2 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Paul instructs us that leaders must teach from sound doctrine. But what is sound doctrine? First, we must remember that faith is built on a specific message. There is no ambiguity in God’s message (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Ephesians 1:13, Thessalonians 2:13-14).Doctrine that teaches of Christ’s sacrifice, His resurrection, and his ascension are the hallmarks of sound doctrine. When religious practices minimize the sacrifice, or even the deity of Christ, we’ve moved outside sound doctrine.
Secondly, we have to understand the sacred nature of scripture. We cannot tamper with its meaning. (Jude 1:3, Philippians 1:27, 2 Titus 1:13). When religious practices begin to filter meaning through their own agendas, we’ve lost the soundness of the doctrine.
What we believe affects what we do. If we believe in Christ’s sacrifice and understand the mercy of God, His willing grace, and the relationship He desires, then we understand the teaching properly. True teaching promoted righteousness. (1 Timothy 9-10).
Sound doctrine also demands that we learn truth in a world of lies. If we understand scripture and place it in our lives, then we have the tools to understand right from wrong (1 John 4:1, Acts 20:29).
When we understand the sacredness and importance of scripture, let it affect us and demand the truth, it equals life. Teaching the wold of God properly is important because it puts you and others on a path to life. (1 Timothy 4:1). Unsound teaching, conversely, puts us on a different path. (Jude 1:4, Galatians 1:6-9).
Older men: Teaching these things implies that temperance, respectfulness, self-control sound in faith, love and endurance do not come automatically with age.
3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
Older women: The word “slandered” here is the same word in Greek meaning devils. Also, the word used for “reverent” in Greek translates to “suitable for sacred office”. The idea is to aspire to a higher sacred office. Paul is intimating that the doulo (bondage) of wine could be problematic if they are to be role models for the younger set.
Younger women: Love must dominate the household. Young women are in a strategic position to love and assist husband and children. But they must be taught to love. This is taught through the example of the older set It is taught through attitudes, skills, obedience and foremost, submission to God, then their husband (Ephesians 5:22).
6 Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. 7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
Younger men: encourage self control. The example is set by choosing to do what is good. This is done through integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech. They must be shown that you can be trusted. In your integrity, it makes the teaching more attractive.
9 Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, 10 and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
Slaves: Must be obedient to their masters. This doesn’t mean any master, but the masters whom they are attached to. Again, integrity is the key. Humble service and hard work is the hallmark.
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the 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 wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
When we understand grace, we have the power to understand right from wrong. We have the ability to make better choices. In our choices, we must also be patient and wait on God, pray, keep connected. The connection reminds us that Jesus is savior. We must be eager to live a good and Godly life, and in this these are the things we should teach. Encourage all, and rebuke those in opposition.