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Titus >
Exposition >
II. INSTRUCTIONS FOR SETTING THE CHURCH IN ORDER 1:5--3:11 >
C. The conduct of the saints 2:1-3:11 >
1. The behavior of various groups in the church 2:1-15 >
Older men 2:2
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Titus was to remind older men to be temperate (Gr. nephalious; sober, vigilant, clear-headed; 1 Tim. 3:2), dignified (Gr. semnous; worthy of respect, serious-minded rather than clowns), and sensible (Gr. sophronas; self-controlled; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:4). These characteristics are all marks of maturity. They should also be godly. This means being sound in faith (Gr. hygiainontas te pistei; trust in God rather than correct in doctrine here), love (Gr. agape; concern for other people), and perseverance (Gr. hypomone; patiently enduring in view of their hope as believers).
". . . the years ought to bring, not an increasing intolerance, but an increasing tolerance and sympathy for the views and with the mistakes of others."40
