While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.

Titus 2:13 – 15

I must admit that I assumed that Paul would lay out, as he did in many of his letters, a review of the basics of our faith.  It seems to me that he moved directly to how true believers are to behave.  However, he insists that Christian behavior must be based on “sound doctrine.”  Christianity is not a new ethic, but a new revelation of way to live with God and with the people of God who are redeemed by Jesus Christ. This produces what might be considered  new ethics.

I gather from this that sound doctrine must be practiced, not just believed, even though belief is essential.

So, Paul instructs Titus to teach that old men are to be temperate, self-controlled, “sound in faith, in love and in endurance.”  Turning to the old women, they should embody the Gospel in all their relationships. The younger men should be self-controlled.  Slaves should be virtuous and hard-working.

Concluding this section, he addresses everyone.  Here are his trustworthy words.  “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” I feel the impact of this phrase, “to all people.” It matters not whether Jew or Greek: it is for all believers.

It is then that he reminds them of what they surely already know but need to be reminded of, “while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

Paul knows that Christ in us, by the new birth, produces life like that of Jesus Christ, as revealed by the Holy Spirit.  The way we live is the way Jesus lives – in us.  What a joy!