We've been going through Titus on Sunday mornings and I have been very challenged by the instructions Paul gives Titus.

First, in chapter 2 verse 2 "Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness."

I don't want to get into the weeds here (alcohol and such) but Paul is describing a "type" of guy. I think the "type" of guy that Paul is describing is summed up in "sound in faith." The greek word for sound here is hygiainō which means something like healthy. I find this to be the underlying motivation for Paul's writing to Titus as the church is being infiltrated by people who are not "hygiainō pistis" that is "sound in faith." They are instead sound in self indulgence. Paul speaks to this in the next verse I want to point out, verse 6 "Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled."

Second, In Crete (this is where Titus is pastoring) young women prided themselves in seducing the men of their community. Though this is enough to warrant a caution from the Apostle Paul the cultural in Crete was rife with teaching that was contrary to belief in the Gospel that would lead to living non-sound living. I feel for these believers in Crete as I struggle to live the self controlled, sober minded, dignified, and steadfast life that Paul teaches Titus that Christians are to live.

So, what can we do but submit and rely on what Paul goes on to say in Verses 11-14 and I think that these verses are the source of the "sound faith" we ought to have.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,

12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,

13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

You see it is our belief in God's grace that trains "us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, " so we have to lean into that. We have to rely on that and continue in the lifestyle of Christian reliance on the Spirit of God.

I don't think I have a clever way to button this devotion up for you, so I hope you are encouraged with the expectation of the Gospel, not to work at being better but to believe in Jesus more and to submit to his kingship.