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"Sound doctrine" takes account of all this, and, in its warnings and
exhortations, maintains all these proprieties. This is the instruction
which the apostle here gives to Titus, with regard to aged men, aged women,
young women (relatively to their husbands, their children, and their whole
life, which should be domestic and modest); young men, to whom Titus was to
be always a pattern; slaves, with their masters; and then the duties of all
towards magistrates, and indeed towards all men. But, before taking up this
last point, he establishes the great principles which are the foundation of
the conduct of the saints amongst themselves in this world. Their conduct
towards magistrates and the world has a different motive.
The conduct of Christians as such, in the assembly has for its basis and
motive the special doctrines of Christianity. We find these doctrines and
motives in chapter 2:11-15, which speaks of that conduct.
Chapter 2:11-15 contains a remarkable summary of Christianity, not exactly
of its dogmas, but as a practical reality for men. Grace has appeared. It
has appeared, not limited to a particular people, but to all men; not
charged with temporal promises and blessings but bringing salvation. It
comes from God to men with salvation. It does not expect righteousness from
men, it brings salvation to those that need it. Precious and simple truth,
which makes us know God, which puts us in our place, but according to the
grace which as overleaped every barrier in order to address itself, in the
sovereign goodness of God, to every man on the earth!
Having brought this salvation, it instructs us perfectly with regard to our
walk in this world; and that in relation to ourselves, and to other men,
and to God. Renouncing all ungodliness, and all lusts that find their
gratification in this world, we are to bridle the will of the flesh in
every respect and to live soberly; we are to acknowledge the claims of
others and to live righteously; we are to won the rights of God over our
hearts and to exercise godliness.
But our future also is enlightened by grace. It teaches us to wait for the
blessed hope, and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour
Jesus Christ.
Grace has appeared. It teaches us how to walk here below, and to expect the
appearing of the glory in the Person of Jesus Christ Himself. And our hope
is well founded. Christ is justly precious to us. We can have full
confidence of heart in thinking of His appearing in glory, as well as the
most powerful motive for a life devoted to His glory. He gave Himself for
us to redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify for Himself a people who
would belong to Him in His own right and be zealous-according to His will
and His nature-of good works.
This is what Christianity is. It has provided for all, the past, the
present, and the future, according to God. It delivers us from this world,
making of us a people set apart for Christ Himself, according to the love
in which He gave Himself for us. It is purification, but a purification
which consecrates us to Christ. We belong to Him as His peculiar portion,
His possession in the world; animated with the love that is in Him, in
order to do good to others and bear testimony to His grace. This is a
precious testimony to that which Christianity is, in its practical reality,
as the work of the grace of God.
