As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God. In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.
Titus 2:1-8 NLT
Self-control is essential to the Christian life – it is a fruit of the Spirit and product of humility. Self-control begins by understanding that much of what we want is misguided and needs correction. Scripture consistently emphasizes the importance of self-control, reminding us that unchecked words, indulgence in food or drink, and pursuit of every want can lead to ruin—damaging our lives, relationships, and finances. Titus was instructed to model a life of wholesome teaching (vv.7-8), applying God’s truth to every relationship.
There is a deeper problem in us: it is not just that we DO the wrong things, we WANT the wrong things. Our wills, our desires, are misguided and even corrupted. Following Jesus means you start down the path of self-control, allowing Him to put to death your corrupt will and replacing it with a heart that beats for what is true and good (Eze 36:26-27; Ron 8:13). As time goes on, after much self-discipline and obeying your Savior, your desires are transformed, and you want what God wants, even if it means suffering. Our desires must always be held up to God’s Word, godly counsel, and prayer. God is working in you, working to kill the cancer (of sin) that is working to kill you. Surrender to Him and live a life of self-control.
If God loves us, why doesn’t He give us everything we want? How would you answer someone who said that “all human desires are good as long as they don’t hurt someone?” Why is self-control important for spiritual growth?
