that they set for the whole church in general and the young men in particular. He transitions then in 2:3 to address the matriarchs of the church, the older women.

The passage itself includes two positive points of emphasis (one related to conduct and the other speech) that bracket two negative points of emphasis (one related to conduct and the other speech). Just as the older men where exhorted to godly conduct, the women are as well, being instructed to be reverent in their behavior. This is a term that was used of priests performing religious duties and is also related to the Greek term that refers to something ‘sacrificed’ or ‘offered’ in a religious ritual. Older women are therefore to demonstrate in their conduct that they have been set apart by God for His holy purposes. They are therefore to be holy as He Himself is holy.

In light of this, there are certain behaviors that they are specifically told to avoid. First, in their speech, they must not be slanderers. This term (diabolos) is used specifically of Satan in his role as the ‘accuser’ of the brethren in various passages. Used more generally, it refers to those who are fault-finders as well as those who speak ill of others. Second, in their conduct, older women are not to be ‘enslaved to much wine.’ The word we translate ‘enslaved’ is the verbal form of the word doulos. The imagery serves, therefore, to emphasize that godly women must not be enslaved to anything of this world (drink or otherwise) because they have been set apart as ‘bondservants’ of the Lord Jesus.

Conduct and speech of this kind must be avoided because the older women play an important role within the church. Specifically, the practical outworking of their faithfulness is that they are to teach what is good to the younger women. This teaching will take during times of formal instruction, but will also occur informally as the younger women observe the conduct of the older women. Older women must therefore live faithfully as God’s daughters, modeling holiness in both what they say and how they live.

In order to properly influence the younger women of the church the older women must recall the truths of the Gospel. They have been set apart as God’s daughters, forgiven of their sin and raised to new life in Him. They are no longer to be slaves to sin or the things of the world, but are instead to live as servants of Christ by the power of His Spirit within them. Their lives are not their own, and are to be lived as worshipers of God and servants of others. As they love the Lord Jesus and walk with Him by faith, they will be examples to the younger women of what it means to live as women of God.

Join us this Sunday as we gather to worship our great God and Savior in Spirit and in truth!

Soli Deo Gloria.

-Thomas