Doctrine for Younger Men Part 1 Titus 2:6 - Equipped for Battle

We have learned about Paul the apostle's concern for aged men and women to have sound doctrine that included instructions for their attitudes and behaviors. He also directed attention toward young women who were to be taught by aged women godly traits as well. Today Paul addresses the young men who were among those within the church at Crete. His instruction continues in chapter two and verse six where he wrote:

Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.

Youth has its excitement and exuberance and yet unbridled and misdirected it can lead to more destruction and devastation than a lifetime can repay. Young men must be “exhorted” and Paul knows this. The word “exhort” in the Greek is “parakaleo” which means “to call to one's side, call for, summon”. It has the idea of admonishing, begging, beseeching, and entreaty. It is meant to encourage, strengthen, instruct, teach and comfort. It is more than just yelling at a young man which may be the most relied upon pattern for those who exhort young men. We notice that Paul is exhorting Titus as he encourages him to engage these different groups, and Paul will be with Titus as he employs these ideas.

The first trait that Titus is to exhort young men toward is “to be sober minded.” We have encountered this trait in our earlier studies, and the importance of it is no less trivialized. Young men should be instructed to be of sound minds, exercising self-control, and to moderate themselves. They should curb their passions which left to themselves cause all kinds of troubles. Those who have dealt with teen aged boys know exactly of that which Paul refers. Both King David and Solomon had much to write about young men. For example in Psalm chapter one hundred nineteen and verse nine David wrote:

Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed [thereto] according to your word.

Solomon followed with verses like this one found in Proverbs chapter thirteen and verse one:

A wise son hears his father's instruction: but a scorner hears not rebuke.

There are many other examples of these exhortations in the Bible, but suffice it to say that Godly exhortation is not only necessary but essential for young men.

Perhaps we have young men in our lives who need exhorting, and we are to be the agents God uses to exhort them. We must remember the spirit of this verse from Paul to Titus is to build the young man up rather than tear him down. If we keep this idea in mind as we deal with him, maybe we will have the patience to endure the challenge that is certain to face us as we encounter the young men in our paths.

Next time we will continue to look at exhortations that must be given by Titus to young men, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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