A Blameless Church - Titus 2:10
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: that the older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. Titus 2:1-10
One of the themes that continues to surface in this epistle is the idea of blamelessness. In chapter 1, Paul called for blameless men to be selected for ministry. He was very specific in the qualities required of one chosen to lead.
The other theme that remains prevalent going into chapter 2 is the teaching of sound doctrine, which will effectually produce a blameless church. We know from the end of Titus 1 that this was not the case in Crete.
They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. Titus 1:16
There were believers slandering other believers and causing division based on false teachings. Their conduct was not befitting of their faith and God’s Word.
But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine Titus 2:1
Notice the contrast at the beginning of this sentence, “But”. With the words that follow, Paul is realigning the standard by which the church at Crete is to conduct itself. Through the teaching of sound doctrine, the people are to be transformed by the Word so that their conduct and speech (Titus 2:8) may be blameless and cannot be condemned.
To be a leader in the church is not a position of esteem, prestige, or glamor. It’s a function of servitude. The role of a leader is to be the example of a blameless life and to faithfully teach sound doctrine. In many ways, the spiritual condition of a church is a reflection of those who lead it.