‏ Titus 2

* The duties which become sound doctrine. (1-8) Believing

servants must be obedient. (9,10) All is enforced from the holy

design of the gospel, which concerns all believers. (11-15)

1-8 Old disciples of Christ must behave in every thing

agreeably to the Christian doctrine. That the aged men be sober;

not thinking that the decays of nature will justify any excess;

but seeking comfort from nearer communion with God, not from any

undue indulgence. Faith works by, and must be seen in love, of

God for himself, and of men for God's sake. Aged persons are apt

to be peevish and fretful; therefore need to be on their guard.

Though there is not express Scripture for every word, or look,

yet there are general rules, according to which all must be

ordered. Young women must be sober and discreet; for many expose

themselves to fatal temptations by what at first might be only

want of discretion. The reason is added, that the word of God

may not be blasphemed. Failures in duties greatly reproach

Christianity. Young men are apt to be eager and thoughtless,

therefore must be earnestly called upon to be sober-minded:

there are more young people ruined by pride than by any other

sin. Every godly man's endeavour must be to stop the mouths of

adversaries. Let thine own conscience answer for thine

uprightness. What a glory is it for a Christian, when that mouth

which would fain open itself against him, cannot find any evil

in him to speak of! 9,10 Servants must know and do their duty to their earthly

masters, with a reference to their heavenly one. In serving an

earthly master according to Christ's will, He is served; such

shall be rewarded by him. Not giving disrespectful or provoking

language; but to take a check or reproof with silence, not

making confident or bold replies. When conscious of a fault, to

excuse or justify it, doubles it. Never putting to their own use

that which is their master's, nor wasting the goods they are

trusted with. Showing all good fidelity to improve a master's

goods, and promote his thriving. If ye have not been faithful in

that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is

your own? #Lu 16:12|. True religion is an honour to the

professors of it; and they should adorn it in all things. 11-15 The doctrine of grace and salvation by the gospel, is for

all ranks and conditions of men. It teaches to forsake sin; to

have no more to do with it. An earthly, sensual conversation

suits not a heavenly calling. It teaches to make conscience of

that which is good. We must look to God in Christ, as the object

of our hope and worship. A gospel conversation must be a godly

conversation. See our duty in a very few words; denying

ungodliness and worldly lusts, living soberly, righteously, and

godly, notwithstanding all snares, temptations, corrupt

examples, ill usage, and what remains of sin in the believer's

heart, with all their hinderances. It teaches to look for the

glories of another world. At, and in, the glorious appearing of

Christ, the blessed hope of Christians will be complete: To

bring us to holiness and happiness was the end of Christ's

death. Jesus Christ, that great God and our Saviour, who saves

not only as God, much less as Man alone; but as God-man, two

natures in one person. He loved us, and gave himself for us; and

what can we do less than love and give up ourselves to him!

Redemption from sin and sanctification of the nature go

together, and make a peculiar people unto God, free from guilt

and condemnation, and purified by the Holy Spirit. All Scripture

is profitable. Here is what will furnish for all parts of duty,

and the right discharge of them. Let us inquire whether our

whole dependence is placed upon that grace which saves the lost,

pardons the guilty, and sanctifies the unclean. And the further

we are removed from boasting of fancied good works, or trusting

in them, so that we glory in Christ alone, the more zealous

shall we be to abound in real good works.