S – Older men are to be self-controlled, worthy of respect, sensible, and sound in faith, love, and endurance

Titus 2:2 CSB

O – Commentary:

Paul addressed several groups, the first being the older men. Titus was to teach them to manifest the characteristics of maturity. Older men are to be temperate (nēphalious; cf. 1 Tim. 3:2), worthy of respect (semnous, “serious-minded,” i.e., not clowns), and self-controlled (sōphronas, cf. 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:4). These marks of maturity should be complemented by marks of godliness, the three central Christian virtues of faith … love, and endurance (hypomonē). This last one may seem to have replaced the familiar virtue “hope” in the trio, but the two are closely aligned (cf. Rom. 5:4; 15:4, 1 Thes. 1:3), especially for those who have lived long lives.

 A. Duane Litfin, “Titus,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 764.

A – As an “older” man, this verse zeroes in on my walk with God.  While each of these are foundational, it doesn’t make them easy to achieve.  Yet, the longer you walk with God they do become part of your character and it does become easier to model these behaviors and attitudes.  Tbe behaviors become “normal” but the virtues are continually tested.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  I am grateful for our journey and all of the character and virtues you have poured into me.  I want to continue to grow in all of them.  Give me strength and courage to pursue all of these with an open heart and a desire for greater intimacy with you.