Titus 2:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.

NIV: Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled.

NASB: Likewise urge the young men to be sensible;

CSB: In the same way, encourage the young men to be self-controlled

NLT: In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely.

KJV: Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

NKJV: Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,

So far, chapter 2 has spoken to Titus (Titus 2:1), older men (Titus 2:2), older women (Titus 2:3), and younger women (Titus 2:4–5). In verse 6, Paul speaks to "younger men." Titus is told to urge these men to be "self-controlled," or "sensible." This command uses the Greek parakalei, which means "to challenge" or "to admonish." In other words, Titus is supposed to motivate young men to live with self-control. This same trait is also expected of older men (Titus 2:2) and younger women (Titus 2:5). This is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). It would have been an important correction for young men raised in the pleasure-seeking culture of Crete (Titus 1:12–13).

Self-control is a crucial focus for young men seeking to live out the Christian faith. This involves both purity and other areas in which young men were to live as an example. In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul offered similar advice, commanding Timothy to be an example in everything he did, despite his young age. The concept of a godly example is similar to the Torah, where Moses was commanded to construct the tabernacle according to the "pattern" given by God. It is also developed in the next verse (Titus 2:7), similarly to how Paul addressed Timothy.

Titus 2:1–10 is Paul’s instructions to Titus, regarding the way various groups within the church should be coached. It includes specific instructions for older men and women, younger men and women, and servants. Titus is to encourage traits such as faithfulness, respectfulness, dignity, and self-control. Living this way not only draws others to Christ, it leaves critics with no room to attack our faith.

Titus chapter 2 details instructions for various groups within the church. These include older men, older women, younger men, and younger women. Paul commands Titus to encourage these positive behaviors, and to correct anything which contradicts his teachings. Titus is also told to be bold, and authoritative, in his work.

Chapter 2 forms a bridge in the middle of Paul’s letter to Titus. Chapter 1 focused on the character traits of a church leader, contrasted to the immoral culture of Crete. Chapter 2 explains the ideal traits of church members, especially in their acts towards each other. Chapter 3 will focus on the relationship between Christians and their surrounding culture.

The book of Titus is a letter written by the apostle Paul, to a Christian leader on the island of Crete. This is one of Paul’s three Pastoral Epistles, where he offers instructions to younger believers caring for large groups of others. Paul uses the book of Titus to emphasize the importance of selecting church elders carefully. Many of the topics discussed in Titus are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Though the details of this message are specifically for Titus, and the believers of Crete, they offer insight useful for churches today.